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- State of the Cluster: Principal's Report for SY 2012-13
Dear Cluster Families,
This has been a very productive year at the Cluster and I would like this opportunity to outline our accomplishments over the last nine months. Please take the time to review our “State of the Cluster” outline below and feel free to email me with your comments. Above all, I hope that you come away with a sense of the major strides we have made this year and the important academic work your children are doing as well as the community we have created through work with the PTA.
Also, please note that Stuart-Hobson was featured last week on the front page of Ed Week Magazine for our work on the Common Core. Our eighth grade ELA Chair, Dowan McNair Lee was shadowed for the past six months by Ed Week reporter Catherine Gewertz, resulting in a series of four articles to continue throughout the summer. Good work is being done at the Cluster. The link to this article is (http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/05/22/32common_ep.h32.html)
Thanks and have a great summer!
Principal Clemens
STATE OF THE CLUSTER
SY 2012-2013
WATKINS
Academics
- Piloted Read 180 in preparation for SY 2013-2014
- Purchased $27,000 Leveled Reading library ensuring all students will be challenged and met at their level
- Continuation of Winter Reading Incentive Program
- Fifth grade participation in Project Based EdLab’s $200,000 grant through the Smithsonian
- Math curriculum/manipulative materials purchased for use at all grade levels (Envision Math, Accelerated Math, First in Math)
- Major gains in number of children using Math Buddies before and after school
- Major gains in working toward math fluency at all grade levels through fidelity to First in Math
- New Dean of Students resulting in proactive approach to discipline resulting in dramatic reduction of suspensions and disciplinary referrals creating a climate conducive to learning
- Parent Curriculum Nights at all grade levels to ensure small groups and encourage parent participation/education of school goals
- Use of Reading extension guides at various grade levels
- Math lab for struggling Math students
- Second Grade Math Nights (2) for parents
- Fidelity by entire faculty to Guided Reading to ensure student achievement in reading at every level supported by the Leveled Reading Library
- $42,000 Responsive Classroom professional Development for Faculty
- Piloted STEM program sponsored by the Boston Museum of Science- Engineering is Elementary at second Grade
- Implementation of the Differentiation Bloc three times per week
- Four Classroom Aides at First grade to support academic achievement paid for by PTA
- Smaller class sizes at second grade to support learning
- Teacher fidelity to Bursting, DIBELS and TRC progress monitoring
- Family Math night, ELA night, Principal Meet and Greets and Differentiation night to support family academic engagement
- Doubled instructional technology in less than 2 years, 34 lap top computers, one for every faculty member to support academic achievement, 10 Thin client computers for library use
- Purchase of document cameras and LCD projectors for every staff member to ensure availability of on-line leveled teaching materials
- Significant strides in Central office support of technology implementation
- Extension of Food Prints to 5th grade
- Teacher participation at the 4th grade in the Harvard Math Study
- Teacher fellowships to participate in writing Common Core Curriculum at the District Office this summer
Watkins Operations and Community engagement
- Three lunch periods to ensure enhanced environment
- Work with Cafeteria staff to ensure quality preparation of meals
- Working groups for PTA, Building representatives, parent-organized lost-and-found, running club, Reading and Math Buddies, First Cluster Wide Auction
- Robust communication with parents/community- monthly calendars, weekly Robo’s and fidelity to back pack fliers
- Multiple OST enrichment offerings
- Robust Music program
- OSSE Garden grant
- BOKs exercise program daily before school
- Family Nutrition Nights through OSSE Nutrition Grant
- ELA night Featuring Author Katie Kelly May 23rd
STUART-HOBSON
Academics
- Common Core Math Textbook series purchased, New Spanish textbooks purchased with on line capabilities
- Extended day program for Technology, PE, and Music
- Read180 double periods for struggling Readers
- MAC’s for all students (Academic Conferences with the Administration each quarter to review grades and individual progress)
- Saturday tutoring sessions six weeks prior to the DC CAS
- New Dean of Student position with proactive approach to discipline resulting in dramatic reduction of suspensions and disciplinary referrals and a climate conducive to learning
- Seventh grade participation in Project Based EdLab’s $200,000 grant through the Smithsonian
- $42,000 Developmental Designs professional Development for all Faculty
- Use of Reading extension guides at various grade levels
- Student Science project chosen for NASA International Space Station
- Continuation of Winter Reading Incentive Program
- Awarded six medals at city-wide STEM fair
- Major gains in working toward math fluency at all grade levels through fidelity to First in Math
- Math lab for struggling Math students
- Family Math night, ELA night, Principal Meet and Greets and Differentiation Night to support family academic engagement
- Robust Music program including Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced and Jazz band
- 20 students participating in the City Vision Partnership with the Building Museum
- 15 Students to state National History Day Competition, 7 students to National Competition
Operations and Community engagement
- OSSE Garden Grant partnership with Lands and Waters
- BOKs exercise program daily before school
- ELA night Featuring Author Katie Kelly May 23rd
- Suspensions decrease of 79% over SY 2011-2012
- PIA parent nights (2) to review and explain interim assessment data to parents
- Monthly Pep Assemblies
- Robust Sports program including award winning teams: 1st place Ski Team, Football quarter-finals, Volleyball 2nd place, Girls Soccer 2nd place, Baseball this year for boys, Basketball for both boys and girls, Track
- Use of Engrade by all staff allowing for progress monitoring by parents
- Marketing done at six elementary schools to enhance community awareness of the SH program
- Grade-level parent meetings throughout the week with staff members
- Restructured Parent Teacher Conferences allowing for more time for parent meetings
- Adopted Uniforms for entire student body
- Parent Curriculum Nights at all grade levels to ensure small groups and encourage parent participation/education of school goals
- BOKs exercise program daily before school
- Modernization of the Gym, first floor and infrastructure of the building
- Four Students chosen to attend City-wide Diversity conference
- Introduction of Common Core, Complex text and Close reading at all grade levels.
