One of the nice traditions we have at the Maya Angelou Academy is having our scholars read and make audio recordings of holiday books. We then send a CD and a copy of the book home to their families. This project encourages our scholars to practice reading aloud, and enables them to share a short story with family members.

This holiday tradition is just one way that we support our students’ literacy skills, and its paying real dividends. At the Maya Angelou Academy, our students improve their reading skills the equivalent of 1.4 years in reading during their time with us.

Below are audio links to two of our scholars reading their stories:

One is a scholar reading The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats. Marco, the reader, struggled to read when he arrived, but his literacy skills came a long way while he was at the Academy.

The second is a scholar reading Who’s Coming to our House by Joseph Slate.  Daniel, the reader, recently passed his GED, and is off to community college in a few weeks to pursue his dream of going to college.

Consider, first, the characteristics of our student population. In our high schools, 35% of our students are court involved, 66% have a history of suspensions/expulsions, 36% have repeated a grade, and 29% have special needs. In our middle school, nearly 30% of the students have been retained a grade, 13% are involved with the courts or Child and Family Services, and 26% have special needs. In fact, the percentage of special education students attending our schools is nearly twice the public charter school average.

This raises the question: What are the appropriate metrics to evaluate alternative schools like ours? We are proud that 73% of our graduates enroll in post-secondary education, and that 87% of these students successfully complete their first year of post-secondary school—a critical benchmark. We are proud that students who had dropped out or were at risk of dropping out are now attending school regularly and working toward a productive future. We are proud that so many parents and advocates seek us out because of our commitment to making school work for special needs children. But these are not characteristics that the framework captures.

This doesn’t mean that we are complacent. We continually strive to improve our students’ academic performance on such measures as the DC-CAS and college admissions exams. But a framework that judges us so harshly without allowing for the challenges associated with our mission does not advance the cause of educational equality.

We look forward to fruitful conversations with the Public Charter School board about the PMF and alternative schools. In the meantime, we will continue to be what parents have told us we are: “the hope on the hill.”

In fact, my wish for Christmas would be that all youth in D.C. be embraced by a school and staff as wonderful as those who work at the Maya Angelou Schools!

Related News:

“In D.C. Charter Schools, A Wide Variety of Challenges,” The Washington Post, December 22, 2011

And, our work would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers, as well as community partners who have supported our work — from mentors and tutors to internship site partners and enrichment teachers. As a result of the strength and support of our community members, our students have a legion of people who’ve made the commitment to see them succeed. Never has it been clearer that it truly “takes a village.”

As we continue to make our Evans Campus and Ward 7 our home, we look forward to finding ways to give back to a community that has given so much to us. To do this, we have challenged our youth to take action in addressing the injustices they see everyday in their communities.

The fall newsletter highlighted some of the ways Maya Angelou students are serving as leaders and change makers in their communities through service-learning, Semester of Service projects, and participation in the community-wide, Celebration of Service Days. I hope their stories inspire you to define what community means to you and consider giving back as often as you can.

You’ll also learn about the ways you can get involved in our school community – from small actions like joining us on Facebook and Twitter, pledging your support to the “Give to the Max Day” on November 9, and/or signing-up to be a volunteer or mentor in one of our schools.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Coordinator will primarily assist recent graduates with the academic, financial aid, and personal challenges associated with college enrollment and success.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Manage a caseload of 200-300 alumni who have graduated from a Maya Angelou School
• Maintain regular contact with alumni via phone, e-mail, and in-person meetings
• Provide continuous one-on-one support to students interested in enrolling, re-enrolling or transferring to a post-secondary institution
• Document all communications, advising notes, and contact information for alumni in the organization’s database
• Manage scholarships, bank accounts, and emergency funds for alumni
• Research and build a databank of community-based resources
• Refer students and families to post-secondary and community-based resources
• Serve as an advocate for alumni and liaison between alumni and higher education personnel
• Conduct regular 3-4 alumni support and high school transition advising workshops and seminars designed to assist the college integration process
• Maintain and grow an ongoing contact list of new and existing post-secondary support services staff (e.g. academic advisors, financial aid officers, counseling services)
• Visit designated colleges/universities to connect with students and campus-based resources in support of graduate enrollment and retention
• Publish alumni newsletter on a quarterly basis
• Plan, design and implement 3-4 alumni events and programs per year
• Develop future projects to increase college retention and effectiveness in addressing student needs
• Manage social media networks
• Monitor and report on trends in the field of college advising

Qualifications

Ideal candidates will have more than three years of experience in urban youth development and direct services with a special emphasis on college readiness. Preference will be given to candidates with tremendous work ethic and a bachelor’s degree in social work or psychology.

In addition, candidates should possess an unyielding belief that with the appropriate supports, coupled with high expectations, all students can significantly improve their academic skills, and can develop pro-social and culturally normative behaviors that will enable them to succeed in high school, college and beyond.

