2010

Annual

Fund Campaign

Everyone

Can Help

The Annual Campaign is the cornerstone of The Community School’s financial foundation.  It is how contributors from all backgrounds, from modest means to financially comfortable, assure that our students continue to have the opportunity to receive a rigorous academic education, improve their lives, and find success. Contributions to this campaign have ranged from $5.00 to $5,000 and every donation counts.

For more information:

Visit:  Ways to Give Webpage

Email: Donations@TCS-CAMP.com

Click Here: HOW YOU CAN HELP

Returning Volunteer Tutor Sarah Novotny works with students Evan Green and Larry Kearns

CONTRIBUTIONS

$46,698.08

as of 2/19/10

7/1/09-6/30/10

GOAL

$80,000

The students conducted a taste test of apple varieties to try to determine the ones to be stocked at the school.  Two kinds tied for 1st Place - Jon Gold’s and Honey crisp. (The apples were kindly supplied by Aduke Hubbard)

Newsflash 12/9/09 The last Sponsor Meeting of 2009 was held this evening at the school.  The meeting started with a photo slide show looking back at the 1st Trimester. It was hard for many to believe that so much took place in just a few months. Report cards were distributed and students and their sponsors met individually to discuss the results. When everyone came back together, Larry Kearns and Kimberly Smith were recognized for completing the trimester on the Honor Roll. They also received Perfect Attendance certificates along with classmates Evan Green and Amanda McCarty.  Also receiving recognition for 100% attendance were students Anthony Mulcahy and Tevin Thomas. All of the students were applauded for their hard work and success. Plans for the new trimester were discussed including a new health and nutrition initiative. Delicious food was provided by sponsors Angela Thomas and Mary Biggers. 

Newsflash 12/6/09 Sunday was a busy day for the students, families and supporters of The Community School as we were involved in two simultaneous events.  A contingent from the school marched in the Hampden Christmas Parade.  Students led the way with a new banner followed by marchers who gave out candy canes and handouts on the school to the crowd along the 2 mile route.   The students were sporting their new hoodies with the school logo emblazoned across the back.  After the parade, the marchers joined other members of the school community at the DIZZember Festival held at The Dizz in Remington. This event held by Dizz manager Elaine Stevens, and owners Tom & Darlene Basta was held to bring in the holiday season in Remington while raising money for The Community School. The highlight was the lighting of the Christmas tree and massive outdoor lighting display.  This was followed by cake and fireworks with local chef Duff from Charm City Cakes leading the way. Among the many guests was Reagan, the morning deejay from 106.5 radio station. It was a spirited event with crowds overflowing the streets and everyone enjoying a strong feeling of community fellowship and celebration.  What a perfect end to the day!

Newsflash 12/1/09 The students were invited again this year as guests of Tom & Jacque Iacoboni to the Associated Italian-American Charities annual banquet. On hand were fellow AIAC members and active school supporters Felix Dialoiso and Chris Mazzulli and friend of the school, football legend Lenny Moore. Advisory Board members Ken Bancroft and Peggy Lashbrook also joined the students. This event is a wonderful expression of the local Italian community as they give back to help others find the same success that their parents and grandparents found as immigrants in this city. Dozens of scholarships were awarded along with donations to many community and charitable causes including our school. All of the students took to the stage to receive the contribution and student Anthony Mulcahy spoke for the class in expressing our appreciation. Tom Iacoboni and AIAC have been a cornerstone to The Community School’s financial stability over these past 7 years and their support is deeply appreciated. Grazie Mille!

Newsflash 12/1/09 The school received word today that The Abell Foundation has renewed their support again for the school. We appreciate their partnership and confidence over the years.

Decorating for the Holidays

December 5, 2009

United Methodist Women

Good Shepherd Church

Newsflash 12/14/09 The students were visited today by the United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd Church in Hampden. This group of women and men have become known as the “grandparents” of the students since they first adopted the class last year. They brought gifts for each student along with warm Christmas wishes.  This consistent care and personal support means a lot to the students and the school and we are very thankful.

Newsflash 12/17/09 Our friends from The Dizz - Elaine Stevens and Tom & Darlene Basta, presented a check for $2,010 as the proceeds from the first annual Dizzember Festival.  Not only did they put on a great event for the neighborhood, but also spread the word about the school. The Dizz underwrote all of the expenses for this fundraiser so 100% of the proceeds would go into the classroom.  We deeply appreciate the folks at The Dizz and all of the patrons and friends who supported this terrific festival and fundraiser.