- Introduction of the House System and Advisory at all grades
Peabody
- 45% of students met literacy the end of year benchmarks at middle of year
- Five teachers working with the $200,000 Ed Lab grant through the Smithsonian
- OSSE Nutrition Grant
- OSSE Garden Grant
- General Mills Grant
- ANC Grant
- Capitol Hill Community Foundation Grant for Scholastic Leveled Readers
- Modernization summer of 2013
- Library transition to Center based curriculum
- Cooking Coordinator to ensure participation of Story or Food each month
- Gardening Coordinator
- Half time Music Teacher paid for by PTA
- Parent Curriculum Nights at all grade levels to ensure small groups and encourage parent participation/education of school goals
- Initiation of Parent Teacher Book Club
- Watkins Buy One Get One Book Fair
Dear Watkins Families,
Get ready for the annual End-of-the Year, Get Ready For Summer Reading, the Buy-One-Get-One-Free Scholastic Book Fair that will be held in the Watkins Library from June 3-7, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.Summer Reading Lists and Summer Reading Information will be available, too.
What’s the good word? READ
Many thanks, and see you at the fair!
Currie Renwick
Watkins Librarian - DC Visual Artist BK Adams Visits Watkins ES
DC
Visual Artist, BK Adams, visited Watkins Elementary yesterday (May 21st) to talk to students about seeing our world differently. He inspired students to open their minds to see everyday objects — even paper — with new possibilities.BK said he started to paint when he was in 2nd grade, and hasn’t ever stopped. Even his bicycle is a work of art! With BK, students “sculpted” paper: One class created a long, colorful, spotted worm. Other students made bow ties, fans, basketballs, the Washington Monument, and even Nats Stadium, out of paper.
We’re looking forward to working with the artist on an outdoor sculpture at Watkins this coming fall 2013.
A special thank you to the CHCS PTA for funding this opportunity.
- PTA Meeting & Family Reading Night Tues May 28th
PTA MEETING DOCUMENTS>>
- 2013-14 PTA Board Nominees (pdf)
- 2013 – 2014 Budget Proposal (word) and Draft budget proposal_May22 (xls)
Also see Post about Summer Reading>>
Find suggested reading and websites to check out from our amazing Cluster librarians: Ms. Bloom, Ms. Renwick, and Ms. Ledford, and download this Summer’s Reading log.
- News Release: 34th Annual Cap Hill Classic: New Course and Shadow Run in Afghanistan
34th Annual Capitol Hill Classic To Be Run Sunday, May 19; Shadow Run Will Be Held at Camp Phoenix In Afghanistan
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 2013) — Approximately 3500 runners are expected to hit the streets of Capitol Hill on Sunday, May 19, for the 34th Annual Capitol Hill Classic (http://www.
capitolhillclassic.com ). The Classic benefits the Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA, and supports over 1,100 students across the Cluster’s three campuses in the heart of Capitol Hill.This year’s 10K race will feature an exciting new course, taking runners from the starting line at Stanton Park past RFK Stadium and then onto the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail, the first race ever to be given a permit for the trail. The Classic also includes a 3K race and a kids’ fun run around Stanton Park.
In describing the new course, Race Director Jason Levine said, “We managed to replace the loop around RFK Stadium with a run along the shoreline of the Anacostia River. It will be great to introduce residents and visitors alike to this recently restored slice of DC’s national parklands!”
This year also brings the first-ever Capitol Hill Classic shadow run that will be held in Kabul, Afghanistan. Approximately 150 soldiers will participate in a 10K at Camp Phoenix on Friday, May 19th, giving them a chance to get out of their fatigues and into running clothes (including official Capitol Hill Classic T-shirts and bibs) and put miles on their shoes for fun rather than work.
Runners can register in advance online at www.capitolhillclassic.com or in person during packet pickup hours at Peabody Primary School (425 C Street, NE) on Friday, May 17th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, May 18th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, or Sunday, May 19th from 7:00 AM to 8:15 AM.
“The Capitol Hill Classic is one of my favorite community events of the year,” said Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA Fundraising Chair Shayna Rudick. “It’s fun to see how this event brings together families, teachers, and students from all of the Capitol Hill schools. There’s always a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of pride in our neighborhood. Participating in the Classic is a great way to support a local school, promote fitness with our children, and gather together as a neighborhood. With the shadow run this year, we’re also supporting our military.”
