news & notes spring 06

Chairman’s message

Volume 1 • Issue 2 • Spring 2006

Inside this issue:Chairman’s Message...................................1Robotics Program Fosters Young Engineers...................................1Leading the Way...................................2Teen2Teen Hits Airwaves...................................2Partners in Education...................................3Friendship Calendar...................................3Chamberlain Launches National Breakfast Week...................................3Friendship Student Recruitment...................................4Friendship Good News...................................4About Friendship...................................4

“It’s exciting to share knowledge with teams from Annapolis to Tel Aviv,” exclaimed 11th grader Joseph Brooks, team leader of the Friendship-Collegiate Academy RoboKnights. In March, the team competed before thou-sands of fans at the Chesapeake FIRST Regional Robotics Competition in Annapolis, Maryland.

Th e FIRST Competition is to high school robotics what “March Madness” is to college basketball. Starting in Janu-ary, students across the United States and abroad partner with professional engineers to build unique mechanical ro-bots. Teams then compete in regional contests similar to basketball. Th e goal is to show students that mathematics and science off er rich opportunities. For the RoboKnights, the Chesapeake regional was a major victory and a lesson in perseverance.

Aim High

For six weeks, the RoboKnights worked until 8 p.m. after school and on Saturdays to prepare for the con-test. Utilizing the Collegiate SmartLabTM, the team paired with mentors from NASA and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to construct a robot capable of propelling a 11 ounce ball into a 7 foot high basketball net.

After two days of intense competition in Annapolis, the Ro-boKnights advanced several game rounds. However, a sur-prise announcement sweetened the reward. Joseph Brooks learned that he would travel to Istanbul, Turkey as a NSBE ambassador, and teammate Melvin Kinnard received an ac-ceptance letter to the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Robotics Program Fosters Young Engineers

Continued on Page 2

“Th e robotics program is part of our commitment to integrate technology in grades pre-k to 12, and encourage

students to pursue high-tech careers.”

Ulf ZeitlerChief Technology Offi cer

Friendship Public Charter School

On March , I was honored to rep-resent Friendship Public Charter School at an awards ceremony for the District of Columbia’s highest performing public charter schools. D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, Council-woman Cathy Patterson and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (La.) presented Friendship with three High Performing School Incentive Awards in rec-ognition of our Chamberlain and Woodridge cam-puses, and for achieving major system-wide mile-stones.

Senator Landrieu – a champion for quality educa-tion, encouraged communities to embrace the inno-vation and best practices that make public charter schools, like Friendship, successful. Th e Senator’s remarks could not have been timelier.

Two days prior, the Washington Post editorial page reported several statistics on the status public edu-cation in the District. Among the facts, last year, only 11 percent of fourth graders and 12 percent of eighth graders in traditional public schools scored at or above “profi cient” in reading. A third of tradi-tional public high school students are behind grade level, usually because they have been held back at least once.

Th is news report is one of many in recent months, all asking the same question: How do we create high-performing public schools that engage strug-gle students and consistently raise achievement?

As the District’s largest community of public charter schools, serving nearly 4,000 students on fi ve grow-ing campuses, Friendship understands the non-aca-demic challenges that impede achievement. Th at is why, from the start, our schools have delivered an instructional program targeting the “whole child” – enhancing academic rigor with wrap-around so-cial services, extended-learning programs and com-munity partnerships.

Th e Results: Ninety-fi ve percent of graduating se-niors are accepted to college. As early as sixth grade, students are introduced to honors, Advance Place-ment and college-level academics through the Early College curriculum. Secondary campuses are outfi t-

ted with SmartLabTM technology. Our elementary campuses are among the highest performing in the District.

Moreover, instruction is extended through partner-ships with NASA, the Kennedy Center, the Nation-al Symphony Orchestra, D.C. Children and Youth Investment, the National Building Museum, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, D.C. Department of Health, American University, George Washing-ton University, Howard University, Carnegie Mel-lon University and the Radio and Television News Director’s Foundation among numerous others.

Friendship staff is highly qualifi ed and dedicated. Both public and public charter students attend Friendship’s Saturday School. Th ere is a waiting list for our pre-k programs

Can urban public schools engage struggle students and empower all learners to achieve? My answer is a resounding yes!

