2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT
SCHOLARSHIPS,
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The WI Quick Guide to Funding Private School and College PRESENTED BY
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
NEWSPAPER READING IS A HABIT DON’T BREAK THE HABIT!
Education to Transform Life – You’ve Got This! By Shantella Y. Sherman WI Special Editions Editor As a child, I was often reminded that the purpose of education was not to earn a high school diploma and college degree in order to get a good job and earn money. That process was merely to afford a person a living. In my grandparents’ wisdom, the stress began and remained on education as a means of demonstrating discipline over ones mind, power over ones environment, and the freedom to live most fully. Books became open doors and gateways to distance lands, remarkable people (past, present and future) and a gauge for my own potential. Nothing excited me more than looking through the now-defunct Who’s Who in America and examining the number of careers a single person established in one lifetime. Some great folks had three, four, even five careers – to all of which they brought amazing aptitude, earned awards and accolades, and left a hallmark for others to follow. Education, then, like now, undergirds social progress, both inside and outside the classroom. But W.E.B. DuBois once noted that in tribal African societies “…education was completely integrated with life. There could be no uneducated people. There could be no education that was not at once for use in earning a living and for
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In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
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use in living a life.” To the Class of 2019, your learning has already transformed you in ways that make others stop and stare in amazement. It’s in the gaze of elders who were kept from schools because there were no Pell Grants or student loan programs offered for them. They are counting on you to do what they could not. It’s in the smiles of your parents who may have had to take night classes, or juggle marriage and children alongside degree earning – but who get to send you away to a campus to focus full-time on your education. It’s even in the laughs and giggles I get from my classmates -- the Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1988 – who 30 years ago, took on the world and did a fair bit of butt-kicking through degrees, careers, and now, families of their own. Class of 2019, you’ve got this! Get those applications, entrance essays, letters of recommendation, and fees together! No excuses! Just think, 30 years ago, we had to do the research for our topics using a library card catalog, contact prospective universities by mail (no email and no websites), our essays had to be typed on typewriters, and thank God, Mrs. Maria Pavilides, Wilson’s typing and business instructor, had the school invest in self-correcting IBM Selectric typewriters or our entrance packets would still be incomplete. That said, as thousands of District-area students begin the final leg of senior year, many are facing pressures to matriculate from a familiar system to the new terrain of college and university life. Fear not. There are many of us on this side of the finish line and lining the streets who are proud of you, are cheering you on, and are prepared to offer necessary encouragement and support, so that you may endure to the end of the race. This Washington Informer Quick Guide will help you and your parents condition those muscles and tone those minds for the work ahead. Once again, with pride and conviction, You’ve got this!
"Washington Informer Quick Guide will help you and your parents condition those muscles and tone those minds for the work ahead. Once again, with pride and conviction, You’ve got this!"
Read, Learn & Enjoy. Dr. S www.washingtoninformer.com / 2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018
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Prepping for the Future By Lee Ross Special to the WI Millions of African-American students across the country face the daunting task of navigating the college entrance process with little more than the assistance of guidance counselors and wordof-mouth information. Many, who represent the first members of their families to seek higher education, do so under extreme pressure and anxiety. To alleviate that stress, The Washington Informer spoke with Natascha F. Saunders, whose organization, The Youth Career Coach Inc. works to ensure all students are self-aware and “market-ready.” Saunders, who holds degrees from Northeastern University, Johnson & Wales, and the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, said their goal is “to teach students how to start, excel, and navigate their careers.” This quick guide should help students and parents familiarize themselves with best-practices that will prep them for a future in academia. WI: Many African-American students are first-generation college applicants and may feel an additional level of anxiety in navigating applications, writing personal statements, and securing letters of recommendation. While guidance counselors can offer much in the way of filling out applications, etc., what strategies would you offer a student to work through self-doubt or fear of pushing forward? NS: As a first-generation college graduate who has gone on to pursue multiple degrees the tips that worked for me and my students include: Write a vision statement. This consists of future goals written as though you have already achieved them, and it must begin with I AM. Memorize. Before I was an entrepreneur I had already said it daily. You must call your goals into existence. If I saw you tomorrow you should be able to recite your vision. Build. You need adults and like-minded friends who can support you and hold you accountable. Write out daily, weekly, and monthly goals. If you are going to apply to college, find scholarships and secure letters of recommendations you need
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a list with hard deadlines.