HealthCorps, the nonprofit health education and advocacy group founded by Emmy Award-winning television talk show host Dr. Mehmet Oz, will be bringing its Highway to Health fair back to the Capitol Hill Classic as well this year. With yoga lessons, cooking demonstrations, arts & crafts, games, and prizes, the fair will promote awareness of a healthy lifestyle and empower students to become advocates for their own health.
ABOUT THE CAPITOL HILL CLASSIC
The Capitol Hill Classic is a major annual fundraiser for the Capitol Hill Cluster School PTA. This will be the 34th annual running of the Classic, which includes a 10K race, a 3K race, and a kids fun run. The Classic is the only race run exclusively on the roads of Capitol Hill. Approximately 3,500 people are expected to participate this year.
ABOUT CAPITOL HILL CLUSTER SCHOOL
A unique DC Public School for students from age three through eighth grade, the Capitol Hill Cluster School educates more than 1,100 students across three campuses in the heart of DC’s Capitol Hill.
Peabody Primary Campus nurtures our youngest learners in preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten in a teacher-led, arts integrated program.
Location: 425 C St. NE.
Watkins Elementary provides students in first through fifth grade with a strong academic foundation and love of learning to carry them through their school years. Diverse “specials” classes ranging from art and music to computers and FoodPrints offer students a well-rounded, enriching curriculum.
Location: 420 12th St. SE.
Stuart-Hobson Middle School prepares students in sixth through eighth grade to succeed in the city’s top high schools and beyond with rigorous courses, engaging activities, and a caring environment in which students can grow into independent thinkers and responsible young adults.
Location: 410 E St. NE.
Media Contact:
Jason Levine2013 Race Director
Capitol Hill Classic - DCPS Revises End of Year Calendar: Last Half-Day June 21st
DCPS Announces Updates to the School Year to Make Up Cancelled School Days
New Last Day of ’12-’13 School Year Will Be June 21
In order to fulfill the requirement of 180 instructional days in the school year, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) will need to restore two instructional days lost due to inclement weather. DCPS will extend the originally scheduled half-day on Thursday, June 20 into a full-day and add a half-day on Friday, June 21, making it the new last day of the 2012-2013 school year. DCPS will also convert the scheduled Parent-Teacher Conference Day on June 3 into a regular school day.
“Our obligation is for our students to have at least 180 days of instruction. We take an abundance of caution before we cancel the school day, but this year because of the weather, we had to cancel three days,” said DCPS Chancellor Kaya Henderson. “To meet that obligation, we are extending a previously scheduled half day, extending the school year by a half-day and converting a parent-teacher conference day into an instructional day.”
The school cancellations occurred on October 29 and 30 related to Hurricane Sandy and additionally on March 6. DCPS builds 181 instructional days annually into the school calendar with a requirement to provide 180 days for students. DCPS will work with schools to ensure activities previously scheduled to occur during the parent-teacher conference day, will take place accordingly in other ways.
- Watkins: Springboard Afterschool SPRING Electives
Download a PDF description of all classes listed above from the Springboard Website>>
How do I sign up? Also see FAQs below.
1. Enroll at https://springboardafterschool.communityroot.com
2. Enrollment closes on Sunday March 31st
3. Classes will be confirmed on Monday April 1st
4. Questions on billing & enrollment? Call or email the Business Office:
800-341-3177 or support@springboardschool.com
5. Need more information on our schedule, a class or a teacher?
Email your Site Coordinator, Rachel Cockerham (rcockerham@springboardschool.com) or your
Area Director, Meagan Berg (mberg@springboardschool.com).Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Fee-Based Electives and Inclusive Electives?
Fee-Based electives are provided by outside vendors such as Chess wizards, C3 Cyber Club and
Good Moves. These electives are available at a fee. Springboard Inclusive Electives are developed
and led by our talented teaching staff. Inclusive electives are available at no additional cost to families who are already enrolled in Springboard After Care.
How do I sign up for an elective?
All enrollment for both Fee-Based and Inclusive electives is online in our Parent Connect portal.
Visit springboardafterschool.communityroot.com to create an account or log in to your existing
account.Do I need to enroll my child in Springboard in order to sign up for an elective?
It is necessary to register your child in Parent Connect in order to take advantage of any
Springboard offerings. This process includes creating an account, completing student registration
forms and providing payment information. For Fee-Based Electives, it is not necessary to be
enrolled in Springboard Aftercare if you do not intend to keep your child in programming beyond
the time of their elective. For Inclusive Electives, it is necessary to enroll your child in Springboard
Aftercare on the day of that elective. For instance, if you plan to register for Inclusive Percussion on
Tuesdays, your child must be enrolled in Springboard Aftercare on Tuesdays.Are there scholarships for Electives?
At this time we do not offer scholarships for electives.Do you ever cancel classes?
We strive to run all classes as advertised. However, if we do not reach the necessary minimum
number of students, we are occasionally forced to cancel classes. In this case, families will be
notified one week prior to the start date for the class and refunded any associated class fees.
