Clark Scholars Win 1st Place in Chess Tournment

Chess is one of the most challenging and intriguing games to develop critical thinking and strategy skills.  Five 2nd and 3rd grade scholars competed in the 2009 Galludet University National Chess Academy  Championship  on October 31st.  Volunteer chess teacher, Peter Clare, Founder of  CollegeTribe, a nonprofit with a mission to prepare boys and young men for college, has taught chess the last four years at Septima Clark.

 From left to right.  Devin Prince, 2nd grade, placed 3rd in the K to 3rd grade division. Matthew McDavid, 3rd grade, placed 1st in the K to 3rd grade division; Steven Woolen, 3rd Grade, placed 9th of 20 players in the 4th to 6th grade division; Anthony Travers, 3rd grade, placed 3rd in K to 3rd grade division; Deonte Booker, 3rd grade, placed 7th of 20 players in the 4th to 6th grade division.  Septima Clark PCS won the overall 1st place trophy for the tournment. More than 40 students from across Washington, DC competed.

 KPMG and First Book Team Up for Clark Scholars' Reading Adventure

KPMG Staff and Interns from Howard University with Clark Scholars enjoyed a wonderful morning of creative activities and great story book reading.  KPMG in partnership with First Book, a national nonprofit providing new books to children in need addressing one of the most important factors affecting literacy – access to books, provide two books each to our 133 scholars.  KPMG volunteers spent time reading with our scholars and making fabulous book marks.   Thank you KPMG and First Book for your generousity.

Advisory Board Company Staff Share a Day of Service with Scholars and Staff

Thirty members of the Advisory Board Company H*Works staff enjoyed a lively and engaging day of service with the scholars and staff of Septima Clark PCS on October 15, 2009.  H*Works staff toured the school then got down to business reading and sharing their favorite stories with kindergarten to 3rd grade scholars.  The service day had a unique twist.  H*Works staff spent several hours working with the Septima Clark leadership team on an intellectual service project.  The project was designed to apply the H*Works core competencies in change management to resolving a leadership challenge the Septima Clark team faces.  "Intellectual service is often an overlooked opportunity for companies to support nonprofit organizations," stated Jenny DuFresne, Head of School.  "In just two hours, the H*Works team helped us develop structures to increase our productivity and communication."

 Scholars Learn the Law at ReedSmith

Our scholars enjoyed a great learning experience at the law firm ReedSmith.  Scholars learned about all the different types of law that lawyers can practice.  When asked, "Who wants to be a lawyer?" Every scholar raised his hand!  Thank you A. Scott Bolden, Managing Partner and Keith Coleman, Attorney, for a great visit!
 

Septima Clark Scholars Honored at Architect in Schools Program

Scholars from Ms. Murrell's 1st grade participated in the Washington Architectural Foundation's Architects in the School's Program.  This is the second year our fabulous architect Ms. Jyh-Mei Lee worked with our budding architects.

 Washington Redskins and the El Foundation Visit Septima Clark Scholars

Septima Clark Scholars enjoyed a GREAT suprise and treat when Washington Redskin's Wide Receiver Antwan Randel El from the El Foundation, along with Redskins players, representatives from Dick's Sporting Goods, and the U.S. Marines shared some winter warmth with us during the winter coat drive.