Notebook

from East of the River – February 2020

Building Community by Planting Urban Forests

“I wasn’t completely confi dent these upgrades were going to happen,” Francis said. “I realized frankly that Ward 7 schools were not really a priority – that’s how I felt – so I had to weigh the options for my child.”

She had reason to be worried. When she testifi ed, she said councilmembers told her that budgets are based on enrollment. Enrollment at Plummer was dropping. (Continued from pg. 36)

Zomo the Rabbit Zomo, one hip-hoppity rabbit, is taking on DC. When Zomo is dissed and dismissed by the other tricksters in town, he turns to the Sky God for more power. The Sky God sends him on an impossible quest taking him from the breakdancing fi sh on the DC Waterfront, to the graffi ti artist cow at the National Zoo and fi nally to the DJ Leopard in Adams Morgan. Will Zomo fi nd the power he’s seeking? Or will he wise up? This high-energy hiphop adaptation of a Nigerian folktale originally commissioned by Imagination Stage in 2009, puts a local spin and lots of silly humor on the global tradition of trickster tales. For ages 4, up. Feb. 8 to March 22 at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD. imaginationstage.org.

by Kathleen Donner

Explore Bellevue Library Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., join an interactive program for children, ages 2 to 5 and caregivers that uses play and exploration to develop pre-literacy skills. This program will rotate through play, music and dance. Bellevue Library is at 115 Atlantic St. SW. dclibrary.org/Bellevue. Deanwood All Ages Story Time Thursdays at 10:30 a.m., explore stories and activities to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading and learning. This 20-to-30-minute program is designed to promote language and listening skills, expand children’s imaginations and arouse their curiosity about the world around them. It is recommended for children ages birth to fi ve. Deanwood Library is at 1350 49th St. NE. dclibrary.org/deanwood. Rise + Rhyme Mondays, at 9:30 a.m. there is morning storytelling and performances for children ages 5 and under with the goals of teaching children to engage with their community, learn to love performing and become rising ‘artivists!’ Busboys and Poets-Anacostia is at 2004 MLK Ave. SE. busboysandpoets.com. President’s Day Public Skating There is a public skating session at Ft. Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE., on Monday, Feb. 17, from noon to two p.m. Skating is $5 for adults; $4, 12 and under and seniors 60 and over; and $3 for skate rental. Fort Dupont Ice Arena, 3779 Ely Pl. SE. fdia.org. Discovery Theater On Feb. 11 to 13, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., enjoy Into the Great Unknown-African American Adventurers and Explorers. Leadership, courage and adventure take center stage in this inspiring Discovery Theater original. From Matthew Henson, co-discoverer of the North Pole, to astronaut Mae Jemison, meet a century’s worth of bold men and women who challenged the Western frontier, the highest of mountains and the vastness of outer space. For ages 6 to 12.

On Feb. 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28, 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., enjoy Going the Distance. Race to the fi nish line with two black Olympians who changed history! Soaring music contributes to a vivid portrayal of the lives of Jesse Owens and Wilma Rudolph. Watch them as they overcome childhood illness, infi rmity and poverty to become the world’s fastest man and woman. For ages 6 to 12.All shows are $6 for kids; under two, $3; adults, $8. Discovery Theater, Ripley Center, 1000 Jeff erson Dr. SW. discoverytheater.org.

Whose Choice? Eboni-Rose Thompson says that the city should be working to guarantee equitable education for kids. The chair of the Ward 7 Education Council said that does not mean taking choice off the table, but it argues for investing in neighborhood schools, the only place kids are assured a place in the classroom.

Thompson said that a system that depends on enrollment for resources is not sustainable. Parents don’t want to send their children to a school in the hope that it will have suffi cient enrollment to be adequately funded, she said.

The auditor’s offi ce is shining light on the issue of who takes advantage of school choice, itself an issue of equity, Thompson added. While some students benefi t from the system, those who do not are those with the greatest needs. The problem, she said, is that the choice system presumes people will go through multiple processes in order to access a good education. “What happens if the adults in your life aren’t doing that for you?” she asked. “Whether that is because they don’t have the information, or the time or the access or the resources – you don’t have a choice. That shouldn’t be the case.”

When you think about how rapidly the city is changing, she added, and the impact on neighborhoods, it becomes even more important to make a commitment to schools and the children who attend them. “If we’re going to hold kids steady,” Thompson said, “we have to hold schools steady. Period.”