What is your make-up policy?
If a single session is canceled due to instructor conflict, school closure, etc., we will strive to
schedule a make-up session. Your school’s Site Coordinator will be responsible for scheduling the
make-up class.Can I drop a class?
If an elective is not a good fit for your student, you can drop out of the class and receive a prorated
refund.
Who can I call for help?
The Business Office is an excellent resource for all questions on billing and registration. You can
email at support@springboardschool.com or call at 800-341-3177. Have a specific question about a
vendor, a teacher or the schedule? Your Site Coordinator and Area Director are here to help! Your
DC AD is Meagan Berg, available by email at mberg@springboardschool.com. - PTA Budget Priorities for 2013-14, Meet Tues 3/26
Please join the PTA this Tuesday, March 26th from 6:30 to 8:00 at Stuart Hobson to discuss what priorities the PTA should invest in for the 2013-2014 school year.
Thanks to everyone’s participation, our fundraisers have been very successful this year. Now is our chance to make sure those funds are invested for the greatest benefit of our scholars and our school.
Free childcare will be provided with arts, crafts and games.
Pizza will be available at $1.00 per slice on a first come first serve basis.Make sure you’re also making your voice heard by participating in our budget survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PTA_Budget_Survey.
I look forward to seeing you all Tuesday at Stuart Hobson.
Caryn Ernst
PTA President - Differentiated Instruction at the Cluster
At the PTA Meeting on February 26th, Principal Dawn Clemens and Instructional Coach Vanessa Drumm presented on the topic of Differentiated Learning and how it is implemented at the Cluster.
For an overview of Differentiation, What it Is and What it is Not, start with these slides (ppt, 1.4MB)
Differentiation: What It Is and What It Is Not
For a look at how Differentiation is applied in Math, download these slides (ppt, 2.7 MB)
- Annual "I Have a Dream" Tradition Continues @Watkins ES
The fifth grade class at Watkins Elementary School on Capitol Hill continued a 7-year tradition of reciting the entire I Have a Dream Speech on the glorious steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This tradition, which honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, occurs every year near MLK day.Here is a compilation of stories and news coverage. The cluster is proud of the Watkins 5th Grade students, and the teachers and administrators who honor this tradition!
CSPAN coverage – three links:
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/
program/Soundsof
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/CinPr
http://www.c-spanvideo.org/program/DCinP Singing songs on the steps, on YouTube>>
- Clusterwide Winter Reading Incentive Program Underway
The Capitol Hill Cluster scholars LOVE to read, and they are proving it with the Winter Reading Incentive Program (funded by the PTA ). Reading Around the World in 90 Days has everyone excited to read, from Peabody, to Watkins, to Stuart-Hobson. Scholars track every 20 minutes read on a “trip around the world”, until they have visited all 7 continents and their home of Washington DC.We have final numbers from Peabody, Watkins and Stuart-Hobson below…all told the CLuster Scholars have read 640,000 minutes this winter, and they keep going!
PEABODY – final tally
Almost 11,500 books or 172,500 minutes!!! Congratulations to our young readers.
Watkins – final tally
467,200 minutes!!!1st Ms. Bowers with 35, 600 minutes2nd Ms. Wertheimer with 42,800 minutes3rd Ms. Heffelbower with 31,200 minutes4th Ms. Ewart with 18,400 minutes5th Ms. Harris with 28,400 minutesSpecial praise goes to all the second grade classes who, together, read a whopping 152,600 minutes!!STUART-HOBSON – final tally
The Winter Reading Incentive Program officially ended on Friday. 7th grade won both for most minutes read by a grade and highest percentage of participation. Way to go House of Franklin! We will announce the dates for the week of recess and three dress down days after the DC CAS. Mr. Plaisted’s advisory won for most participants and mins read, and will therefore have a pizza party. Mr. LaRue’s advisory came in 2nd for most minutes read and will also have a pizza party. Thank you all for your support of the program. Altogether students read 96, 019 mins and 106 students participated. This is a huge improvement over last year. THANK YOU!6th grade35,795 mins30% (39 students)Star reader: Natnael Abate 3,082 minsTop Advisory:Aikman 6,061 mins, 8 advisees7th grade35,837 mins36% (47 students)Star reader: Toian Jenkins 4,408 minsPlaisted 10,543 mins, 10 adviseesLaRue 8,5608th grade24,387 mins17% (20 students)Star reader: William Witt 6,510 minsTop advisories:McGrath 6, 510 minsWoodard and Ledford 5 adviseesLet’s reach our goal of one million minutes – KEEP READING and traveling the globe. Need something to read? Visit the SE Library for more books.
Watkins will be holding a Scholastic Book Fair during Parent-Teacher Conferences on Monday February 25th and through Friday March 1st…check it out>>
Peabody is hosting a Scholastic Book Fair beginning Thursday, March 21st and will run through Friday March 29th.
- The Cluster Rocks Gala and Auction - It Really Rocked!
Thank you to the amazing auction committee and all the wonderful volunteers who made the Cluster’s first auction TRULY ROCK!
