My name is Geniya Cotherine and I am in the 7th grade at Maya Angelou Public Charter School Middle School Campus. I love my school. I love the teachers, the classes, our principal, and all the activities that they hold for us at the school. I especially like my school because it allows us to express our thoughts and develop our talents. Our teachers encourage us to achieve and to do our best. In fact, once a year we actually get a chance to meet Dr. Maya Angelou, the poet and shero herself.

Maya Angelou Public Charter School is a school where you are able to express who you are and not be judged. We are free to be ourselves. We call Maya Angelou Middle School our home; all of the students know that if you ever need someone to talk about any problems in your life you can talk to your counselor or any of our teachers. Maya Angelou Middle School is also a place where friendships develop and we create memories that we’ll take with us forever. For example, I remember when we had the Chinese acrobats come to our school – all of my friends talked about it on Facebook and in the cafeteria for weeks after we saw the performance at school. At my school, my favorite teacher is Mr. George. Mr. George is my favorite teacher because he has made me fall in love with Social Studies. He teaches about the accomplishments of famous African Americans of the past and he makes our class feel good to be a part of a strong legacy. Mr. George tells us about many great achievements of people who made a difference in our world and about beautiful people who look like me who can do anything that I put my mind too. Mr. George not only teaches history he teaches self-esteem. Last week he hosted an event called Black-A-Demics. We all had so much fun. All of the classes competed to prove who knew more facts about Black History.

I love Maya Angelou Public Charter School; it’s the place where everybody is somebody. I will take the words of my principal and write them on my heart, “I will aim for the top because the bottom is overcrowded,”

In honor of the 25th anniversary of the founding of The Economic Club of Washington, D.C., Club members decided that the most fitting tribute to the intentions of the Club founders was to share the benefits of the Club’s growth and success with the greater Washington community. Contributing to the well-being of the metropolitan region in which Club members work and live was a common commitment of the Club’s founding members, many of whom were instrumental in the rebirth of Washington as a business and cultural center, according to Mary Brady, the Economic Club’s Executive Director.

Club President David M. Rubenstein said, “Giving back to the greater Washington community has been a core component of the Economic Club’s mission throughout our history. Hundreds of area students have benefited in particular from the Club’s ongoing scholarship and fellowship programs. Our members felt it was important that this tradition of community support be a highlight of our 25th anniversary celebration.”

See Forever/Maya Angelou Executive Director Lucretia Murphy, J.D., Ph.D. said, “We are thrilled by this grant and the support it signals for our amazing students and staff!

The grants will be presented to the 10 nonprofit organizations selected at the Economic Club’s 25th anniversary dinner celebration on June 5. Warren E. Buffett, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., will be a special guest at the event and will participate in a dialog with President Rubenstein as part of the evening’s program.

A special Grants Task Force comprised of Economic Club Board members coordinated the process of awarding the grants. A total of 138 different community organizations were nominated by Club members for consideration as recipients. Criteria for organizations to be nominated and considered for the grants was limited to local nonprofit groups with a primary mission of preparing underserved youth for success in school, the workforce, and life.

For more information on the grants or award process and a complete listing of the 10 organizations selected to receive the grants of $50,000 each, click here or contact Judi Irastorza at media@economicclub.org, 703.765.6881.

April 27, 2012 – Washington, D.C. – Each year, with the support and attendance of Dr. Maya Angelou, the See Forever Foundation/Maya Angelou Schools system hosts a dazzling and memorable fundraising event to recognize D,C. youth who attend the Maya Angelou Schools and exemplify a high standard of commitment to leadership and educational success. This year’s annual event will ensure the continued success of the See Forever Foundation in supporting the success of its programs and the planned renovations of the Maya Angelou Public Charter School Campuses East of the River in Ward 7 of Washington, D.C.

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

• Guest Host: Common, Grammy award-winning Actor and Rapper
• Patti Austin, Grammy award-winning Jazz Vocalist
• Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA)
• Jeff Majors, World-renowned Harp Master
• Russell Williams, II, two-time Oscar award-winning sound engineer

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Administers and coordinates the functions and activities of the special education curriculum and instructional design and delivery systems in conformance with Federal, State and District laws, and regulations.

• Provides leadership and expertise in assessing, identifying, formulating, and implementing the District special education goals and objectives in compliance with state and federal legal mandates and guidelines.