All potential candidates should have:

• Case management and direct service proficiency and familiarity with social work notation
• Strong database maintenance skills to handle confidential material
• Excellent inter-personal and written communication, organizational and time-management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy
• Event planning and program management experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of post-secondary readiness, access, and advising
• Active driver’s license and ability/desire to travel regionally
• Desired computer skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications, Internet and social media applications.

About See Forever

See Forever opened in 1997, with the goal of creating a small, nurturing high school for students who had not succeeded in traditional schools. We currently run three campuses under the Maya Angelou Public Charter School name. One high school campus is located in the historic Shaw district at 9th and T Streets, N.W., and the second one is at 57th and East Capitol Streets, N.E. The third campus, a middle school, is also located at 57th and East Capitol Streets, N.E. In 2007, See Forever assumed operation of the Maya Angelou Academy (formerly the Oak Hill Academy) in Laurel, Md., and also opened an affiliated Transition Center in Washington, D.C.

Our school approach and design have worked where others have failed. Over 70 percent of our graduates have gone on to post-secondary programs after graduating from Maya Angelou, even though many had quit or been put out of school before coming to us. Maya Angelou is recognized as a national model, having created the sort of high-quality school often reserved for the most affluent, but in our case designed specifically for the most disadvantaged and often academically in-need students.

Salary and Benefits

The annual salary range for this position is $35,000-$42,000, depending on experience. In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, a 403(b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan.

We also offer a friendly and committed team of colleagues, as well as the possibility to participate in and build opportunities for innovation in the field of post-secondary access and success.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your résumé, a cover letter, and contact information for three references by e-mail to staffjobs@seeforever.org. The subject line of the e-mail should indicate: “MAPCS Alumni Program Coordinator.” Résumés, cover letters and references should be in MS Word, and sent by e-mail attachment.

The application deadline is September 15, 2011.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. More information about See Forever is available at: www.seeforever.org.

D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown, Dr. Maya Angelou and D.C. Mayor Gray (Click on image to view more event photos!)

WASHINGTON (May 12, 2011) – Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) showered renowned author, poet, and global renaissance woman, Dr. Maya Angelou, with accolades for her tireless efforts to educate at-risk, District of Columbia youth through the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools. The Mayor honored Dr. Angelou by declaring Tuesday, May 10, 2011, “Maya Angelou Day” in Washington, D.C. Mayor Gray also presented her with the Keys to the City at the foundation’s annual fundraiser supporting the schools.

The See Forever Foundation supports the Maya Angelou Schools, a multi-campus collaboration of two successful high schools and an equally thriving middle school in the District. In addition, See Forever also operates the Maya Angelou Academy at New Beginnings Youth Development Center – the long-term secure facility for District of Columbia youth who have been adjudicated, as well as the Maya Angelou Academy which supports older youth who are in need of a GED and workforce training supports. This year, See Forever/Maya Angelou serves approximately 650 students across its campuses.

Each year, with the support and attendance of Dr. Maya Angelou, the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou School system hosts a dazzling and memorable fundraising event to recognize students who attend Maya Angelou Schools and honorees for exhibiting the “Maya Way.”

Venable LLC was recognized with the Maya Way Award for Social Justice, and Greater D.C. Cares was honored with the Maya Way for Community Service. This year’s annual fundraiser also highlighted the Maya Angelou Schools’ partnership with the UPMC Dignity & Respect Campaign. The Dignity and Respect Campaign is a special initiative to unify under the shared belief that everyone deserves dignity and respect by encouraging behavioral change in individuals, communities, schools and organizations. The Maya Angelou Schools were featured in a newly released Dignity & Respect Campaign Video, titled “Still I Rise” which debuted at this event. To view the video, click here.

In addition to hosting Dr. Maya Angelou, the See Forever Foundation also welcomed:

• D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown (D)
• Candi Castleberry-Singleton, Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA.
• Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, Director of the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African Art
• Raheem DeVaughn, 2010 Grammy-nominated R&B Vocalist, and
• Dr. Avis Jones DeWeever, Executive Director of the National Council of Negro Women

The evening was hosted by co-founder and chief executive officer of The National Visionary Leadership Project Renee Poussaint and Mike Hydeck, Weekday Morning Anchor WUSA9.

About See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools
Founded in 1997 as a multi-faceted, comprehensive educational program for at-risk teens in Washington, D.C., the See Forever Foundation now supports hundreds of high school and middle school students as they pursue successful academic paths at the Maya Angelou Schools. Our mission is to create learning communities in lower income urban areas where all students, particularly those who have not succeeded in traditional schools, can reach their potential. and move on to college, career, and a lifetime of success. For more information on the foundation and school, contact See Forever/Maya Angelou Director of Development and Communications Ingrid Padgett via telephone at (202) 797-8250, or e-mail at ipadgett@seeforever.org.