Please send your favorite photos from the event to Shayna Rudick, shaynarudick at gmail dotcom
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We hope you saved the Date! For full information about the auction, see the auction home page>>
Tickets are on sale NOW for The Cluster Rocks Gala and Auction!
http://cloud.bidpal.net/Portal/bpe25620Tickets are at their lowest price until February 15 so get them now!
Feel free to share this link with friends or family who would like to purchase tickets or make a financial contribution.We are starting to get some great donations from families, teachers, and businesses. Please remember that we need donations from all of our Cluster families for a successful auction. Need help brainstorming? Click HERE
Item Donation Forms can be turned in on each campus in the silver auction box. Or you may scan completed forms and email to chcsauction@gmail.com. If you need a letter to present to a business or any potential donor, you can download our Potential Donor letter.
Our Item Solicitation Committee needs help! Please sign up today http://vols.pt/N98vBP
or email Lisa Raymond at chcsauction at gmail dot com.I want to thank everyone for their help and contributions thus far.
Please contact me with any questions.
Amy Bryan
Auction Chair
wrightandamy at gmail dot com - The Cluster Rocks Gala & Auction - Donate an Item Today!
Dear Cluster Parents,
The first ever CHCS Auction will be here before we know it! The Auction committee has been working hard but we need EVERY CLUSTER FAMILY to help make this Auction a success by donating at least one item. Please download the Auction Donation Agreement (pdf). Over the winter holiday we hope you will think about items or experiences that you may be able to donate, or a friend or relative that you might want to ask to donate to the Auction. Auction donations are tax deductible to the extent allowable by law. The deadline to turn in the Auction Donation Agreement is March 1st; however, it would really help our awesome parent volunteers if you turn in your donation agreement form as soon as you can (I’m sure you can imagine how tough it would be to coordinate all of the auction items in just a 2 week period).
Not sure what to donate? Successful school auctions usually receive
• donated sports tickets
• restaurant gift certificates
• DC experiences (museums, nights on the town packages, etc.)
• get away packages,
• cultural events,
• services (photography sessions, catering, etc.),
• artwork,
• electronics (ipads, laptops, etc.)
• baked goods (maybe your hobby is making spectacular birthday cakes, or you have a repertoire of soups , breads or other food items that you would be willing to make for someone for a set time period)
If you can’t think of an item to donate than maybe you’ll consider hosting a Cluster Hosts Community Socials Event (CHCS Event). What is a CHCS Event? A fun event you would like to host for other members of the Cluster community! A themed dinner party, a mardi gras party, a sushi making class, a Belgian Beer tasting, a progressive dinner party with some of your neighbors, a chocolate and champagne soiree – whatever you would like to host. If you would like to host a CHCS Event, please provide a brief description on the Auction Donation Agreement under the ITEM/SERVICE DONATION heading of the type of event you would like to host and someone will follow up with you to discuss pricing and parameters to be set for the event .Auction Donation Agreement (pdf)
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Amy Bryan at wrightandamy@gmail.com or Shayna Rudick at shaynarudick@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Amy Bryan Shayna Rudick
Auction Chair PTA Fundraising Co-chair - Watkins Cinema Club Explores Electoral Process
Watkins Cinema Club, under the direction of Ms. Lisa Jones, is proud to present the documentary film “Election 2012…From a Kid’s Perspective”, screening at the Atlas Theater on H Street on Thursday December 20th at 6:30 pm. Purchase tickets through the Atlas Theater’s Website>>
Through the documentary film, “Election 2012…. From a Kid’s Perspective”, children in the Watkins Elementary Cinema Club are experiencing a “hands on” approach to the process our country undertakes to elect a president.
Be prepared to innovatively travel through the electoral process viewed through the thought provoking and honest insight of children.
Designed to inform, entertain, as well as inspire, this well crafted tale is unpredictably refreshing and innovative in its substance and storytelling style. Elections in this country will never be viewed the same.
Purchase your tickets for the Atlas Theater’s screening of the film>>
Learn more about the Atlas Theater>>
See the Cinema Club “Behind the Scenes” being filmed by Swedish Television. Click here>>
- Get a Closer Look! Attend a Cluster Open Classroom
- Watkins: Springboard Afterschool Winter Electives
Watkins Elementary Winter Electives 2013PLEASE NOTE – THERE IS STILL SPACE AVAILABLE in the Language Stars program offered on Wednesday afternoons at Watkins. Download the LanguageStars flyer for more information and costs, and how to enroll.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
*American Sign Language
1st – 2nd
4:00 – 4:30 3rd – 5th
4:30 – 5:00
*Choir
1st – 2nd
3:30 – 4:00 3rd – 5th
4:00 – 4:30
Chess Wizards
1st – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
*Cooking
3rd – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
*Ceramic Art
1st – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
Labyrinth’s Game Club 1st – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
*Band
3rd – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
Jr. Video Game Design
1st – 3rd 3:30 – 4:30
Martial Arts
1st – 2nd 3:30 – 4:30
*Cheerleading
1st – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
*Percussion
1st – 2nd 3:30 – 4:30
*Cooking
1st – 2nd 3:30 – 4:30
*Sewing
3rd – 5th 5:30 – 6:30
3D Game Design
4th – 5th 3:30 – 4:30
Martial Arts
3rd – 5th 4:30 – 5:30
* These electives are included in the daily Springboard rate and are offered at no additional cost.