SCIENCE TIP:
When you write out your goals it improves something your memory does called, ‘encoding’. Neuroscientists say when you write you increase your chances of remembering; thereby attaining. Lastly, pushing past negatively starts within you. For a template on how to write a vision statement and map out goals one can be purchased for only .99 cents at www.theyouthcareercoach.com WI: Are there specific organizational tips you would offer students in applying for school and financial assistance to ensure that all boxes are ticked and deadlines are met? NS: Getting organized to apply to college means creating a system. Here are the 4 W’s to creating your system: When - decide the best days and times to do college planning. Is one hour before or after school, or Saturday mornings going to work? Be consistent and schedule it on your phone. Where - locations should be consistent till move in day. Is the kitchen table, bedroom, dining room, buying a folding table and using a corner of the refrigerator the best places to work and keep information? Who - it’s essential that you build a team of counselors, family, coaches, etc. and determine who can help with what. What - using alphabetized folders is crucial. Inside each folder organize the following: teacher recommendations, colleges by name and in each folder have admission representatives, due dates, notes, transcripts, application paper copies, essays), SAT/ACT dates, and FAFSA should have their own folder. Lastly, in order to ensure deadlines are met I suggest parents and students ask their guidance counselor for a college timeline by grade. A startup list for college timelines by grade, college planning timelines for parents, and college planning timelines for adults looking to go back to school can be found here: https://www.petersons.com/blog/college-planning-timelines/ - you use in discussions with guidance and admissions at target schools.
NEED MONEY?
important students know informed decisions are only made with accurate data. If you don’t know what you want to do first it’s because you haven’t taken the time to gather enough data.
Book recommendation: The Parents Smart Guide to Sending you Kids to College without Going Broke By: Gwen Thomas http://www.freshperspectivesseminars.org/
3 TIPS FOR THE UNDECIDED:
https://jlvcollegecounseling. com/scholarships/ http://www.theyouthcareercoach.com/scholarships.html
WI: In your work as a youth career coach, what methods do you use to help "undecided" students who have yet to determine their career paths, figure out where their strengths and passions rest? What can parents do to aid their teens and young adults in managing their school and career options? NS: I was that ‘undecided’ student who took courses from three different majors in college. The method I use to help my undecided students is to encourage them to try one thing at a time and keep notes. Its
Read books, articles and websites on each career interest and review what was learned with an adult. Set out with the help of an adult to interview at least three (5) people in each field you have an interest. Follow leaders in your interest areas on social media. Volunteer, shadow-for-a day and obtain internships in each area of interest. It may seem like a lot, but it will pay off in the end. Lastly, parents did you know that 78 percent of teenagers list their parents as the biggest influence on their career choices. If you are not sure where to begin download for FREE: Inside Jobs' Career Exploration for
Teens: A Parent Guide to Starting the Career Conversation at http://www.theyouthcareercoach.com Career Coaching services are provided virtually and workshops are provided in person or through webinars. Learn more at www. theyouthcareercoach.com | Follow CEO Natascha on Twitter @ TaschaSaunders BTS
DOES YOUR SCHOOL HAVE THE NEXT D.C. WINNER? 37 TH ANNUAL WASHINGTON INFORMER SPELLING BEE OPEN TO STUDENTS IN GRADES 3 - 8 DC PUBLIC, CHARTER, PRIVATE, PAROCHIAL AND HOME SCHOOLS ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE EARLY BIRD ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 16, 2018 REGULAR ENROLLMENT: OCTOBER 17 2018 - DECEMBER 14, 2018
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2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018 / www.washingtoninformer.com
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Open Letter to Mayor Muriel Bowser from Elizabeth Davis, President of the Washington Teachers’ Union, on Selection of New D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Mayor Bowser:
