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The 1961 champions of the St. Anselm's Invitational pose with
tournament founders Fr. Hugh Monmonier, OSB, and Robert Dwyer.
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Maury Elementary – Cards & Community Partnership
What started out as a school fundraiser has become a community effort and partnership showcasing some of the best pint-sized talent and neighborhood largesse around. This past fall, Maury Elementary (1250 Constitution Ave. NE) created an art note card project built around a competition for best depictions of a DC and holiday-spirited theme. Students were asked to draw a picture displaying the theme of “Sharing in Washington, DC.” Eight cards, representing a winning artist from each grade level, pre-k through fifth, would be packaged into a set of greeting cards for holiday or all-occasion use. These lovely cards are blank inside and simply charming on the front.
The judges were members of Capitol Hill Village, the aging-in-place organization to which many longtime Hill residents belong. Using criteria such as color use and composition, the winners were chosen by Mary Procter, the Village’s president; her husband, Bill Matuszeski, a landscape painter; Bina Beghe; Jacalyn Jenssen; and artist, poetry editor and designer Claire Kincannon. They selected thoughtful drawings depicting “sharing money for the homeless,” and “sharing an umbrella in the rain,” and even sharing a cheerful tour bus, as well as marvelous renditions of iconic city images.
Participating area merchants generously agreed to display the cards and sell them for $10 a pack, with all proceeds going to the Maury PTA to better its resources and programs this year.
Maury and Capitol Hill Village hope the partnership will continue next year for Maury’s second annual note card drive. “The Maury Elementary art judging was very fulfilling and a lot of fun,” said Gail Kohn, executive director of Capitol Hill Village.
Congratulations to the winning artists: PS-3 - Amelia Huxley, PK-4 - Malia Weedon, Kindergarten- Vivian Dougherty, Grade 1 - Anaya Brisbon, Grade 2 - Olivia Schoell, Grade 3 - Montana Barbarin, Grade 4 - Christian Chambers, Grade 5 - Mireah Larson.
The following merchants will carry the Maury Elementary Note Cards: Pawticulars (407 Eighth St. SE), Hill’s Kitchen (713 D St. SE), Homebody (715 Eighth St. SE), The Forecast (218 Seventh St. SE), Groovy dc (425 Eighth St. SE), Frager’s (1115 Pennsylvania Ave. SE), Schneider’s (300 Massachusetts Ave. NE), Monkeys’ Uncle (323 Seventh St. SE), Stitch DC (731 Eighth St. SE), Marvelous Market (303 Seventh St. SE), The Family Room (411 Eighth St. SE), P&C Market (1023 East Capitol St. SE), Petite Gourmet (224 Seventh St. SE) and Capitol Hill Art & Frame (623 Pennsylvania Ave. SE). For more information about Maury, call 202-698-3838 or visit www.mauryelementary.com. – Submitted by Liz Festa
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.
Capitol Hill Family Square Dancing at Eastern Market
The Capitol Hill Dance Society holds its monthly family square dance Feb. 20, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Eastern Market’s North Hall. An experienced caller will guide the dancers through all the movements. The North Hall Family Square-Dances feature live music by the Capitol Hillbillies, led by Washington-area musician and Capitol Hill resident Joel Bailes. Admission is $5 per person, family maximum of $20, and children under 5 are free. Refreshments will be served. Eastern Market’s North Hall is located on Capitol Hill at the corner of North Carolina Avenue and Seventh Street SE. All ages are welcome, and no dance experience is necessary. The next dances are scheduled March 20, April 17 and May 22. For more information about the family dance and to volunteer, contact Parker Jayne at 202-549-0744 or parkerj100@aol.com.
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.
Boogie Babes February Schedule at SOVA
Boogie Babes has announced its schedule for the month, and it promises to be a rockin’ good time for the pint-sized crowd. Moms, dads, nannies, grandparents and kids of all ages – typically 6 months to 4 years – are invited to SOVA Espresso (1359 H St. NE) to catch the following performances of live children’s music that grownups enjoy, too. All shows start at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 5, Bridgette; Feb. 11, Groovy Nate; Feb. 15, Mr. Skip; and Feb. 25, Mr. Don. $5/child, cash only. Visit boogiebabes.com 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. 7, DinoRock; 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 certain 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.
Abraham Lincoln Birthday Observance
Honor Abraham Lincoln at a presidential wreath laying ceremony and a dramatic reading of the "Gettysburg Address" on Feb. 12 at noon, at the Lincoln Memorial, 23rd Street & Constitution Avenue NW. For more information, call 202-619-7222.
