|
The 1961 champions of the St. Anselm's Invitational pose with
tournament founders Fr. Hugh Monmonier, OSB, and Robert Dwyer.
|
The 2010 Children's Gallery of Black History
M.O.M.I.E’s TLC will once again host the annual Children’s Gallery at All Souls Church Unitarian (1500 Harvard St. NW), Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 22-26; 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Through hands-on, child-friendly exhibits, this year's gallery will celebrate those who pushed against the odds to attain financial and community sustainability – including Carter G. Woodson, Nina Simone and A. Philip Randolph. The gallery is open for school and community groups. Groups must reserve space to participate. Costs: 50 cents/child; $2/adult; group rates are available. For more information, contact Tricia Douglas at 202-545-1919 or tricia.momiestlc@gmail.com.
St. Anselm’s to Host 63rd Annual Basketball Tournament Feb. 26-28
St. Anselm’s Abbey School will host its 63rd annual invitational basketball tournament the weekend of Feb. 26 at the school’s Northeast Washington campus. A tradition at the school since 1948, the St. Anselm’s Invitational is the longest-running tournament of its kind in the Washington area. The postseason tournament is a highly anticipated event each year at St. Anselm’s, where Friday afternoon classes are traditionally cancelled to allow the student body to cheer on the varsity squad in their first-round tournament game.
An estimated 5,000 area basketball players and their coaches have competed for the tournament championship over the years, including such notables as John Thompson Jr., the legendary Georgetown University coach who guided the now-defunct St. Anthony’s High School to the Invitational championship as a young coach in 1968.
This year’s tournament will feature eight high schools from the greater Washington area. Joining the Panthers of St. Anselm’s will be School Without Walls, Washington International School, The Heights, The Avalon School, Queen Anne School, Takoma Academy and defending champions St. Mary’s (Annapolis).
For more information about St. Anselm’s, or to view the tournament schedule, visit the school’s website at www.saintanselms.org. St. Anselm’s is located at 4501 South Dakota Ave. NE. 202-269-2350.
Fifth Annual Literary Love Poetry Performance Feb. 10
Higher Achievement will host its fifth annual Literary Love Poetry Performance Feb. 10, 7-8 p.m., at the Kennedy Center. The event will feature the original work of 10 scholar poets who claimed first place titles in Higher Achievement’s local poetry contests in January. Rachel Goslins, an appointee of President Obama to the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, will also address the scholars and audience. Higher Achievement is a year-round academic enrichment and high school preparatory program that teaches literature and the elements of writing poetry, among other fundamentals. Every year, the organization hosts local poetry contests at each of its five Achievement Centers located in Washington, DC, and Alexandria, Va., to encourage the scholars to test their skills and express themselves through verse. Free to attend. The Kennedy Center is located at 2700 F St. NW. Call 202-375-7709 or visit www.higherachievement.org for more information.
Wild Side Stage at the National Zoo
Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) is presenting Wild Side Stage at the National Zoo’s visitor center this winter. This performance series for families features musicians, dancers, storytellers and puppeteers from around the country. The February schedule is: Feb. 21, Lucas Miller; and Feb. 28, Antonio Rocha. Performances take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the recommended age is 4 and up (although all ages are welcome). Before and after each performance (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), guests can visit animal exhibits for the chance to meet animal keepers as well as the animals featured in the performances. Tickets are $5 for FONZ members, $7 for nonmembers. Adults and children ages 2 and older require tickets. Children under 2 are admitted free with a parent. Purchase tickets at www.fonz.org/wildsidestage.htm, through Ticketmaster at 202-397-SEAT, at the zoo's gift shops (Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or on the day of the event.
Atlas Presents ‘Nobody’s Perfect’
Based on the children’s book by Marlee Matlin and Doug Cooney, “Nobody’s Perfect” is the story of fourth-grader Megan, who finds herself at odds with new student Alexis. To Megan, Alexis has it all: beauty, brains, and athletics—she’s practically perfect in every way. Though Megan tries to be nice to her, Alexis is anything but friendly, making Megan wonder, "Does she not like me because I'm deaf?" When they’re forced to collaborate on a science project, Megan discovers Alexis’s secret. This musical, recommended for ages 8 and up and grades three and up, is simultaneously performed in spoken English and American Sign Language. Feb. 12, 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 13, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m. Atlas Performing Arts Center. $20/adults; $15/children. 1333 H St. NE. 202-399-7993, www.atlasarts.org.
NSO Family Concert: ‘Peter and the Wolf’
In one of its most cherished and acclaimed productions, Magic Circle Mime Company brings Sergei Prokofiev's classic work for children to life as a dazzling theatrical and musical event. “Peter and the Wolf” can be seen Feb. 14, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., at the Kennedy Center. Come early for the musical instrument "Petting Zoo” an hour before each NSO Family Concert. The Zoo is a time for young concertgoers to get up close and hands-on with the instruments they'll see played on the stage in the Kennedy Center Atrium. Following the 3 p.m. concert, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the concert artists. $18. Recommended for ages 5 and up. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org.