Newsflash 12/17/09 The Community School held its Annual Holiday Open House last night to an overflowing crowd.  The cold weather was more than overcome by the warmth of all of those present - students, families, sponsors, volunteers, alumni, board members, supporters and community members. Among the many people present were Susama Agarwala & Daniel Berger with their newborn son Ujan who came in from Los Angelos for the occasion. For the 2nd year in a row we had the fire pit in the back yard where folks gathered to roast marshmallows and cook over the fire. There was a wonderful spread of food and the plentiful decorations made for a magical atmosphere. It was a terrific evening of food, fellowship, and fun.  Thanks to all who came and the many volunteers who decorated, set up, prepared foods, cleaned up, and helped make the event  such a success.

Newsflash 12/17/09 Everyone gathered around at the Open House for the drawing of the winning tickets for the Holiday Gift Basket Raffle.  This successful raffle developed by sponsors Shiela Sadler & Gina Linebarger had 2 winners - 1st Prize to V. Leon and 2nd Prize to Ruth Garrett.  Appreciation goes out to all of those who sold and bought the raffle tickets, those who donated food for the baskets, and the companies donating gift certificates: Giant, Red Lobster, Sandy’s Bargain Center, 36th Street Station and Angelo’s Carry Out. Appreciation also goes out to Peggy Lashbrook and our friends at Networks for the printing. Every $1 ticket sold went directly into the school.

DIZZember Festival

December 6, 2009

Newsflash 1/7/10 The students returned to school from winter break and jumped right into their studies. A new student, Brianna Patrick, was welcomed into the class. The first phase of the newly launched 2010 Health Initiative is now under way.  This phase is aimed at improving the nutrition of the students and includes new healthier snack offerings, cooked-from-scratch healthful foods, and eliminating high calorie/low nutrition foods. We are asking all sponsors and supporters who are able, to pledge to cook a meal one Monday during the term. For more information about this initiative Click Here. The second phase of this plan will be implemented on January 25th and will focus on physical movement and education.  We will use the gym down the street 2 days a week which is kindly being provided by The Greenmount School. The third phase of this plan involves nutrition education.  Kate Culotta will kick this off during a 4 week session in March with the goal to link nutrition, meal planning and food shopping on a budget. This effort at improving health is all supported by the year long health curriculum that in the 2009/1010 term is focused on Creative Living Skills - a daily health education curriculum that ranges from personal growth and interpersonal skills to consumer and wellness issues.

Newsflash 1/11/10 The students were visited by the wonderful men and women from the Good Shepherd United Methodist Women today.  They brought a delicious feast for the students’ lunch consisting of roasted ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, fruit salad and more. This helped support our 2010 Health Initiative. A surprise presentation of a check for $1,370 was given to help fund the higher education scholarship fund that was started last spring. These funds were raised as a memorial in honor of a member of their congregation who recently passed, William E. Mills. Mr. Mills was a strong believer in the value of education and his family felt that this was a fitting tribute to him. We appreciate this legacy to Mr. Mills, the kindness of his family, and the love and generosity that the United Methodist Women share with us.

Newsflash 1/15/10 Day school students Amanda McCarty, Evan Green, Freddy Chilcote (all pictured at left filling out applications) and Anthony Mulcahy signed up for early enrollment at Baltimore City Community College today. They will all take courses at the college concurrent with their day classes at the Community School.

Newsflash 1/15/10 Kyle Stevens joined the college Support Program at The Community School and began registration for classes at Baltimore City Community College.  The College Support Program not only provides ongoing support to graduates from our school, but also provides support to all who want to continue their education.

Newsflash 1/16/10 Scholarships at Baltimore City Community College for 7 of our students were announced today by Karen Greenwood from the Office of Student Financial Aid at the college.  These scholarships were all made possible by the kindness and advocacy of TCS Advisory Board member and Baltimore City councilwoman, Mary Pat Clarke. Recipients of these partial scholarships are: Justin Switzer, Samantha Sloat, Amanda McCarty, Freddy Chilcote, Evan Green, Anthony Mulcahy, and Kyle Stevens. Thank you Councilwoman Clarke and Ms Greenwood and Congratulations to The Community School recipients!