evaluation system. We need a teacher development and evaluation system that helps teachers strengthen their skills and grow professionally. • Demanding equitable funding so that the schools with the most challenging problems get the help and resources they need. • Collaborating with each school to develop its own plan for how best to create a dynamic, trusted, innovative learning culture. This is the opposite of the failed management system of top-down mandates. • Committing to community schooling with wraparound services to help students overcome obstacles to learning. This could include providing school-based healthcare and other family needs, extended-day and extended-year offerings, greater family involvement, and empowering teachers to innovate. • Using data honestly to learn what works and what doesn’t, so that we don’t continue to make the same educational policy mistakes. • Encouraging a respectful and trusting school environment for all school staff, students, families and community members. • Building strong neighborhood schools and working strategically to build enrollment. We are at a crucial moment for the D.C. public schools. It would be senseless to keep repeating mistakes that do a disservice to our students and their future. In selecting a new school district leader, please do not cling to the status quo that would continue a failed, top-down, simplistic metrics-obsessed, punitive system that hurt our children and destroy teacher morale. The evidence shows that this has not worked for our students, families, teachers, communities and taxpayers. We urge an open search process that includes a representative group of teachers, WTU representatives, principals, parents and public education advocates. We need the right person to lead us to a new school reform culture because our students cannot afford to wait another decade.
Washington families and communities are facing yet another leadership upheaval for the District of Columbia Public Schools. This summer, you likely will recommend to the DC Council a new Deputy Mayor for Education and a new DCPS chancellor. After surveying our members and coalition partners, it is imperative that we get it right this time. The public is frustrated with multiple bad choices, multiple misguided education reforms and multiple scandals—all of which could have been prevented with smart choices, effective education reforms and genuine collaboration with DCPS educators in policymaking and top personnel decisions. Mayor Bowser, the law requires you to appoint a chancellor review panel that includes representatives of the Washington Teachers’ Union, teachers, parents and students to help you select a new chancellor. If this panel included the people who are closest to the classroom and to our students, they would push for a candidate who is committed to collaborating with all stakeholders (not use a top-down, dictatorial style); who supports an education culture centered on teaching and learning (not on test scores); who wants to engage with the community (not shut out the voices of parents and families); who supports an equitable funding system (so that students who struggle the most get the most resources); who believes in honesty and transparency; and who genuinely supports educators through actions, not just words. DCPS must press the reset button. Since the much-criticized, scandal-ridden administration of Michelle Rhee and Kaya Henderson, not much has changed. We’ve basically had Rhee 2.0 and 3.0. We need real improvement in student achievement, not dishonest numbers to make things appear better than they are. We need someone who trusts and support DCPS educators and wants to work with them, not fight them at every turn. DCPS needs to think outside the box and hire a chancellor cut from a different Elizabeth Davis, President mold. Our school system needs a chancellor who supports a school reform culture Washington Teachers’ Union, AFT Local 6 that includes: DC parents and education supporters are invited to join the We the People Alliance to • Using a rich, broad curriculum. • Ensuring a stable, high-quality staff of teachers and principals. This includes Improve Math Literacy in DC Schools by emailing or calling to Dr. Terence Ngwa at repairing or replacing—with the collaboration of teachers—the punitive IMPACT tngwa@wtulocal6.net or (202) 517-0729.
www.washingtoninformer.com / 2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018
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Tips for Setting Deadlines, Securing Recommendations, and Personal Statements WI Staff Report Guidance counselors across the country recommend students become aggressively engaged in their college selections before their senior year begins, and strategically approach application deadlines to ensure they do not become overwhelmed. Here are tidbits from a few of those plans.