• Provides for the maintenance of reports and records on special education students necessary for completion of required state, and federal reports in accordance with provisions of the DCMR Codes and procedures established by the District of Columbia.

• Plans, organizes and directs the District related services programs.

• Conducts, with the cooperation of school principals, the supervision and evaluation of  psychologists, speech therapists, and other non-teaching staff in special education programs.

• Provides for the planning, organization, development, and conduct of a variety of staff development and in service training programs for special education staff.

• Establishes communication feedback systems and processes for monitoring and auditing the special education program functions.

• Advises, counsels, informs, and assists members of the District administrative teams, special education staff and parents to ensure thorough and complete communication relative to the special education programs.

• Initiates and coordinates the efforts to acquaint District administrative and instructional staff with the needs of special education student’s children to facilitate the program mainstreaming process.

• Consults with other District personnel, parents, and students regarding problems of children in the program.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides leadership in the development of processes, strategies, and feasibility planning, and recommends the necessary human and monetary resources in order to achieve the special education goals.

• Plans and implements procedures which effectively resolve conflicts and aids in coalition building processes.

• Assists school principals in the supervision and evaluation of special education teachers.

Background on the See Forever Foundation

See Forever (See Forever) opened in 1997, with the mission to create learning environments where young people who have not been successful in traditional schools will reach their potential.  We want our students to develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change in their communities.

See Forever currently runs a middle school and a high school under the Maya Angelou Public Charter School name.  Both campuses are located at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE in Washington D.C.  In 2007, we assumed operation of the education program at the District of Columbia’s long-term secure facility for youth who have been adjudicated delinquent, located in Laurel, MD.  The school is known as the Maya Angelou Academy within the New Beginnings Youth Development Center.  We also operate an affiliated Young Adult Learning Center in Washington, D.C. which will become a charter school in the fall of 2012 for youth who are between the ages of 16 and 24 years old, and who do not possess a high school credential.

The education program at the See Forever/Maya Angelou Public Charter School has a number of unique features.  Classes are small and, at the high school, they range in size from 5-15 students.  The middle school has an average class size of 22 students.  School days are extended, where possible, running into the evening.  Supplementary tutorial enrichment occurs in the evenings and/or on Saturdays.  We support year-round school activities for students.  Our schools have a strong mental health component as well, providing group counseling to all students and individual counseling as needed.  Our high school students at Maya Angelou also have the chance to learn job skills while on paid work assignments.

Our exceptional learning community is dedicated to providing every child with the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels of academic success. We serve a community of students with high special education needs who require a robust set of support services. Our school embraces an inclusion model to ensure that the needs of all students (those in both general and special education) can be met.

Our results show that we are achieving our goals.  At the Maya Angelou Schools, students transform “risk” into resilience, enabling them to outpace their peers and improve academically at rates that far exceed their previous pace of learning.

For additional information about See Forever, please visit:  www.seeforever.org.

Desired Skills, Characteristics and Experience

Ideal candidates should possess a master’s degree in special education or related subject areas from an accredited college/university and have had at least five years of experience in supporting students and providing services to students with special needs in an educational setting.  Experience in supervising teachers is also preferred.

In addition, ideal candidates should possess:

• Knowledge of special education programs and special education laws and reforms, as they pertain to the District of Columbia regulations for charter schools

• An expert understanding of the IEP process and the ability to facilitate IEP meetings

• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively with school personnel at all levels, as well as with students, parents, and interested stakeholders

• The ability to understand and interpret special education laws/guidelines

• Excellent written, oral communication and computer skills

• Strong organizational, time management and interpersonal skills

• The ability to accurately compile and access data, summarize information, and provide written reports.

Compensation

See Forever offers competitive salary and benefits, including health care coverage, a 403 (b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan.  Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and competitive with similar positions at other community-based nonprofit organizations of comparable size in Washington, D.C.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter, your resume, and contact information for three references by e-mail to hr@seeforever.org.  The subject line of the e-mail should indicate the position for which you are applying.  Cover letters, resumes, and references should be in MS Word, and sent in one e-mail attachment.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.  Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Principal responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Coordinating the development and implementation of IEPs within the guidelines of federal and DC laws

• Ensuring that IEPs are updated as needed and that appropriate services are provided.

• Serving as the Officially Designated Representative, when appropriate, for initial, interim and IEP review conferences and any other multidisciplinary team meetings

• Preparing  and disseminating correspondence and notices regarding all phases of IEP development and student records

• Providing in-service training to special education teachers and related service personnel.