Newsflash 1/29/10 School graduate and participant in our College Support Program, Kristophor Watt, was honored tonight for achieving his rank as an Eagle Scout.  The Annual Recognition Dinner of the Baltimore Council of the Boy Scouts of America was held at the B & O Museum with representatives from the entire region on hand.  Kris was also part of the Color Guard for last night’s event and led the scout oath for all those present. Congratulations Kris.

Amanda, Anthony, Freddy, & Evan attending their 1st class in college

Newsflash 1/28/10 The Community School will begin Phase 2 of Health initiative 2010 with our first of twice a week physical education classes starting February 2nd. The classes are held at The Greenmount School which has kindly donated the space through Stephen Warner, the head of the school. We are pleased to announce the addition to our staff of  Kelly Subotich as our physical education instructor.  Kelly brings her experience as an athletic director at Roland Park Country School to our students.  Phase 1 of the Health Initiative has been going very well with the substitution of healthier foods and addition of home cooked meals.  Special thanks to June Fisher, Carolyn Miller, Sande Riesett, Aduke & Risasi Hubbard, Carol Martin, Carol Berman, Peggy Lashbrook , Angela McCarty, the United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd Church and Tom Culotta for preparing meals in January.  Welcome Aboard Kelly and kudos to our students for their commitment to a healthier 2010.

Kristoph0r  Watt with his father Bob at the BSA Annual Recognition Dinner

Newsflash 1/26/10 There was a meeting of the Board of Trustees tonight at the school. In addition to reviewing updates on program and administration, the Trustees made adjustments to the FY10 Budget and preparations for the next fiscal year. There was particular interest in the development of the Health Initiative 2010 plan and the new early college enrollment program.

Blizzard

of

2010

First Gym Class

February 2, 2010

Newsflash 2/18/10 The strain on so many of our families from losing income during the recent snow storms brought the students and school community into immediate action. Money and food donations were raised on very short notice to try to replenish the HWRMW (Hampden/Woodberry/Remington/Mount Washington) Food Pantry located at Hampden United Methodist Church on Falls Road. The pantry provides food rations and limited emergency assistance to families in our area.  If you need help during this difficult time, then please visit the pantry which operates every Wednesday.  If you can give help, then join with us as we continue our drive to raise food and dollars to go directly into the community through the kind hands of the volunteers at the pantry. We delivered a big load of food to the pantry today along with a check from members of the school community who designated funds to emergency relief. A warm thank you to all of those who responded to this appeal. 

Newsflash 2/16/10 While most schools in the area were closed, students at The Community School were glad to get back to their classes.  On Monday, our first day back from the storm, we had perfect attendance with all of the students showing up early for school. All of the program volunteers returned with the same vigor.  Thanks everyone!

Others may have school delays or closings, but a little snow doesn’t prevent the students of TCS from getting an education.

Newsflash 2/21/10 There was a lively Pot Luck Dinner at the school tonight with students, family, volunteers, and supporters enjoying plenty of good food and fellowship. Everyone was glad to get together again especially after the storms that kept so many in their homes. During the dinner some watched a replay of the Opening Ceremony of the Winter Olympics that was on the big screen. This was the last event of the winter.

Newsflash 2/23/10 Adam Goldsmith, Julie Rosenberg, Josh Goldsmith and Wendy Samat, all from the Goldsmith Foundation, visited the school today.  After observing class, everyone stopped to share about themselves and then engage in a discussion about experiences with school and education.  We deeply appreciate our relationship with The Goldsmith Foundation and their consistent support of the school over these past 4 years.

Newsflash 2/25/10 The Advisory Board held their midterm meeting tonight.  The evening started with sharing dinner and conversation for those that could attend early. The meeting was convened by Advisory Board Chairperson, Sherry Welch. After receiving an update report on program and administration given by Tom Culotta, the group proceeded to discuss ways that it can help the school. A new initiative of house parties to build support for the school and thank current supporters was presented by Peggy Lashbrook and enthusiastically endorsed by everyone. Sherry recognized all of the ways that Advisory Board members support the school. To better equip the members in their role as Ambassadors to the broader community, everyone was encouraged to spend a few hours at the school during each term to observe the class in action. The Advisory Board will have its annual discussion lunch with the students in April. New Advisory Board member Fleesie Hubbard was welcomed at the meeting along with fellow new members Susama Agarwala and Daniel Berger who are in California. We are very thankful for all of the kind efforts of this very involved Advisory Board.