Donald L. HenseChairman,Board of Trustees

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Both Collegiate and Blow Pierce off er robotics teams. Accomplishments include:

TeenTeen, a fun and informative talk radio show produced and hosted by the Friendship News Network is now airing on WOL AM 1450.

Teen2Teen provides area youth an opportunity to shape popular media and explore issues aff ect-ing their peers, schools and communities. Show themes focus on such top-ics as immigration, college admission and school vio-lence prevention as well as the latest in art, movies, music and fashion – all from a teen’s perspective.

On April 22, Teen2Teen aired its premier program, “Th e Go Go Show,” that explored the roots of Go Go music through an interview with D.C. legend Chuck Brown. Th e show also featured a dialogue with Kevin Coates, a high school drummer seeking to start his own Go Go band and a Teen2Teen round-table that examined why teens cannot get enough of the Go Go sound.

“Teen2Teen, like all FNN programs, is a media enterprise run by students. With guidance from experienced pro-fessionals, students select story ideas, write scripts, conduct interviews and

edit shows.” Marilyn Kaufman, project director, FNN

All radio programs are available on Podcast by visiting the FNN website www.f riendshipnewsnetwork.com. FNN partnered with Radio One, Inc. (the nation’s largest African Ameri-can news syndicate) and the Ra-dio and Television News Director’s Foundation to produce the fi rst sea-son of Teen2Teen on WOL AM.

Teen2Teen Hits Airwaves Leading the Way Crystal Clark, Resident Principal

Friendship-Woodridge CampusGrades pre-k to 7

Aff ectionately called the “spirit of Woodridge,” Resident Prin-cipal Crystal Clark embodies a tireless dedication for school excellence.

“Woodridge is an outstanding school because we have refi ned the recipe for success. Th e most important ingredient is our talented students. Add a dynamic instructional staff and sup-portive parents, and you have an eff ective learning commu-nity.” Resident Principal Clark

Crystal Clark began her career in education as a fi rst-grade teacher. In 1999, she joined Woodridge as a student support manager, and in this capacity, displayed a gift for nurturing at-risk students and building productive relationships with parents.

As Woodridge expanded to include a pre-kindergarten and middle school, Clark served as academy director and sum-mer school principal. In June 2005, she was selected for New Leaders for New Schools, a nonprofi t program committed to transforming public education by training the next genera-tion of principals. During the program, Clark was appointed resident principal of the Woodridge campus.

“Crystal Clark’s leadership demonstrates what makes Friend-ship schools exceptional. We are fortunate to have her as a part of our team.” Michael Cordell, chief academic offi cer, Friendship Public Charter School

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Teen2Teen Show Schedule

Saturday, May 27: Crime and the Juvenile Justice System

Saturday, June 24: Schools and Teens

Robotics, from Page 1

Prem Raj-Ruffi n, AP Calculus and Physics Teacher

Friendship-Collegiate Acad-emy Campus Grades 9 to 12

As an undergraduate at How-ard University, AP Calculus and Physics teacher Prem Raj- Ruffi n was taught by a brilliant professor.

“Th rough Dr. Mennella’s tutelage, I discovered Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion; Newton’s fi rst and second laws of motion; diff erentiation, integration and other mathematical concepts.”

Today, Ruffi n inspires an enthusiasm for Calculus and Phys-ics among Collegiate students. Since joining the school staff in 2000, Ruffi n’s class has achieved exemplary scores on the AP Calculus exam. In 2005, all of his students went on to pursue higher education.

Prem Raj-Ruffi n chose teaching after years in the private sec-tor. He credits his mother for cultivating a thirst for educa-tion. “My mother insisted on piano lessons and that I read the Bible. Part of my Sunday routine required that I explain what I had learned. I am still on this quest for higher learning.”

How does Collegiate develop high achievers? According to Ruffi n, the educational philosophy makes the diff erence. “We focus on building supportive communities. We often pursue ‘out of the box’ techniques to do the best we can for our stu-dents.”