Background on the See Forever Foundation 

See Forever (See Forever) opened in 1997, with the mission to create learning environments where young people who have not been successful in traditional schools will reach their potential.  We want our students to develop the academic, social, and employment skills they need to build rewarding lives and promote positive change in their communities.

See Forever currently runs a middle school and a high school under the Maya Angelou Public Charter School name.  Both campuses are located at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE in Washington D.C.  In 2007, we assumed operation of the education program at the District of Columbia’s long-term secure facility for youth who have been adjudicated delinquent, located in Laurel, MD.  The school is known as the Maya Angelou Academy within the New Beginnings Youth Development Center.  We also operate an affiliated Young Adult Learning Center in Washington, DC which will become a charter school in the fall of 2012 for youth who are between the ages of 16 and 24 years old, and who do not possess a high school credential.

The education program at the See Forever/Maya Angelou Public Charter School has a number of unique features.  Classes are small and, at the high school, they range in size from 5-15 students.  The middle school has an average class size of 22 students.  School days are extended, where possible, running into the evening.  Supplementary tutorial enrichment occurs in the evenings and/or on Saturdays.  We support year-round school activities for students.  Our schools have a strong mental health component as well, providing group counseling to all students and individual counseling as needed.  Our high school students at Maya Angelou also have the chance to learn job skills while on paid work assignments.

Our exceptional learning community is dedicated to providing every child with the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels of academic success. We serve a community of students with high special education needs who require a robust set of support services. Our school embraces an inclusion model to ensure that the needs of all students (those in both general and special education) can be met.

Our results show that we are achieving our goals.  At the Maya Angelou Schools, students transform “risk” into resilience, enabling them to outpace their peers and improve academically at rates that far exceed their previous pace of learning.

For additional information about See Forever, please visit:  www.seeforever.org.

Qualifications

Ideal candidates should possess a master’s degree in Special Education or related subject areas from an accredited college/university and have had at least three years of experience in supporting students and providing services to students with special needs in an educational setting.  A teaching certificate in special education is also preferred.

In addition, ideal candidates should possess:

• Knowledge of special education programs and special education laws and reforms, as they pertain to the District of Columbia

• An expert understanding of the IEP process

• The ability to work collaboratively and effectively with school personnel at all levels, as well as with students, parents, and interested stakeholders

• The ability to understand and interpret special education laws/guidelines with minimum assistance

• Excellent written, oral communication and computer skills

• Strong organizational, time management and human relation skills

• The ability to accurately compile and access data, summarize information and provide written reports.

Salary and Benefits

See Forever offers competitive salary and benefits, including health care coverage, a 403 (b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan.  Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and competitive with similar positions at other community-based nonprofit organizations of comparable size in Washington, D.C.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter, your resume, and contact information for three references by e-mail to newstaffjobs@seeforever.org.  The subject line of the e-mail should indicate the position for which you are applying.  Cover letters, resumes, and references should be in MS Word, and sent in one e-mail attachment.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.  Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

In partnership with the District’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, we are striving to make the Maya Angelou Academy a national model for educating youth who have been involved in the juvenile justice system. We have a wonderful, close-knit team, committed to making a difference in the lives of our scholars.

We are looking for a School Psychologist to provide a full range of school-related psychological services to the young men at the Maya Angelou Academy. This includes conducting screenings and assessments, designing remedial educational programs, and providing individual and group counseling to students. The School Psychologist will work with school staff, as well as parents and outside agencies as appropriate.  The School Psychologist will function as a member of the multi-disciplinary team to determine the scholar’s eligibility for special services, appropriate programming, and on-going progress.

Background on the See Forever Foundation and the Maya Angelou Academy

See Forever opened in 1997 to provide a small, nurturing education program for scholars who had not succeeded in traditional schools.  In addition to the Maya Angelou Academy, See Forever currently operates a middle school and high school in Washington, DC under the Maya Angelou Public Charter School name. Both schools are located in the former Evans Middle School at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE.  We also operate an affiliated Young Adult Learning Center.

We assumed operation of the Maya Angelou Academy (formerly the Oak Hill Academy) during the summer of 2007. Nearly all of the scholars are years behind grade level academically, many have special needs, and most have experienced significant trauma at some point in their lives.  At the Maya Angelou Academy, we aim to provide these scholars with the best education they have ever had.