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
In addition to the above Springboard offerings, Language Stars is offering an 18-week Winter/Spring Spanish Class on Wednesday afternoons. Download the LanguageStars flyer for more information and costs, and how to enroll.
PAID ELECTIVES (“Exclusive”)
You must register on Springboard’s website for the following electives.Chess Wizards
Grades: 1st – 5th Minimum: 10/Maximum: 15Day: Wednesday 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 3/6 (8 weeks) Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Price: $160Description: Chess Wizards is a premier chess education company providing fun, informative and challenging chess lessons to students. Chess Wizards teaches children many important life concepts, such as learning the ability to win graciously and accept defeat with dignity and sportsmanship. Students will be divided into groups according to their chess experience. At the end of the program, each student will have had the chance to participate in a mini-chess tournament.
Labyrinth’s Game Club
Grades: 1st – 5th Minimum: 5/Maximum: 12Day: Monday 1/14, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 (8 weeks) Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Price: $100Description: Bobby Fischer, the legendary chess player, once said “I don’t believe in psychology. I believe in good moves.” At Labyrinth Games & Puzzles, we too believe in good moves. We believe that playing “real” games with “real” friends is one of the very best moves for the development of children’s brains, personalities and social interaction skills. For this reason, we offer a special weekly games class in which children are introduced to some of the best non-electronic games of all time. Each class focuses on different genres of games, such as strategy games, word games, math games, geography games and story-telling games. Children learn at least two new games every week and are also coached in tactics and strategies that allow them to improve their game play. However, the main focus is fun. Play should be fun, and there is an intrinsic educational value in playing games. This enrichment program teaches the children about game design and the children work to design their own games. We focus on game elements and mechanics and discuss them with the children who are then asked to use what they’ve learned to design their own game. At the end of the course, we invite parents to play the newly created games!
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
Jr. Video Game Design by C3Cyberclub
Grades: 1st – 3rd Minimum: 8/Maximum: 14Day: Wednesday 1/ 16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 (6 weeks) Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Price: $169Description: Now available for 1st – 3rd grade students. This special class is specifically design for young children to cultivate their interest to become game designers, multimedia artists, engineers, programmers and more! Give your child the opportunity to see how professional games are made. Learn cutting-edge computer skills through the fun art of 3D Game Design using award winning Platinum Arts Sandbox. In this exciting class, children will use basic 3D modeling skills to create their very own video game. They will learn to customize game attributes and build their own virtual world from scratch. Students will acquire computer skills, mathematics, creativity and basic problem solving skills.
3D Game Design by C3Cyberclub Grades: 4th – 5th
Day: Wednesday 1/16, 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/20 (6 weeks) Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Price: $169Minimum: 8/Maximum: 14
Description: This special class is specifically designed for children to cultivate their interest to become game designers, multimedia artists, engineers, programmers and more! Give your child the opportunity to see how professional games are made. Learn cutting-edge computer skills through the fun art of 3D Game Design. In this exciting class, children will use basic 3D modeling skills to create their very own platform based video game. They will learn how to add characters, customize game attributes and build their own virtual world from scratch. Students will acquire new computer programming skills, technology knowledge using mathematics, creativity and basic problem solving skills. By the last class students will have a fully functional level and will receive a link to download the software and student levels. This class is great for new or returning students as the material is different from our other Game Design classes.
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
Capitol Hill Martial Arts Grades: 1st – 2nd
Day: Thursday 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18 (13 weeks)
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Price: $273 plus $25 materials fee
Minimum: 8/Maximum: 30
Description: Martial Arts is designed to introduce your child to physical activity in a fun and nurturing environment. The gymnastics and mixed martial arts based curriculum will help increase flexibility, balance and hand eye coordination while improving listening skills, increasing attention span and the ability to follow directions. Students will become more confident, willing to take on educational as well as physical challenges in ways they haven’t before. Each new level of achievement will bring self-confidence and self-esteem to your child. Mixed Martial Arts for children will help equip them with the tools necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, teaching children self- discipline along with self-respect.
Capitol Hill Martial Arts Grades: 3rd – 5th
Day: Thursday 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14, 3/21, 3/28, 4/11, 4/18 (13 weeks)
Time: 4:30 – 5:30
Price: $273 plus $25 materials fee
Minimum: 8/Maximum: 30
Description: Martial Arts is designed to introduce your child to physical activity in a fun and nurturing environment. The gymnastics and mixed martial arts based curriculum will help increase flexibility, balance and hand eye coordination while improving listening skills, increasing attention span and the ability to follow directions. Students will become more confident, willing to take on educational as well as physical challenges in ways they haven’t before. Each new level of achievement will bring self-confidence and self-esteem to your child. Mixed Martial Arts for children will help equip them with the tools necessary for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, teaching children self- discipline along with self-respect.