George Washington's Birthday Weekend Celebration
Historic Mount Vernon celebrates George Washington’s 278th birthday with a new “Surprise Birthday Party” for the general. Daily from Feb. 13 through Feb. 15, the party features “General Washington” receiving surprise birthday cheers, 18th-century music and birthday gifts presented from his 18th-century friends. On Feb. 13 and 14, guests can sample Washington’s favorite breakfast – hoecakes in butter and honey – with “the General” himself. On Feb. 15, visitors can take part in a special wreath-laying ceremony at Washington’s tomb followed by patriotic music and military drilling by Revolutionary War re-enactors. $15/adults; $7/children ages 6-11; $14/seniors ages 62 and over; free/children 5 and under. Admission is free on Feb. 15. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. 1-800-429-1520, www.mountvernon.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.
The 2010 Children's Gallery of Black History
This year’s Children’s Gallery of Black History – “Rise Up! The Journey for Economic Empowerment Worldwide” – will celebrate those who pushed against the odds to attain community and financial sustainability. Visitors will be able to participate in hands-on learning exhibits that explore the life and achievements of visionary minority leaders. The gallery will pay tribute to eight men and women, including Nina Simone, Carter G. Woodson, Dikembe Mutombo and A. Philip Randolph. The dates of this year’s gallery are Feb. 16-19 and Feb. 22-6, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., at All Souls Church (16th and Harvard streets NW). After-school groups can register for visits from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gallery is closed on the weekends. Admission is 50 cents/child; $2/adult. Group rates available. Call 202-545-1919 or e-mail tricia.momiestlc@gmail.com for more information or to schedule your group.
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.
DC Neighborhood Library Schedule
Northeast Library
Story times for ages 3-7, Feb. 1, 8 and 22, 4 p.m. Book club, Feb. 4, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Music and movement, Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m. Tween Club, ages 8-12, Feb. 6, 4-4:45. Chess club, ages 12-19, Feb. 8, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Teen movie night, ages 12-19, Feb. 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Valentine’s Day craft and story, Feb. 13, 10:30 a.m. Gaming night, ages 12-19, Feb. 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Origami club, ages 12-19, Feb. 18, 4-5 p.m. Story time and craft, Feb. 20, 10:30 a.m. Crafty teens, ages 12-19, Feb. 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sign language story time, Feb. 27, 10:30 a.m. Crafty teens, ages 12-19, Feb. 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Toddler times, ages 2-5, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:15 a.m. 330 Seventh St. NE. 202-698-3320, www.dclibrary.org.
Southeast Library
Preschool story time, ages 3-5, Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m. Baby/toddler story time, ages 3 and under, Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. Tales for 2’s and 3’s Fridays, 10-10:30 a.m. 403 Seventh St. SE. 202-698-3377, www.dclibrary.org.
Southwest Library
Preschool story time, ages 2-5, Tue and Thu, 10:30 a.m. Toddlers learn pre-reading concepts through stories, songs, movements and other activities. 900 Wesley Place SW. 202-724-4752, www.dclibrary.org.
L’AMAZing Baby! Childbirth Preparation with a Jewish Twist
This class offers parents-to-be a traditional Lamaze prepared-childbirth class plus a spiritual, ritual and emotional support network for welcoming a Jewish child into the community. Couples will learn about Brit Milah (ritual circumcision), baby-naming ceremonies, managing the transition from being partners to parents, building a Jewish home and Jewish and secular resources. The winter session runs Feb. 22-March 15, 7-9:15 p.m. Classes will be held at the JCC of Greater Washington, 6125 Montrose Road, Rockville, Md. For more information and to register, visit www.jccgw.org or contact Julie Margel at jmargel@jccgw.org. Free. 301-348-3837, www.jccgw.org/articlenav.php?id=473.
The Family Room Schedule for February
The Family Room, located at 411 Eighth St. SE, has the following schedule for February. The calendar is subject to change, so please call to confirm dates. Visit the website for detailed class descriptions.
- Spanish story time, Tuesdays, 2:30-2:45 p.m.; French story time, Thursdays, 2-2:15 p.m.
- Music for infants, Tuesdays, noon-12:30 p.m.; music for 1’s and 2’s, Wednesdays, 10-10:30 a.m.
- Kindermusik Sign and Sing, Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 24, 11-11:45 a.m.
- Friday Night Movies: Feb. 5, “Open Season”; Feb. 12, “Country Bears”; Feb. 19, “Dr. Doolittle: Million Dollar Mutts”; Feb. 26, “Aristocats.” Movies start at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted and are free with admission. Cost for dinner (popcorn, dinner and drinks) is $5/kids (advance and at the door); $10/adult members (advance) $12/adult non-members (advance) and adult members (at the door); $14/adult non-members (at the door).
Please call 202-640-2855 for the most up-to-date information. Check out www.thefamilyroomdc.com for pricing and more details.
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).
Valentines for Veterans: Feb 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Make Valentine’s Day cards to be distributed at the Washington, DC, Veterans Affairs Medical Center during the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans.
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.
DCPS Graduation Rate Climbs in 2009
DC Mayor Adrian Fenty and 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. |