“Great teachers make great schools. Instructors like Prem Raj-Ruffi n make this possible.” Alicia Adams, director of Profes-sional Development, Friendship Public Charter School

Teen2Teen Producer and Director: Michael Spikes

Teen2Teen Mentors: Sharon Quick, Adrienne Urbina, Nancy Gius, Brandon Sweeney, Reginald Ragland, Mike Song.

Teen2Teen Student Producers: Breana Obenson, Jennifer Rowe, Shakisha Th omas, Kyara Lombre, Ceporah Norris, Katarina Smith, Sameerah Stocks, StanleyMartin, Jewel Myles, Anthony Woodland, Naji Copeland, Philmona Tessema, Victoria Popoola.

Logo Designer: Shaquanda Noble, Blow Pierce Junior Academy

• Collegiate team winners of the 2006 NSBE West Point Bridge Design Competition

• Blow Pierce team winners of the 2nd Place Project Award, 2006 FIRST Lego League Tournament

• Collegiate team member Treyvon Jackson 2005 Posse Scholar, over $100,000 in scholarships

• Collegiate team graduates 10 seniors accepted to college in 2005, now majoring in pre-med and engineering

• Collegiate team establishes NSBE junior chapter

To learn more about the robotics program contact Paula Shelton at [email protected].


Chamberlain Launches National Breakfast Week The District of Columbia State Education Office selected Friendship-Chamberlain Elementa-ry as one of two public schools to launch Na-tional Breakfast Week, March 6-10. Th is year’s theme, “Go Places With School Breakfast,” was the focus of a school-wide campaign that included classroom lessons, take home menus and an essay contest for fourth graders.

All 121 Chamberlain fourth graders were asked to write an essay describing why a healthy breakfast is the best way to start a school day. With the leadership of Chamberlain Principal James Shepard and Academy Director Deanna Mingo, every fourth grader submitted an essay. Fourth Grader Brienna Perrit was chosen as the contest winner for her composition illus-trating how vitamins in a nutritious breakfast fuel a growing body.

Th e week concluded with state education of-fi cials joining Chamberlain students and par-ents for a breakfast assembly. Deborah Gist, director of the D.C. State Education Offi ce, commended Chamberlain for its nutrition programs and presented the school with a framed proclamation from D.C. Mayor An-thony Williams.

National studies confi rm that students who eat a balanced breakfast are more alert, bet-ter behaved and more successful in school. For information on Friendship’s health initia-tives contact Dianne Harris, community re-source director of Health Related Programs at [email protected].

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Friendship Calendar May 11

Friendship All Staff SummitLocation: Collegiate Campus Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

May 19 Collegiate Senior Prom

May 20 First Annual Friendship Arts CelebrationLocation: Collegiate Campus Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May 15 D.C. Composition TestGrades 4, 7 and 10

June 1 Collegiate Graduation Ceremony

June 3 Southeast Saturday Learning Camp Awards CeremonyLocation: Southeast CampusTime: 10 a.m. – 12 noon

June 9Blow Pierce 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

June 8Chamberlain 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

June 13Woodridge 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

June 15 & 16 Woodridge Pre-k and Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony

June 16 & 22Southeast 6th Grade and Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony

July 5Friendship Summer School Begins

Venture Philanthropy Partners

Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) entered into a multi-year investment with Friendship Public Charter School in April. Th is investment culminates nearly a year of collaboration between the two organizations.

VPP is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in underserved areas. VPP invests in high performing commu-nity-based nonprofi ts providing large amounts of scarce growth capital and strategic assistance to help great leaders build institutional strength as the key to lasting change.

In May 2005, Friendship established a

partnership with VPP as part of a com-mitment to meet the range of student needs in the District. With an initial planning grant from VPP, Friendship engaged the consulting fi rm McKinsey & Co. for a comprehensive review of its current campuses and future aspira-tions. Th is process produced a high-im-pact, fi ve-year strategic plan. Most sig-nifi cant, it demonstrated Friendship’s enduring leadership and solid invest-ment potential.

“Th is partnership will enable our schools to enhance staff development, academic oversight, facilities upgrades, fi scal management, technology inte-gration and ultimately grow to seven campuses serving more than 6,000 stu-dents.” Patricia Brantley, chief operat-ing offi cer, Friendship Public Charter School.

To learn more about Venture Philanthro-py Partners visit www.vppartners.org.