“I Don’t Think It’s a Choice” Last spring, after weighing the options, Francis put her son’s name in the DC Lottery. He was matched with bilingual public charter school Mundo Verde (30 P St. NW). Describing the budget that teachers work with at Mundo Verde as “ridiculous” compared to what Plummer had to cope with, Francis said that the school off ers courses like swimming and robotics in addition to language. It also has a school garden to teach about food and wellness. “These are things that are not looked at as ‘enrichment.’ They are part of the core curriculum,” she said.

Though the family is satisfi ed with Mundo Verde, Francis said that the choice process was stressful and complicated, and with sibling and distance preferences playing roles, not as random a lottery as parents are led to believe. “I don’t think it’s choice at all,” she said. “A choice would be: my neighborhood school is a solid, fi ne, functional school where he’s going to get a comparable education to a [public elementary school like] Oyster or Marie Reed. And I don’t feel that way.”

The District’s apparent inability to provide every school with suffi cient resources to meet the needs of students is ultimately a self-fulfi lling prophecy, Francis said. “How do you prevent schools from failing, if you don’t give them the resources?” she asked. “If the school isn’t properly funded, it’s ultimately headed for closure.”

You can read the auditor’s report at www.dcauditor.org/report/enrollment-projections-in-d-c-public-schools-controls-needed-to-ensure-funding-equity.

Presidential Family Fun Day at the NPG Every year the National Por- trait Gallery kicks off Pres- idents’ Day weekend with a presidential party load- ed with crafts, music, danc- ing, games and special tours of “America’s Presi- dents.” Celebrate with the Portrait Gallery, President Lincoln’s Cottage, the DC Public Library, the Wash- ington Nationals’ Racing Presidents, artists and ex- perts from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Plus, a special booth for the new The Obama Por- traits book. Presidential Family Fun Day is on Feb. 15, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the Kogod Courtyard. The National Portrait Gallery is at Eighth and F Streets, NW. npg.si.edu. Rigoberta, ¿dónde estás? As 10-year old Pilar trav- els to Guatemala City in search of her idol Rigober- ta Menchú, villagers along the way suggest questions she should ask the Nobel Peace Prize winner. This is a journey of self-discovery filled with stories, song and dance. The bilingual Rigoberta, ¿dónde estás? A Journey through Guatema- la, written and directed by Cornelia Cody (El Salvador/USA), is on stage at GALA Theatre, March 14 to 28. $12 for adults; $10 for children. Student matinees are March 16 to 20 and March 23 to 27, at 10:30 a.m. (weekdays). For more information, contact education@ galatheatre.org. National Archives Story Times On Feb. 12, March 18, April 15 and May 13, 10 to 11 a.m., at the Boeing Learn- ing Center Resource Room, Nation- al Archives presents story times for 3 to 5-year-olds and accompanying adults. These special programs, funded in part by the National Archives Foundation, give children a chance to practice listening skills, participate in group activities and create a craft. This is a walk-in program. archives.gov. Mozart Mash-Up On Feb. 22, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.; and Feb. 23, 1:30 and 4 p.m., enjoy the music of Mozart in a special family concert at the Kennedy Center. A string quartet featuring members of the National Sym- phony Orchestra plays its favorites from the prolific composer. At age three, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart could be found observing his big sister Nannerl at the keyKids’ Black History Month Events Portrait Story Days at the National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and F Streets NW, are 1 to 4 p.m.; Feb. 8 and 9, Rosa Parks; Feb. 15 and 16, Barak Obama; Feb. 22 and 23, Frederick Douglass; and Feb. 29, Mi- chelle Obama. Drop by the Education Center, room E151, on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon to hear a story and create art inspired by someone in the Por- trait Gallery’s collection. npg.si.edu. On Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., there is an African American Pioneers in Aviation and Space Family Day at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center near Dulles Airport. Join them as they celebrate African Amer- ican History Month by revealing past pioneers and giving families the opportunity to inspire the next generation of innovators in aviation and space. ai- randspace.si.edu. Engineering STEM Day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is on Feb. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To help celebrate National Engineering Week, NMAAHC will high- light the long lineage of African American engi- neers. From the earliest people of African descent using their knowledge of rice cultivation to the new- est generation of technology prodigies and inven- tors, the contributions of African Americans to the nation’s prosperity, history and culture are significant. This program will introduce visitors to the world of engineering and share how African Amer- icans have shaped and influenced the world. Free but you must register at nmaahc.si.edu. On Feb. 25, 5 to 8 p.m., there is a Black History Month Family Art Workshop at Anacostia Commu- nity Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. All supplies provided. anacostia.si.edu.