SUMMER BEFORE SENIOR YEAR
Summer is the perfect time before the chaos of September
rolls around for you to start the preliminary phases of college admissions. Schedule tour visits for any college campuses that you have not yet visited and make notes that can be used to eventually narrow down your choices. Start considering which of your teachers would write a strong letter of recommendation. Take time to look over the Common Application and begin brainstorming some topics that you could use for your personal essay
or personal statement.
OCTOBER THROUGH JANUARY
During these four months, you’ll complete the bulk of the college application process. It’s best to meet with your school’s guidance counselor for assistance in creating a chart of important deadlines to stay on track. An incomplete application will ruin your chances for acceptance, so make certain your college essay is in tiptop shape, request your high school transcript, and send your ACT or SAT scores accordingly. Determine which teachers or community leaders would provide the best letters of recommendation or community service letters and solicit them from those parties as soon as possible. If you’re applying for early decision, you’ll likely need to complete your entire application by November. Otherwise, you’ll have until the end of December or beginning of January to submit for regular admissions. In order to receive the highest possible amount of financial aid, you should
also submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as January 1st.
MAKE A CALENDAR.
Preferably a big calendar—one that you will see on a regular basis. While it might seem like having to look at all the deadlines would be stressful, it is much worse to be unsure of when everything needs to be done. Make sure to put both “hard” deadlines, like the dates the colleges want your applications, and “soft” deadlines, such as when you want to ask your teachers for letters of recommendation.
ASK FOR A LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION EARLY IN THE PROCESS.
If you are reading this before your senior year, bring up the idea now with the teachers you would like to ask come September. Your teachers are human beings too, and if you ask them late and after they have already promised 20+ letters, they might not be able to write you one. Also, once
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2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018 / www.washingtoninformer.com
they have agreed to do it, try not to bug them about it. Yours isn’t the only letter they have to write, so just be patient and trust that they will uphold their end of the bargain.
SPEND TIME THINKING ABOUT THE ESSAY BEFORE YOU WRITE IT.
Sitting down and staring at a blank word document is very stressful. Start by thinking about what you want to write about, and what might make you unique or stick in the mind of the reader. Don’t try to guess what the admissions officers want to read; you will end up with a significantly less meaningful (and by extension, helpful) essay. If you cannot decide between a few topics, try to write a quick rough draft for each of them. You will find very quickly that some topics are difficult to make strong essays out of. Ask for help. Even when you believe you have put your best foot forward, human error can occur. Always ask a guidance counselor, teacher, parent, or trusted ally to read over your work – especially essays. This will allow you necessary feedback and perhaps, even a voice of support and encouragement. BTS
New STEAM Books to Inspire Learning and Creativity (StatePoint) Keep the excitement of the new school year going by finding fun ways to encourage learning at home. Consider introducing interactive and engaging books into your household that make STEAM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) more accessible. Whether your children are reluctant readers or learning enthusiasts, these books will entertain budding scientists and inspire kids to make things and be creative.
BACKYARD LABORATORY
Go on a journey of discovery in your backyard with “Maker Lab: Outdoors,” which offers 25 science projects and experiments that can be done outside, helping kids develop science skills through hands-on learning. Projects focus on Earth and the environment, plants, animals, weather, water and physics. Young scientists can build a wormery and learn about compost, crack rocks with water and learn about freezing and thawing,
build and launch a water rocket to see Newton’s laws in action, and more. Photography and succinct step-by-step instructions make this a must-have for every young maker curious about his or her surroundings.
SCIENCE FICTION MEETS FACT
Ever wanted to move things without touching them, like a Jedi? Or grow a kyber crystal? Now that’s possible with “Star Wars Maker Lab,” a book which teaches aspiring Padawans how to become science masters through 20 projects -- from making Jabba’s gooey slime to making a glowing Gungan Globe of Peace. Fact-filled panels explain real-world scientific principles as well as the “Star Wars” science fiction from the movies.