NewSchools Venture Fund

NewSchools Venture Fund is a non-profi t venture philanthropy fi rm work-ing to transform public education by supporting education entrepreneurs. Th eir mission is to ensure that all children – especially those currently underserved – are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

Th is commitment to eff ective solutions in public education speaks to the his-tory and purpose of Friendship Public Charter School.

“Friendship was founded on the belief that high-quality public education can transform children’s lives. If there is a path to achievement, we will fi nd it.

NewSchools shares our commitment and courage.” Donald Hense, chair-man, Friendship Board of Trustees

In April, NewSchools awarded Friend-ship a multi-year grant to support several groundbreaking public educa-tion opportunities. Th ey include the opening of Friendship Tech Prep in 2007 – the fi rst high-tech, career-fo-cused high school serving grades seven to 12 in Southeast Washington, D.C. –and supporting the development of a robust Friendship home offi ce to con-tinuously improve the quality of all ex-isting Friendship schools.

To learn more about NewSchools Ven-ture Fund visit www.newschools.org.

Friendship salutes our great partners!

Partners in Education


Recruiting Students for the 2006-2007 School Year

College Preparatory Education for Grades Pre-k to 12

To attend an open house, schedule a school tour or for more information contact (202) 675-9060 or visitwww.friendshipschools.org

About Friendship Friendship Public Charter School, located in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1997 with the mission of providing a world-class education that motivates students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning and develop as responsible, ethical contributors to their communities. Friendship opened its fi rst schools in partnership with Edison Schools Inc., the nation’s leading charter management organization. Today, Friendship serves nearly 3,500 students at fi ve academically thriving campuses.

Chamberlain ElementaryCampus

Principal James ShepardGrades K-51345 Potomac Ave., S.E. (202) 547-5800

Southeast Elementary Academy Campus

Principal Gary B. BarteeGrades K-6645 Milwaukee Pl., S.E. (202) 562-1980

Woodridge Elementary & Middle Campus

Principal Mary DunnockGrades Pre K-72959 Carlton Ave., N.E. (202) 635-6500

Junior Academy at Blow Pierce Campus

Principal Ralph H. NealGrades 6-8725 19th St., N.E. (202) 572-1070

Collegiate Academy at Carter G. Woodson Campus

Principal Brian BeckGrades 9-124095 Minnesota Ave., N.E. (202) 396-5500

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Glowing Accreditation Review

• Job well done to the entire Friendship staff for an excellent accreditation review.

Congratulations Friendship Spelling Bee Finalists

• Kayleen Johnson, 4th grader, Chamberlain

• Yasmeen Wicks, 6th grader, Woodridge

• Cymbre Bowens, 6th grader, Woodridge

Bravo Blow Pierce Basketball Teams

• Th e Blow Pierce boys and girls basketball teams won the 2006 Washington Charter School Athletic League Championship for Middle Schools.

Saturday Learning Camps Achieve Record Attendance

• Southeast and Woodridge achieved a 97 percent student attendance rate this year. Go Eagles! Go Tigers!

Staff Announcements

• Dr. Arsallah Shairzay, dean of the Early College, addressed a congressional hearing on Innovative Pathways in the Transition from K-12 to Higher Education, April 4.

• Paula Shelton, Collegiate SmartLabTM instructor, will travel to London, England on a Phi Delta Kappan international scholarship to review technology and literacy programs in the British School System, June 17-24.

• Teriauna Harris, Collegiate choir director, advanced to the Hollywood, California auditions of the American Idol television show. Terianua, you are Friendship’s American Idol!

Friendship Good News

“Quality of education and school safety are the top reasons why I

chose Friendship.”

Friendship Parent

Campuses have reached 90 percent of the recruitment goal!

Only a few slots remain in grades kindergarten, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Chamberlain, Blow Pierce and Southeast campuses.

Enroll your student Today!

“I never made honor roll before. I had really bad grades. Now, I am on

the honor roll!”

Friendship Student

“At other schools, teachers had so many kids that they did not know what to do with my

child. When I brought him to Friendship, the teachers invested themselves in his education.

Before, he had to do it all on his own.”

Friendship Parent

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news & notes spring 06

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