Results at the Maya Angelou Academy are promising. Students are improving their English and math scores at an annualized rate nearing 1.5 grade levels per year. In addition, student retention post release has doubled during our tenure. The Academy has been called “one of the best” programs in a correctional setting by a national expert working for the court monitor.  The same expert termed the turnaround at the school under See Forever’s tenure ‘remarkable.” The Academy was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 2011.

For additional information about See Forever, please visit:  www.seeforever.org.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will report to the Principal of the Maya Angelou Academy and supervise the Special Education Coordinator and Special Education Case Managers.

Responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

1. Assessment and Interpretation

• Identifies and assesses the learning, development, and adjustment characteristics and needs of individuals and groups, as well as, the environmental factors that affect learning and adjustment.  Uses assessment data about the scholar and his/her environment(s) in developing appropriate interventions and programs.

• Provides information and advice on the developmental and learning needs of young people

• Assists IEP teams in determining special education scholars’ educational and psychological needs

• Assists in compiling manifestation determination reports and functional behavior assessments as needed

• Reviews all special education records of scholars

• Screens and evaluates referred children, including selecting appropriate instruments and administering tests, observations and writing reports which state the evaluation findings and provide for educational program recommendations

2. Direct Interventions for Scholars

• Provides interventions to scholars to support the teaching process and to maximize learning and adjustment.

• Assesses, advises and recommends appropriate intervention for the needs of young people

• Engages in individual therapeutic work with young people and their families

• Monitors the progress of scholars with Special Educational needs and advises staff on strategies to remove barriers to their learning

• Provides crisis counseling as needed

• Provides direct services through a variety of methods (e.g. classroom presentation, co-teaching in general education settings, in-services to staff/parents, etc.) as needed

3. Consultation and Training

• Provides consultation to parents, teachers, other school personnel, and community agencies to enhance the learning and adjustment of scholars.

• Provides other consultation services for regular and special education teachers and parents

• Provides collaborative consultation and documentation of results, including assisting basic education staff with suggestions and implementation of RTI, pre-referral intervention strategies, and recommendations and modifications to assist in working with special education scholars in the classroom setting

4. Program Development

• Assists in the planning, development, and evaluation of programs to meet identified learning and adjustment needs.

• Establishes and monitors the necessary caseloads, procedures, and resources to manage school psychologist services to scholars/staff and works cooperatively to accomplish the goals of the IEP

5. School Psychology Program Implementation

• Delivers a planned and coordinated program of psychological services.

6. Professional Practice and Development

• Applies ethics and standards of professional practice in the delivery of school psychological services and observes relevant laws and policies that govern practice.  Participates in professional organizations and continually seeks to improve professional knowledge and skill.

7. Communication and Relationship Skills

• Communicates effectively with scholars, parents, and school staff.

• Consults with parents, teachers, and other appropriate staff regarding a scholar’s program and any adaptations/materials needed to facilitate improved performance in the classroom or at home Qualifications

Candidates must meet DC licensure requirements as a school psychologist. In addition, candidates must have working knowledge of the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Act” and at least 3 years in practice.

Compensation

See Forever offers competitive salaries and benefits, including health care coverage, a 403 (b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan.  Salaries are comparable to those offered for similar positions at other community-based nonprofit organizations of comparable size in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references via e-mail to:  newstaffjobs@seeforever.org.  The cover letter should include your salary history and should highlight your relevant experience for the position.  Resumes and cover letters should be written in MS Word and sent in one e-mail attachment.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff. Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

In partnership with the District’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, we are striving to make the Maya Angelou Academy a national model for educating youth who have been involved in the juvenile justice system. We have a wonderful, close-knit team, committed to making a difference in the lives of our scholars.

We are looking for teachers with a record of excellence in teaching, an unrelenting belief that all students can achieve, and a commitment to using data to improve student achievement.

Background on the See Forever Foundation and the Maya Angelou Academy

See Forever opened in 1997 to provide a small, nurturing education program for scholars who had not succeeded in traditional schools.  In addition to the Maya Angelou Academy, See Forever currently operates a middle school and high school in Washington, DC under the Maya Angelou Public Charter School name. Both schools are located in the former Evans Middle School at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE.  We also operate an affiliated Young Adult Learning Center.