The funds we raise help support the necessary wraparound programming that help our students graduate from high school and go on to college. A donation of any amount will help us sustain the comprehensive programs that contribute to the “Maya Way.”  To make a donation, click here.

Volunteer

As often as you can, give the gift of time. Help us in making a difference in the lives of our students by serving as a volunteer. For more information on volunteer opportunities across our campuses, contact our central office at (202) 797-8250.

Advocate

Remember, just one voice has the power to make an impact. One voice, joined by many, has the power to create everlasting change. Advocate for youth who deserve the guarantee of a promising future. For more information on how you can support our advocacy efforts, contact our central office at (202) 797-8250.

In addition to hosting Dr. Maya Angelou, the See Forever Foundation will also welcome:

• Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the Smithsonian InstitutionÂ’s National Museum of African Art
• Raheem DeVaughn, 2010 Grammy-nominated R&B Vocalist, and
• Dr. Avis Jones DeWeever, executive director of the National Council of Negro Women

The co-founder and chief executive officer of The National Visionary Leadership Project, Renee Poussaint, will serve as the host for the evening program.

Details for this yearÂ’s benefit:

WHAT

“Celebrate the Maya Way” with Dr. Maya Angelou
A  fundraiser to support the Maya Angelou Schools in Washington, D.C.

WHEN & WHERE

Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 5:30 p.m – 9 p.m. at The Historic Lincoln Theatre, Washington, D.C., 1215 U Street N.W., Washington, D.C., 20009

THEME

Celebrating national leaders and local “heroes and sheroes” who exemplify courage, compassion, tenacity, strength and leadership – traits exemplified at Dr. Angelou’s namesake schools

HOST

Dr. Maya Angelou, author, poet, global renaissance woman

CELEBRITY HOST

Renee Poussaint, co-founder and chief executive officer of the National Visionary Leadership Project

SPECIAL GUESTS:

• Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the Smithsonian InstitutionÂ’s National Museum of African Art
• Raheem DeVaughn, 2010 Grammy-nominated R&B  vocalist
• Dr. Avis Jones-DeWeever, executive director of the National Council of Negro Women

HONOREES

The Law Firm of Venable, one of AmericaÂ’s top 100 law firms
Greater DC Cares, leading coordinator of volunteerism in the National Capital Region

MAY 10TH EVENT SCHEDULE

5:30 p.m. — Tent Pavilion and VIP Reception

7 p.m. — Main Stage Program

8:30 p.m. — Salute to Service, Special volunteer sign-up opportunities in our Tent Pavilion

INTERESTED MEDIA

Please contact Ingrid Padgett, development director, at ipadgett@seeforever.org or via (202) 797-8250 for press credentialing. Qualified press will be admitted to VIP events and escorted throughout the fundraiser to enable photography and interview opportunities.

ABOUT SEE FOREVER FOUNDATION/MAYA ANGELOU SCHOOLS

Founded in 1997 as a multi-faceted, comprehensive educational program for District-based, at-risk teens, the See Forever Foundation now supports hundreds of high school and middle school students as they pursue successful academic paths at the Maya Angelou Schools in the District of Columbia. The Maya Angelou Schools include: three successful charter school campuses, the school for adjudicated youth at New Beginnings Youth Development Center, and a Transition Center that provides academic and workforce development to youth and young adults under the supervision of the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services.

With a core goal of creating learning communities in lower income urban areas, students who have not succeeded in traditional schools can reach their potential at the Maya Angelou Schools, and develop the academic, social, and employment skills needed to move on to college, careers, and a lifetime of success.

MORE ABOUT OUR EVENT WITH DR. MAYA ANGELOU

Each year, the See Forever Foundation – the nonprofit organization that exists solely to support the programs and services of the Maya Angelou Schools – hosts a fundraiser in support of the schools’ important educational programs and wraparound services for at-risk students. To find out how you can support the work of Dr. Angelou’s schools as a sponsor or volunteer, contact our Director of Development and Communications Ingrid Padgett via telephone at (202) 797-8250, or e-mail at ipadgett@seeforever.org.

www.seeforever.org/staff

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Thanks,
See Forever Administrator

We work closely with the DistrictÂ’s school system, government and other agencies to obtain the best and most current weather information for our parents, students and staff. The decision to delay and/or close schools is made with careful consideration of road safety, sidewalk safety, etc.

For more ways to stay informed about the status of our schools during inclement weather:

1. Check the news section of our Web site.

2. Follow See Forever/Maya Angelou on Facebook.

3. Listen to the radio and/or watch TV:

4. Call (202) 442-5885 or dial 311 for DC’s Citywide Call Center.

Click on the links below to access the schedules. If you have any questions about your campus calendar, please contact the Instructional Coach:

Middle School – Mr. Miles

Evans High School – Mr. Roorda

Shaw High School – Ms. Shanee Young