ROBOT HISTORY
From automata created by Leonardo Da Vinci to modern-day androids and animal robots, “Robot” covers artificial intelligence (AI) throughout history. Discover cutting edge robotics, where science, technol-
ogy and mechanical engineering meet. Through bright graphics and stunning photography, learn how robots work, how they’re made, and how they help and sometimes hinder society. A thematic approach covers a range of subjects, including the most iconic robots in popular culture and robots in the workforce, as well as the future of robotics.
FOR YOUNGER MAKERS
Young readers will love getting in on the fun with “Junior Maker,” a cool supplement to classroom learning that encourages hands-on interactivity and play. With clear step-by-step instructions and photos, young children learn about nature, history, wildlife and space through activities, crafts and experiments. Projects include watching a homemade volcano erupt, building a storm in a jar and taking a trip back in time to see how the Roman legionaries conquered their enemies.
REAL-WORLD INSPIRATION
“How to Be an Engineer,” offers clearly explained engineer-
/Photo courtesy WavebreakMediaMicro/stock.Adobe.com
ing concepts, and fun, simple projects, to give kids ages 7-9 the chance to put their STEAM knowledge to the test. Build a robot arm out of rulers; learn about jet propulsion with balloons; crush toilet-paper rolls to explore materials; and more. Read about how engineers use STEAM sub-
jects and their imaginations to think critically and solve problems. Get inspired by engineering heroes such as Nikola Tesla, Mae Jemison, and Elon Musk. To make STEAM learning fun and fascinating, stock up on books that spark kids’ creativity. BTS
www.washingtoninformer.com / 2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018
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Planning for the 2019-20 School Year Begins Now My School DC encourages families to learn about their school options before applying Back to school season is in full swing, but it is not too early to think ahead to next school year, said Cat Peretti, Executive Director of My School DC, the District’s public school lottery. “It may seem soon, but families can start exploring school options now, especially if they’re thinking of enrolling their children in a free public pre-K program, entering the school system for the first time, or transitioning schools,” Peretti said. Not sure where to start? The School Finder on MySchoolDC.org is a great first step. It allows families to search by address, grade, and program type, generating a school list tailored to their needs that can include both traditional
and public charter schools. Families can also locate their in-boundary schools with this tool. Peretti encourages families to visit schools on that list. “It’s the best way to get a feel for the school and get to know the teachers and staff,” Peretti said. Many schools offer open houses for families to come to the school, ask questions, and see the classrooms. Open house schedules will be available on MySchoolDC.org and school websites in the fall. “It’s useful to talk with neighbors and friends about the schools they’d like to attend,” Peretti said. “Their insights can be valuable for school decisions.”
If a physical visit to the school is challenging, My School DC provides families with more ways to learn about their public school options. Families can attend EdFEST, the District’s public school fair, Saturday, December 8, 2018, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at DC Armory. The fair provides families the opportunity to talk with representatives from more than 200 DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools to find the best fit for their students. The fair provides other wraparound services, including immunizations from the Department of Health and information about DC’s new school report card tool from the Office of the State Superintendent of Education.
SAVE THE DATE!
