Help AoH Get Comfy in Ward 8

Big things are happening at our newest site in Ward 8!  GED and computer classes began this May, based primarily in our space at The Overlook apartments.  The expansion, announced December 2009, was made possible through major funding from the Alice and Eugene Ford Foundation.

Two months ago, students registered for classes in a bare room, with white walls and no furniture.  In spite of it's drab first impression, Daquanna Harrison, Program Coordinator for Ward 8, was able to attract students to the site.  Since that time, the space has transformed into a functioning classroom, complete with a mini-school store (a longstanding AoH tradition).



At a recent board meeting held in the space, Daquanna described her efforts to emulate Academy of Hope's success in a "one room schoolhouse":

I've tried to bring the best aspects of Academy of Hope here. From the time I spent getting oriented at the main site I could tell instantly that things like announcements, school store, field trips and personal reminders would be essential when building a learning community that works for students.  

The following is a wishlist of items to help fill out the new space:

• A set of 20 calculators for use on the practice GED
• Sponsorship of our school store. 
• A mini-fridge, for school store items and staff/student use.
• A highly operable desktop computer for our AmeriCorps intern to use in the Fall.
• Medium sized (4x3) dry erase board for announcements and homework updates.
• Smartpasses/bus tokens/metro passes to support our summer/fall museum/historic DC field trips.

(If you, or someone you know may be able to donate any of these items please contact Daquanna by emailing daquanna@aohdc.org)

Look for an update on Ward 8 in this Summer's newsletter.