Celebrate President's Day with Free Family Skating Lessons
Celebrate President’s Day on ice! Fort Dupont Ice Arena is offering free skating lessons Feb. 15; the 15-minute lessons are held at 11 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. A holiday public skating session follows from noon to 1:50 p.m. Fees for public skating session: $5/adults 13 and older; $4/children 12 and under and senior citizens 65 and older; $3/skate rental. 3779 Ely Place SE. 202-584-5007, www.fdia.org.
NSO Teddy Bear Concert: ‘Fancy That!’
National Symphony Orchestra violinist Marissa Regni plays a one-woman show about how to decorate music in the form of ornamentation and variations. This concert is perfect for even the youngest music lovers in your family. Feb. 20, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; Feb. 21, 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m., at the Kennedy Center. Children are invited to bring along a favorite teddy bear or stuffed toy. Starting a half hour before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children, ages 3 to 5. $18. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org.
NSO Ensemble Concert – Connections: MORE History and Music
While nearly everyone is taught that the "Star-Spangled Banner" was written during the War of 1812, and the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" was a favorite song during the Civil War, how many people realize there is a link between the Erie Canal and Beethoven's "Ode to Joy"? How about "Jingle Bells," the Dred Scott decision, and Bessemer's process to make steel? Or "Joy to the World" and the John Deere plow? In this multimedia program, which takes place Feb. 28, 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Kennedy Center, Yvonne Caruthers and several of her NSO colleagues integrate many of today's most recognizable musical works alongside landmarks in 19th-century American history. Recommended for children ages 9 and up. $18. 2700 F St. NW. 202-467-4600, www.kennedy-center.org.
Children’s Programs at NCM
The National Children’s Museum will host the following activities for children in February at the National Harbor’s Launch Zone (unless otherwise noted).
Wee Wonders’ Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Feb. 9, 16 & 23, 10-11:15 a.m. Toddlers and grown-ups will discover real and imaginary parts of “The Wizard of Oz” as they become flying monkeys, make a tornado, skip down the yellow brick road and more! Activities typically include stories, games, art, music, experiments, drama, and movement. $10 per child. Pre-registration and advance payment is required by the Friday prior to the event. Call 202-675-4120 or e-mail RSVP@ncm.museum to register.
Weave Me the Sunshine: Feb. 13 & 15, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Shrug off the winter blues and celebrate the coming of spring by participating in NCM’s weaving activities. Listen to stories about spring and then make your own craft.
Cupid's Workshop: Feb. 20, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy popular love ballads while crafting precious paper hearts. Music provided by Guitar John.
NCM is located at 112 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 301-686-0225, www.ncm.museum.
Father of the Year Essay Contest
The 2010 Washington Nationals Father of the Year Essay Contest is now open to students in grades first through 12th who attend any public or private school located in Washington, DC. Students should write an essay describing their relationship with their father or father figure and what that relationship means to them. Prizes include: $250 US savings bond, tickets to awards reception, tickets to designated Washington Nationals game, and more. For a complete list of prizes, contest details, and how to submit an essay, visit: www.fathers.com/contest. Entries must be received by Feb. 22. Call 1-800-593-DADS for more information.
Soul of the City Looking for Participants during Spring Break
Soul of the City youth leadership program is looking for DC public school students between the ages of 15 and 18 who are interested in studying the performing arts, earning extra money, learning about Washington, DC, and developing skills as a leader for their generation during the DCPS spring break (March 29-April 2). Participants will journey into the lives and experiences of three immigrant communities in Washington, DC, and will use what they find to develop a performance about the city's immigrant life. Through the program, sponsored by the Humanities Council of Washington, DC, participants will get an opportunity to learn more about the city, develop skills in the performing arts, gain leadership skills and create their own performances. Download the application at www.wdchumanities.org/images/soc2010app.pdf, complete and submit via e-mail or mail by March 1 to: Max Von Duerckheim, SOTC Program Coordinator, Washington DC Humanities Council, 925 U St. NW, Washington, DC 20001. Call 202-387-8391 for more information.
DCPS Graduation Rate Climbs in 2009
DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee announced last month that the graduation rate for DC Public Schools increased 3 percent in 2008-2009 to 72 percent. This means, overall, 123 more DCPS students graduated high school this past year than the year before, and 168 more black students graduated in 2009 than in 2008 a 3 percent increase, another important metric linked to closing the achievement gap.
Furthermore, the graduation rate increased more than in previous years – in 2006-2007 and 2008-2009, the graduation rate increased on average by less than 2 percent. More than half of DCPS high schools increased their graduation rates, with 10 out of 16 schools increasing at least 3 percent. Individual graduation rates for each school are available on the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) website – osse.dc.gov.
Early Stages Center Now Open
Early Stages Center, a free, comprehensive diagnostic testing facility, opened mid-January, in the Northwest One development project at Walker Jones Education Campus (1125 New Jersey Ave. NW). The center evaluates children ages 3 to 5 for developmental delays and identifies the services that will help them succeed as they enter school. Before the new center opened, the DC Public School system only had the capacity to offer smaller scale screenings for development delays and to provide piecemeal services by multiple specialists. Now, the ESC offers expanded outreach and individualized case management providing proactive and comprehensive support to District families. For more information, call 202-698-8037 or visit www.earlystagesdc.org. |