DC’S PUBLIC SCHOOL FAIR Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018 | 11AM – 3PM DC Armory | 2001 E Capitol St SE FREE Admission and Parking
A family visiting a school booth at last year’s EdFEST. This year’s event will be held Dec. 8. /Photo courtesy My School DC
The lottery application opens two days after EdFEST, on Monday, December 10, 2018. While there is no advantage to applying early in the application window, families must apply by the application deadlines: February 1, 2019 for grades 9-12 and March 1, 2019 for grades PK3-8. Families can apply to up to 12 schools on the My School DC lottery application. Peretti said that having a list of schools ready and ranked in the order they like most is helpful for families when filling out the application. “When making your list, think about what is most important to your family,” Peretti said. “What types of academic or extracurricular programs does the school offer? Will the commute to school make it easy for your child to be on time every day? Is before and after care offered? Consider these questions when making your list, and then list the schools in the order you like them.” Students applying to DCPS selective high schools must prepare to submit other documents required by the schools, such as report cards and essays. These requirements are listed on MySchoolDC.org. Families need to apply to a school through My School DC if their child will be new at: 1) a participating public charter school (PK3-12); 2) a DCPS school outside their boundary or feeder pattern (PK3-12); 3) a PK3 or PK4 program at any DCPS school (including the child’s in-boundary school); or 4) a DCPS selective high school. Families do not need to submit an application if their child will remain in his or her current school or attend their DCPS
“It may seem soon, but families can start exploring school options now, especially if they’re thinking of enrolling their children in a free public pre-K program, entering the school system for the first time, or transitioning schools.” Cat Peretti Executive Director My School DC in-boundary or feeder school for kindergarten through 12th grade. My School DC offers a hotline for families who need help with their application or school search in their language. Families can call (202) 888-6336 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, many community-based organizations around the District and local libraries, have staff who are trained to help families navigate the lottery. “We want to make sure all District families have the information and resources they need to participate in the school lottery,” Peretti said. “Our goal is to make the school application process simple and accessible, and to help families find that school they will call my school.” BTS
www.washingtoninformer.com / 2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018
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PGCPS Pride: New Leader Aims to Start New Conversation A familiar face is leading Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) into the 2018-19 academic year. For Dr. Monica Goldson, a 27year county schools veteran, the weeks since her appointment as Interim Chief Executive Officer have been a blur of intense preparations for the first day of school, Sept. 4. “Our hands are on the ground. Our feet are running,” she said. “We are moving feverishly to make sure we have bus drivers ready to pick up our children on time, food service workers ready to prepare school meals and teachers ready to deliver the curriculum on the very first day.” Only the second woman to lead the school system, Dr. Goldson grew up in the county and attended Barnaby Manor Elementary, John Hanson Junior High and Potomac High School. A graduate of three historically black universities – Florida A&M (bachelor’s degree), Bowie State (master’s degree) and Howard (doctorate) – Dr. Goldson comes from a family of educators. She has spent her entire 27-year career with the school system, starting as
a mathematics teacher at Suitland High School in 1991. That first job was supposed to be a stepping stone along the way to becoming an actuary. “Little did the students know that they would have an impact on my life those very first days I walked into the building,” she said. “They changed my life. They made me realize that my passion was for children. That has been my life’s work.” It was her own high school principal, Dr. Sterling Marshall, who saw the traits that moved her up the leadership ranks. And it is his example that she follows today. Dr. Goldson not only keeps in touch with him, but many former students from her days at Suitland, Forestville, Frederick Douglass and Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. high schools. “The same focus and tenacity he had in ensuring students would excel, that is what I want for all children in Prince George’s County Public Schools,” she said. Dr. Goldson also wants to build on the school system’s progress through better monitoring and accountability. With the expansion of enrollment and specialty
programs, there is a greater need to ensure effectiveness in all schools, said Dr. Goldson, who was the founding principal of Wise High School. “Only 18 percent of our students attend specialty programs. Seventy-two percent attend our neighborhood schools,” she noted. She is also working to enhance school funds and resources. During