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
FREE ELECTIVES (“Inclusive”)
To sign your child up for the classes below, you must complete the inclusive elective form. Prior to Thanksgiving break, forms will be available from your Watkins’ Site Coordinator during pick up as well as emailed via newsletter. The deadline to submit your child’s selections is December 20th.
Band Grades: 3rd – 5th
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Description: Using wind and percussion instruments, band is a music instruction class where we will follow national and state standards. Your child will learn melody, harmony, texture, composition and theory. All students must rent or purchase their own instruments. Instruments can be rented from Music and Arts.
Percussion Grades: 1st – 2nd
Day: Monday
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Description: Students will learn about rhythm, beat and percussion from around the world and learn how to perform as a group. Your child will learn the rudimentary concepts of rhythm, harmony and melody with both traditional and non-traditional percussion instruments. All students must purchase a percussion set through the instructor.
American Sign Language Grades: 1st – 5th
Day & Time: Monday 4:00 – 4:30 1st – 2nd & Monday 4:30 – 5:00 3rd – 5th
Description: Students will be learning American Sign Language through games, interactive activities, and role playing.
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
Choir Grades: 1st – 5th
Day & Time: Tuesday: 3:30 – 4:00 1st – 2nd & Tuesday 4:00 – 4:30 3rd – 5th
Description: Our afterschool chorus will offer students the opportunity to find their voice and love for singing. Students will learn songs from various genres and learn musical skills such as harmonizing, dynamics, and recognizing a director’s cues.
Cooking Grades: 1st – 2nd
Day: Tuesday
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Description: This cooking class, taught by Chef Miguel Rosario, is both fun and educational. Students will learn basic culinary skills, learn recipes, and have the opportunity to be creative through hands-on interactive activities.
Cooking Grades: 3rd – 5th
Day: Thursday
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Description: This cooking class, taught by Chef Miguel Rosario, is both fun and educational. Students will learn basic culinary skills, learn recipes, and have the opportunity to be creative through hands-on interactive activities.
Ceramic Art Grades: 1st – 5th
Day: Friday Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Description: This is a basic course in ceramics. The students will learn throwing and hand construction techniques, designing, and the creative development of clay objects.
Cheerleading Grades: 1st – 5th
Day: Friday
Time: 3:30 – 4:30
Description: Students will strengthen muscles and develop coordination skills. The cheer class will also work on basic jump technique and skills. This class will include motion placement and beginning cheers.
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
Sewing Grades: 1st – 5th
Day: Tuesday
Time: 5:30 – 6:30
Description: This is a basic sewing class for the beginner. Students will learn how to hand stitch, pin, and work with various kinds of fabric. Sewing will teach them hand and eye coordination as well as hand dexterity. All projects will be fun and simple!
TIMELINE OF IMPORTANT DATES!
- November 20th: Inclusive elective forms available from your SC and emailed via newsletter.
- November 27th and 29th: Elective Open Houses at Watkins.
- December 20th: Registration deadline for ALL electives.
www.springboardafterschool.com 800-341-3177
- Watkins Winter Holiday Concert, Wednesday December 19th
Watkins students have worked hard in memorizing lines and lyrics, rehearsing melodies, and polishing up on choreography in order to present our best musical efforts. You are cordially invited to attend!
Our 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders will serve as opening acts for our 5th graders who will present the play, “Twas One Crazy Night Before Christmas.”
Please take note of the following details concerning the performance schedule below:
9:30 am Performance
Showcases 5th grade play, 4th grade mini-concert, and 3rd grade recorder choir (Mellouk, Jones, Heffelbower)
2:00 pm Performance
Showcases 5th grade play, 2nd grade mini-concert, and 3rd grade recorder choir (Kellogg, Bronner)
All 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders are asked to wear festive-colored holiday tops along with blue jeans.
Contact Tori Pergerson, Watkins Music Teacher, with any questions.
Happy Holidays!
- FIT 4 A.B.C. Fundraiser w/ DC Top Personal Trainer
The FIT 4 A.B.C. (A Better Community) fundraiser was created by DC’s top personal trainer (via Washington City Paper ’09 -’12) with the goal of providing Capitol Hill Cluster School with the additional financial funding needed to facilitate extra-curricular school events, activities, and resources in conjunction to promote use of the brand new gym. Moreover, this program provides the community with a jump start into better health to help eliminate the obesity epidemic now plaguing our youth and adults. FIT 4 A.B.C promotes fitness and wellness while building stronger bodies and stronger communities!Belin Sport & Fitness (BS&F) believes as the parents increase their awareness and priorities of their health, they will then provide a healthier lifestyle example for their children to emulate. This makes the fundraiser so critical because it positions parents to send a message to the kids, providing them with an example of how to live a healthier and fit lifestyle.