We assumed operation of the Maya Angelou Academy (formerly the Oak Hill Academy) during the summer of 2007. Nearly all of the scholars are years behind grade level academically, many have special needs, and most have experienced significant trauma at some point in their lives.  At the Maya Angelou Academy, we aim to provide these scholars with the best education they have ever had.

Results at the Maya Angelou Academy are promising. Students are improving their English and math scores at an annualized rate nearing 1.5 grade levels per year. In addition, student retention post release has doubled during our tenure. The Academy has been called “one of the best” programs in a correctional setting by a national expert working for the court monitor.  The same expert termed the turnaround at the school under See Forever’s tenure ‘remarkable.” The Academy was accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools in 2011.

For additional information about See Forever, please visit:  www.seeforever.org.

Responsibilities

All teachers will be expected to support the school-wide goals of emphasizing literacy, helping students develop their critical thinking abilities, and improving socio-emotional development.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

- Developing and implementing unit plans and assessments that are aligned both with DCPS standards and with the school-wide curricular framework at the Academy,

- Assessing individual learning styles and adapting teaching methods to fit those needs,

- Creating a classroom and school environment that features a rich diversity of resources, engages student interest, promotes student leadership and stimulates student learning,

- Having thoughtful approaches to teaching concepts and sparking student interest while also imparting essential factual knowledge,

- Managing administrative assignments effectively and with a high level of professionalism and integrity,

- Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings for all students, and

- Modeling and contributing to a school culture of hope and high expectations for achievement.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in education or subject field.

Eligibility for certification in the appropriate content area.

Experience working with incarcerated or at-risk youth.

Familiarity with research-based instructional strategies.

Highly-qualified as stipulated by NCLB in applicant’s core content area.

In addition, teacher 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 at school and beyond.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salaries with the Maya Angelou Academy are comparable to those paid by similar nonprofits in the Washington metropolitan area.  We have a robust benefits plan, including Health care coverage, a 403(b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please send your resume, a cover letter, and contact information for three references by e-mail to:  hr@seeforever.org.  The subject line of the e-mail should indicate the position for which you are applying. Resumes, cover letters and references should be in MS Word format and sent as one e-mail attachment.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer.  We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.  Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Teachers at See Forever are expected to support the school-wide goals of emphasizing literacy, helping students develop their critical thinking abilities, driving all students toward mastery and understanding, and helping students find their strengths and talents and use them to address weaknesses and overcome fears. There is an emphasis upon collecting and utilizing a broad range of data to drive instruction, and upon weaving social justice into instructional content and assessment.

Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

• Developing and implementing unit plans and assessments

• Assessing individual learning styles and adapting teaching methods to fit

• Working closely with parents and school professionals

• Creating a classroom and school environment that features a rich diversity of resources, engages student interest, promotes student leadership and stimulates student learning

• Having thoughtful approaches to teaching concepts and sparking student interest while also imparting essential factual knowledge

• Managing administrative assignments effectively and with a high level of professionalism and integrity

• Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings for all students,

• Modeling and contributing to a school culture of hope and high expectations for achievement, and

• Participating in enrichment activities, e.g. retreats, outings and evening events, as required to support the educational program.

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.  Currently we operate a middle school and high school, both located in the former Bruce Evans Middle School building at 57th and East Capitol Streets NE in Washington, DC.

See Forever also operates the Maya Angelou Academy in Laurel, MD — the school within the District of Columbia’s New Beginnings Youth Center for youth who have been adjudicated delinquent.  We also operate an affiliated Young Adult Learning Center in Washington, DC for youth between the ages of 16 and 24.

Our results show that we are achieving our goals.  At the Maya Angelou Schools, students transform “risk” into resilience, enabling them to outpace their peers and improve academically at rates that far exceed their previous paces of learning.

For more information about See Forever, please visit:  www.seeforever.org.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in education or subject field

Eligibility for certification in the appropriate content area

Teaching experience with at-risk youth

Familiarity with research-based instructional strategies

Highly-qualified as stipulated by No Child Left Behind in applicant’s core content area

Salary and Benefits
Starting salaries are comparable to those offered by other charter schools in the District of Columbia.  In addition, See Forever offers a robust benefits plan, including health care coverage, a 403(b) savings plan, and a computer purchase assistance plan.