her first week on the job, she began reorganizing central office in an effort to redirect at least $1 million to schools for better delivery of instruction and services. County Executive Rushern L. Baker III praised Dr. Goldson’s focus on children in announcing her appointment to the top schools post. “I believe that Dr. Goldson is
the right person at the right time to lead our school system,” he said. “She believes that every child has greatness in them and that it is her job to lead and to help them grow. I am confident that she will move us in the right direction.” And that direction points towards progress and success, Dr. Goldson said. “I know this is where excellence reigns.” BTS
Fast Facts:
Dr. Monica Goldson • Potomac High School graduate
• Former Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning and Chief Operating Officer • Longest PGCPS tenure of any recent superintendent/CEO • Founding principal of Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School • PGCPS parent
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2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018 / www.washingtoninformer.com
News & Noteworthy in Higher Education By Lee Ross Special to the WI
PEPCO HOSTS AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF BLACKS IN ENERGY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Pepco helped recognize five local high students at the 2018 American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) scholarship awards luncheon held at the Pepco Edison Place Gallery. The annual scholarships are given to local high school students pursuing continued education in energy related fields. Each scholarship recipient is awarded a $2,000 scholarship and will also receive vouchers to buy additional school supplies. “By investing in these five students, we are investing in our own success, in the growth of our businesses, in innovation, and economic dynamism,” said Dave Velazquez, president and CEO, Pepco Holdings. “Diversity and inclusion are more than words on a page for Pepco, they stand at the center of how we do business. We are more successful when we tap into the wide range of perspectives, experiences, and approaches that different people bring to the workplace each day.” This year’s winners are: Shalom Akpakla from Academy of Health Sciences at Prince George’s Community College in Largo, MD; Karinton DeVille from McKinley Tech-
nology High School in the District of Columbia; Samantha O'Sullivan from School Without Walls High School in the District of Columbia; Alahna Smith from Wheaton High School in Silver Spring, MD; and Adeloa Sulaiman from Frederick Douglass High School in Upper Marlboro, MD. “We take huge pride in honoring these students who not only are outstanding scholars and citizens, but who also represent the promise, hope, and future of our great nation,” said Shaun Garrison, president of AABE’s D.C. Chapter. “We would also like to thank Pepco, and all of our corporate sponsors. Without your generosity, these important scholarships would not be possible.” To learn more, readers are encouraged to visit The Source, Pepco’s online news room. Find additional information about Pepco by visiting www.pepco.com. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pepcoconnect and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pepcoconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.pepco.com/ mobileapp.
BENEDICT COLLEGE LOWERS TUITION IN BID TO AID STUDENTS
Benedict College administrators made a bold and forward-thinking decision earlier this year to lower tuition by $6,000 for returning
students and create a substantially more affordable option for new incoming students. Since its inception in 1870 by founder Mrs. Bathsheba Benedict, Benedict College has evidenced sincere devotion to her goal to educate and produce citizens for students who would be “powers for good in society.” Starting this fall, tuition at Benedict will decrease from $28,630 to $22,800 a year. Officials said the cost will include the cost of student’s books for the year. “We acknowledge that numerous families are challenged with the rising costs of tuition, said Benedict College President and CEO Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, “and we want to do our part to make a Benedict College education both accessible and affordable for our students. The marketplace has spoken, and we are listening. We want to ensure the best and brightest students of hard-working families have access to higher education.”
DC TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT (DC TAG) THRIVING DESPITE TRUMP CUTS THREAT
The District’s 20-year-old program offering D.C. residents money to help cover the cost of tuition at public universities across the country sidestepped defunding earlier this year, despite attempts by President
Trying to navigate public schools in the District of Columbia?
(left to right) AABE Scholarship winner Karinton DeVille from McKinley Technology High School; Shaun Garrison, president of AABE’s D.C. Chapter; Ambrea Watts, scholarship committee chairperson and treasurer of AABE’s D.C. Chapter.