“Show me a fit parent and I will show you a fit child” – Corey Belin, NASM-MPT
Donate $25 and receive:
• 1 Month of Unlimited Boot Camp Workouts
• 15 Day Access Codes to our NASA Approved Meal Planner
• Workout w/ DC’s Top Personal Trainer
• Lose inches around the waist-line
• Drop a few extra pounds
Location: Stuart Hobson Middle School
Days: Monday – Friday
Times: 6AM – 7AM or 6PM – 7PM
Belin Sport & Fitness is…
BS&F is one of Washington D.C.’s premier fitness companies. We offer innovative and imaginative fitness programs enjoyed by thousands of individuals who have identified that exercising should be motivating, challenging, and result oriented. Since 2006, BS&F’s group training company has been designed to “make a workout work anywhere.” We also created a revolutionary, small group training program called “The Belin Challenge Fitness Camp,” which provides communities including Capitol Hill with exclusive, customized group exercises. These communities are located throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and New York. For more information on our original programs, visit www.BfitDC.net.
Belin Challenge Fitness Camp, lead by Corey Belin
- Springboard Fall Electives for Watkins
Download the complete list and Fall 2012 Electives enrollment form>>
See a preview below…
Inclusive Electives (There is no charge for children attending the Springboard program full-time) are listed below. “Any” parent who wants their child to participate in one of the Inclusive Electives may enroll their child into Springboard and just pay the regular $14.99 for the day they want to attend the class. However, you must complete the online enrollment at www.springboardschool.com.
Band-Grades 3-5Tuesday, Thursday-3:30-4:30
Using wind and percussion instruments, band is a music instruction class where we will follow national and state standards. Your child will learn melody, harmony, texture, composition and theory. All students must rent or purchase their own instruments. Instruments can be rented from Music and Arts. $99 You can enroll online at www.springboardschool.com beginning October 1. Instrument Try Out Night-10-4-12 -5:30 pm at Watkins.
Percussion-Grades 1-2 Wednesday, 3:30-4:30
Students will learn about rhythm, beat, and percussion around the world and learn how to perform as a group. Your child will learn the rudimentary concepts of rhythm, harmony and melody with both traditional and non-traditional percussion instruments. All students must purchase a percussion set through the instructor. $99 You can enroll online at www.springboardschool.com beginning October 1. Instrument Try Out Night-10-4-12 -5:30 pm at Watkins.
Cooking Thursday, 3:30-4:30
This cooking class, taught by Chef Miguel Rosario, is both fun and educational. Students will learn basic culinary skills, learn recipes, and have the opportunity to be creative through hands-on interactive activities.
Sports Basketball Fun Monday, Wednesday 3:30-4:30 Grades 1-2, 3:30-4:30 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Grades 3-5
This course will focus on the following techniques, passing and catching, ball skills, proper shooting, player movement techniques and overall hand eye coordination.
Art Ceramics Friday, 3:30-4:30
This is a basic course in ceramics. The students will learn throwing and hand construction techniques, designing, and the creative development of clay objects.
Choir Tuesday, 3:30-4:00 Grades 1-2, 4:00-4:30 Grades 3-5
Our afterschool chorus will offer students the opportunity to find their voice and love for singing. Students will learn songs from various genres and learn musical skills such as harmonizing, dynamics, and recognizing a director’s cues.
Dance Ballet Modern Jazz Monday, 5:30-6:30 Grades 1-2, Wednesday, Grades 3-5
Students will learn the basic fundamentals of dance movement with an emphasis on coordination, exercises in movement quality, rhythm, tempo, and balance.
Sewing Tuesday, 5:30-6:30 Grades 3-5, Thursday, Grades 3-5
This is a basic sewing class for the beginner. Students will learn how to hand stitch, pin, and work with various kinds of fabric. Sewing will teach them hand and eye coordination as well as hand dexterity. All projects will be fun and simple!
American Sign Language ASL Monday, 4:30-5:00 Grades 1-2 , 5:00-5:30 Grades 3-5
Students will learn finger spelling, basic communication skills, and about various aspects of the deaf culture.
Any parent can register their student online at springboardschool.com or by calling 1-800-341-3177 for the following Exclusive Electives on Monday, October 1:
Labyrinth Good Moves Game Club Monday, 3:30-4:30 –Begins Monday, October 15 $100
Children are introduced to some of the best non-electronic games of all time. Each class focuses on different genres of games, such as strategy games, word games, math games, geography games, story-telling games, etc. Children learn at least two new games every week and are also coached in tactics and strategies that allow them to improve their game play. The main focus is fun!
Martial Art Thursday, 3:30-4:30 Grades 1-2, 4:30-5:30 Grades 3-5-Begins Thursday, October 18 $200
Each high-energy class combines lessons in effective self defense, non violent conflict resolution and character development. In this fun environment, your child will be motivated to adopt and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.
Video Game Design Tuesday, 3:30-4:30 Grades 3-5 -Begins Wednesday, October 17 $229
Design your own video game! Help your child cultivate budding interest in computer programming, game design, mathematics, multimedia arts, engineering, and more through the use of the video game.
French Class Please let us know if you are interested in Springboard pursuing this class as part of the Electives.
Please note, we will be offering Language Stars, a fun Spanish immersion program beginning in late October or early November.
- Planting Bulbs This Fall? It's Tulip Time
