DC SCORES is an after-school program focusing on soccer, poetry, service learning and homework. The program, serving 700 students at 24 DC public and public charter elementary and middle schools, aims to address high rates of obesity and low rates of literacy, and to “increase student students' sense of self-worth and belonging.” Launched in 1994, the program is an affiliate of America SCORES, the nation's largest after-school soccer and literacy program.

DC SCORES students spend 12 weeks in the fall exploring poetry by Maya Angelou, Carl Sandburg and others in preparation for a “Poetry Slam!” Poetry and music specialists visit each school, providing tips about performance techniques, onstage movement, and presentation.  Poet-athletes then refine their performances with sessions at local Starbucks Coffee shops.

The DC SCORES Poetry Slam! is a spoken word team competition, with “east” and “west” divisions. The East Side Poetry Slam! – including performers from Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 – was held Dec. 4 at Kelly Miller Middle School. Judges are chosen from the local writing and performance community ranked each performance based on the performance, the work, the vocal clarity and organization.

Winners of the East Side Poetry Slam! were

• Arts & Technology Academy - 1st place
• Burrville Elementary School - 2nd place
• Howard Road Academy - 2nd place
• Arts & Technology Academy - Shine Award
• Anne Beers Elementary School - Spirit Award
• Cesar Chavez Public Charter Middle School - 1st place, Middle Schools
• Kelly Miller Middle School - 2nd place, Middle Schools

The East Side “Shine Award” went to A’dora Willis, Age 10, Arts & Technology Academy

Excerpts from DC SCORES fall poetry

“Change is Here”
Change is here….
(A change is coming, a change is coming, a change is coming)”
We rocked the vote
We rocked the vote
We rocked the vote
And CHANGE IS HERE!
(CHORUS: A change is coming, a change is coming)
We hope Obama will ease our fears! (Chorus)
Economy issues and loss of jobs (Chorus)
America feels completely robbed! (Chorus)
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (Chorus)
Lost our money and sent us back (Chorus)
To the days of struggle and strife (Chorus)
We know there has got to be a better life! (Chorus)
HOPE and CHANGE we pray will come
BECAUSE
“Out of many, we are one!” (Chorus)
CHANGE IS HERE

“If I Didn’t Have a Face”
If I didn’t have a face...
Make them focus on my beauty
My potential
It would not affect my face no more
I would be normal with no face
Pretty in my own way
- by Dameece Neal, 10, Beers Elementary

“My Soul is What it Takes”
...My mouth helps me pass the time
While my mouth chews on Jolly Ranchers that taste of lime.
My soul is what it takes.
...My sister looks up to me
But I’m still thinking about what I want to be.
My soul is what it takes.
Looking at my brother who doesn’t know what to do
I know that all he wants is me and you
My soul is what it takes
My soul is REALLY what it takes
- by De’Jahnera Hailstock, 11, Arts and Technology Academy

“Life in the City”
Life in the city is so good
Life in the city is so hood
Life in the city people jackin’ cars
Life in the city people robbin’ stores
...Life in the city wearin’ rockin’ shoes
Life in the city where the Cowboys will LOSE!
...Life in the city is where I rest
Life in the city the best!
- by the Burrville Elementary School DC SCORES team