Donald Trump of nixing it. In his 2019 budget unveiled earlier this year, Trump proposed a cut to the entire $40 million budget of the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant program. Initially created by Congress in 1999 to compensate for the fact that the city’s students have fewer public university options available to them than the residents of the 50 states, the program has aided nearly 30,000 students. Under the program, D.C. students can receive up to $10,000 per year to help make up the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at public colleges and universities across the country, and pri-
vate institutions in the Washington region. In a statement, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton fought tirelessly to maintain funding for D.C. TAG. “I am particularly relieved that we were able to face down the administration and secure the full $40 million funding for DCTAG. In addition, we were able to achieve another major priority in preventing any new riders from overturning or blocking local D.C. laws and funded the District’s major priorities,” Norton said. “This omnibus is a victory for the District of Columbia.” BTS
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BY THE NUMB3RS: The Rising Cost of Education & 529 Plans
By Lee Ross Special to the WI Many Baby Boomers and Gen Xers remember working their way through college and graduating with little to no debt. Sadly, that feat is virtually impossible for the current crop of students and recent graduates. Student loans account for $1.4 trillion of U.S. household debt, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
HOW MUCH DOES A FOUR-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE ACTUALLY COST? The price of going to college has been increasing since the 1980s. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost per year for the 2015-2016 academic year was just over $19,000 for a public four-year university. The figure jumps to nearly $40,000 for a private university. These totals include tuition, fees, room and board. The average for all four-year institutions comes out to $26,120 per year. This brings the total cost of attendance to an astronomical total of $104,480 over four years. According to figures from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, the average annual growth in wages was only 0.3 percent between January 1989 and January 2016. That’s right, the cost to attend a university increased nearly eight times faster than wages, while the cost of a fouryear degree exploded to $104,480, real median wages only went from $54,042 to $59,039 between 1989 and 2016. American families with a desire to save for future college expenses now have more options than ever before. Traditional investment options–savings accounts, taxable investment accounts, annuities, and U.S. Savings Bonds–are now joined by more recent investment vehicles including Section 529 college savings programs and Coverdell education savings accounts. According to a 2014 survey released by Fidelity, 72 percent of grandparents feel that it is important to help pay for their grandchildren's college education, particularly if they already have enough money to ensure a comfortable retirement income. Grandparents in this position should investigate college savings options just as parents do, but often with different objectives in mind.
Safeway Presents SCHOOL SPIRIT Campaign to Support 114 Local Schools Safeway Foundation and Safeway, continuing their tradition of investing in education in the communities they serve, is presenting the second annual SCHOOL SPIRIT back-to-school fundraising campaign, to benefit 114 K-12 public schools in Maryland, D.C., Virginia and Delaware. From August 1-31, Safeway Eastern Division stores will collect customer monetary donations at checkout to support school projects and supplies. Each store will collect donations on behalf of one local school. “Safeway and Safeway Foundation believe that every student should have access to education that prepares them to succeed in school and life,” said Jim Perkins, Safeway Eastern Division President. “We’re proud to support our local schools.” Public pep rallies will be held at two Safeway stores, featuring special guests, music, refreshments and free gifts. Partners supporting the 2018 School Spirit campaign include Washington’s WTTG-FOX 5, Baltimore’s WBAL-TV 11, Entercom radio stations WPGC 95.5 FM, El Zol 107.9 FM and Fresh FM 94.7, The Washington Informer newspaper, D.C. United and The Baltimore Ravens. Safeway is proud to be the official grocery partner for both sports teams. About Safeway Foundation Safeway Foundation, part of Albertsons Companies Foundation, supports causes that impact our customers' lives. Our stores provide the opportunity to mobilize funding and create awareness in our neighborhoods through generous contributions by our customers, our employees' passion, and partnerships with our vendors. We focus on giving locally in the areas of health and human services, hunger relief, education, veterans and helping people with disabilities. Safeway Foundation in Safeway’s Eastern Division invested more than $1.4 million in our neighborhoods in 2017. More information about Safeway Foundation can be found at www.safewayfoundation.org.
Show your school spirit! Support our local schools
Today, 529 Plans hold more than $250 billion in 12 million accounts, according to the College Savings Plans Network, an organization run by state treasurers. Last year, more than $25 billion poured into these plans. While 529 plans are the prime vehicles of choice for many grandparents, they can complicate a child’s chances of qualifying for financial aid. The stumbling block comes when students receive money from the 529 plan. That will appear as income in the student’s name, which must be reported on the FAFSA, the form that most colleges require for financial aid when a student applies and every year he or she is in school. BTS
Many Baby Boomers and Gen Xers remember working their way through college and graduating with little to no debt. adly, that feat is virtually impossible for the current crop of students and recent graduates.
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Donate at your local Safeway store today.
This campaign is managed by the Albertsons Companies Foundation, doing business as the Safeway Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization.
2018 BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLEMENT – AUGUST 2018 / www.washingtoninformer.com
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