To Apply
If you are interested in applying for a teaching position, please send your resume, a cover letter, and contact information for three references by e-mail to hr@seeforever.org.  The subject line of the e-mail should indicate the position for which you are applying.  Resumes, cover letters and references should be in MS Word, and sent by e-mail attachment.

See Forever is an equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse staff is a better, more effective staff.  Persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Good Morning, Council Chair Brown and Members of the Council, I would like to thank you for allowing me to testify in this hearing on behalf of the See Forever Foundation and Maya Angelou Schools.

My name is Ms. L’Tanya Y. Holley and I have had two boys, Jaren and Jarell, graduate from Maya Angelou Public Charter School (MAPCS). My relationship with MAPCS started with looking for a school for my oldest that had been enrolled in two high schools before his sophomore year. I was told that the Maya Angelou Public Charter Schools had small classes and that they not only educate the mind but they also educate socially and emotionally as well. I needed a school that was going to work with students and not give up at the first sight of a problem. I needed a school that was going to take that extra mile or two or three. I needed a school that was going to take an interest in each student and really get to know who they are and what makes them trick.

What I found in MAPCS was a school that never saw a “hard head” they didn’t like. They weren’t afraid of challenges.  Maya Angelou Public Charter School teaches students how to read, write, do math and all the other traditional courses but they also teach how to handle their emotions, how to act and/or behave in society and how to handle the emotions that can sometimes keep children from learning. They deal with the social and emotional issues that surround learning and living. They teach how to be a good citizen, a good person and a leader. They teach students that if you aren’t really for collage, if that isn’t their cup of tea then it’s OK. You can be successful but no matter what you do in life there is always going to be something that you need to learn, so let’s work on learning. Whatever levels your student is when they enroll; Maya will meet them and from that point help them to grow academically, socially and emotionally. That sets Maya Angelou Public Charter School apart from other schools.

When a student enrolls at MAPCS the family is enrolled. They work just as hard with the family as they do with the students. The parents are important to the school and they (staff & administrators) are willing help parents in any way that they can whether that is with helping them find a job, helping with applications for financial aid or helping them with some basic needs like food for the holiday. Social justice is a big part of what the Maya Angelou Public Charter School is about so they teach students the importance of helping and giving back to the community. They try to help the students to recognize social justice issues. After a project or even a lesson they are ask, “How can you apply what you just learned to social justice?” They force the students to think and see past what they just learned.  It’s not an easy task but they do it with diligence and with what they have to work with.

How much better would it be if they had a renovated building? The Maya Angelou Public Charter School needs a building with an up to date library and media center.  They need a building that can a have dedicated space for maybe a parent/family center where parents can come get help.  They need a building that has renovated gym for sports and an auditorium that has functioning lights, air conditioning/heating and sound systems for family nights, school performances and community activities. The school can have a restaurant grade kitchen for training. Think of a renovated school building that has a dedicated space for a Young Adult learning center where those in the community can work to get certified in different areas so they can become good role models for their kids and others.

When everyone else has given up on a student or just don’t want to take that extra mile; Maya Angelou will. They are doing amazing things with what they have but is it fair to the students, to the staff or to the neighborhood?  They deserve a renovated building. I do hope that you approve the disposition of this building. 

I forgot to mention that my youngest graduate of MAPCS, Jarell, is now enrolled in DC Fire/EMS Academy as a cadet. Jaren recognizes the importance of education and has completed several training courses and is currently and actively looking for employment.

Thank you for your time,

Ms. L’Tanya Y. Holley

My name is Luther J. Sewell, III, I am the Reading Coach and English Department Chairman for Maya Angelou Public Charter School, middle school campus. I am a recent District of Columbia Public School educator who has moved over to this wonderful school.  The position that Maya Angelou takes is truly the embodiment of what No Child Left Behind means.

Within my capacity at Maya Angelou I am responsible for the reading program Success for All, which is a program designed to raise students reading levels to their proper levels and to provide enrichment for those students who are on their proper levels.  Our SFA coach sings the praises of the staff every time she visits the school. She is thoroughly impressed with the staff’s commitment to the students, their willingness to adjust, adapt, and reflect to meet the needs of our students.

With the improvement of the building itself the environment will provide the teachers with greater incentive to impact the growth of our students. The upgrades within the building will allow every student the opportunity to access traditional and digital texts to improve upon their reading abilities.

I sincerely hope that you do approve the disposition of this facility. Thank you for allowing me the time to address you all.