FREE DEVELOPMENTAL EVALUATIONS FOR AGES 3-5

Do you have questions about your child’s development?

Contact us for a free evaluation 202-698-8037 www.earlystagesdc.org

100 Gallatin St. NE Washington, DC 20011

Pre-K 3 through 5th grade Building a strong foundation for learning

APPLICATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR ALL GRADES FOR 2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

Apply for admissions at: www.myschooldc.org orcall (202) 888-6336 Lottery Deadline March 2, 2020

2020-2021 School Year Open Houses

www.bridgespcs.org . 202.545.0515 To attend you must register by calling (202) 545-0515 Limit 30 people per session Friday, February 14th 9:30-10:30 am: Wednesday, February 12th 6:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, February 26 9:30-10:30 am:

We offer an immersion program in French and Spanish, with a dual focus on academic excellence and community service.

OPEN HOUSES

East End Campus Pre-K3, Pre-K4, Kindergarten, First and Second Grade February 26 – 9:30 AM 5600 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 202-975-2100 Brookland Campus Pre-K3 -Fifth Grade February 27 – 9:30 AM 3700 Oakview Terrace, NE Washington, DC 20017 202-265-7237 Accepting Applications for the 2020-2021 School Year Apply at: www.myschooldc.org Reserve your space at: ewstokes.org/open-house

For more information visit: ewstokes.org

an NAACP Image Award and multiple Coretta Scott King Award honors. For his two-year term, Reynolds will visit small towns across America to have meaningful discussions with young people.

board. By 4 or 5, he had written his first compositions and his first symphony by age 7. This concert is most enjoyed by age 7, up. All patrons must have a ticket. $20. Come early for a petting zoo. kennedy-center.org. Beauty and the Beast Beauty and the Beast is a romantic tale of a handsome prince and his love set in a great forest in old Russia. There are curses, conflicts, hopes, dreams and exciting adventures, all the things that make a happy ending that much sweeter. Imaginative settings and beautiful costumes support this large-scale marionette version of the classic love story. $12. On stage at Glen Echo, Feb. 20 to March 29. Recommended for age 5, up. Here’s the remaining lineup: Hansel and Gretel, April 3 to May 10; PeCourtesy of the Anacostia Community Museum Mardi Gras at the Museum! On March 3, 5 to 8 p.m., decorate masks for Fat Tuesday! All materials provided. For more information about Twilight Tuesdays, call 202-633-4868. Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl. SE. anacostia.si.edu.

LOC Names New National Ambassador The Library of Congress (LOC), the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader has announced the appointment of Jason Reynolds as the seventh National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature for 2020- 2021. Reynolds is the author of 13 books for young people including his most recent, “Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks,” a National Book Award finalist, which was named a Best Book of 2019 by NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post and TIME. A native of DC, Reynolds began writing poetry at nine years old and is the recipient of a Newbery Honor, a Printz Honor,

Amelia Mouse (Mary Myers) and Nellie Mouse (Kyosin Kang) take a rocket to the moon in “Mouse on the Move” at Imagination Stage. Photo: Jeremy A. Jackson

INTERSECTIONS for Kids Imagination Stage’s Mouse on the Move, Feb. 21 to March 1. Two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to go to the moon since it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering cheese. $15.

Friendlier Fables & Thoughtful Tales, Feb. 22. Enjoy familiar stories with kinder twists. Learn about respect and friendship in a funny, touching, engaging show for all ages! $15. The Atlas, 1333 H St. NE. atlasarts.org.

ter and the Wolf, May 15 to June 2. thepuppetco.org.

The Snowy Day This beautiful show follows the character of Peter and his friend Archie around the neighborhood in four of Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved tales, “The Snowy Day,” “Whistle for Willie,” “Goggles!” and “A Letter to Amy.” Renowned for his tender personality, the character of Peter faces relatable everyday challenges to which children of all ages will fi nd delightfully entertaining. At Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo, Feb. 14 to March 29. All ages. Tickets are $19.50 and can be purchased at adventuretheatremtc.org or 301-634-2270. Have an item for the Notebook? Email it to bulletinboard@hillrag.com. u

When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she did not just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen: a woman with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty and truth. When a nearby museum goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker and her mother Jessica Curry tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment in a moving picture book. Available in the NPG giftshop.