2013 QSI Award - Columbia Heights Educational Campus

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Congratulations to
Columbia Heights Education Campus and
DC Bilingual Public Charter School -
2013 Quality Schools Initiative Winners!


May 10, 2013 -
Earlier this afternoon, Fight For Children Chairman Raul Fernandez, President & CEO Michela English and board members Jim Abdo, Gina Adams, David Fensterheim, Chuck Kuhn, Anthony Lewis, Fred Schaufeld and Anthony Williams welcomed Washington leaders in education, business and government to the Quality Schools Awards Luncheon sponsored by FedEx Corporation at the Ronald Reagan Building. Speakers included 2012 Quality Schools Initiative winners, Janeece Docal, Principal of Powell Elementary and Belicia Reaves, Resident Principal of Capital City Public Charter High School. Both leaders inspired the audience with their enthusiasm for making a difference in the lives of their students and their desire to see schools working collaboratively to bring about positive change for the future of children in Washington.

We also heard from Abigail Smith on her new role as Deputy Mayor for Education and waited in anticipation as Mayor Vincent Gray and Fight For Children Board Member Gina Adams announced this year's Quality Schools Initiative Rising Star award winners. The District of Columbia Public School Rising Star went to Columbia Heights Education Campus and the District of Columbia Public Charter School Rising Star went to DC Bilingual Public Charter School!

Both schools were recognized for their work to improve student achievement for low-income kids. Each will receive a $100,000 grant from Fight For Children. With the grant money, the schools will implement a 3-year strategy to expand their programs to continue to improve student proficiency with the goal of being two of the highest performing public schools by the end of 3 years. The schools will also partner with Fight For Children to share their experiences with other school leaders across all sectors throughout the coming year. We look forward to sharing their progress with you!

The 2013 Quality Schools Initiative finalists and winners were chosen by an independent selection committee of education experts. Fight For Children expresses a special thank you to the members of the selection committee for sharing their time and expertise!

Thomas Bartlett,
Community Investor, Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship
Hilary Darilek,
Deputy Chief, Office of Human Capital, District of Columbia Public Schools
Naomi De Veaux,
Deputy Executive Director, DC Public Charter School Board
Janeece Docal,
Principal, Powell Elementary School
Renee Evans,
Director, Public Charter School Support,  OSSE
Rena Johnson,
Chief of Staff, DC Scholars Stanton Elementary
Melissa M. Kim,
Director of Instructional Improvement,  NewSchools  Venture Fund
Mary Anne Lesiak,
Vice President and Chief of Staff,  AppleTree  Institute for Education Innovation
Jeremy McDonald,
Director of Evaluation, The SEED Foundation
Jennifer Niles,
Founder & Head of School, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School
Matt Radigan,
Master Educator, District of Columbia Public Schools
Angela Stepancic,
Principal,  LAYC  Career Academy
Molly L. Whalen,
Director of Development & Communications, The  Ivymount  School & Programs

The Quality Schools Initiative awards would not be possible without the generosity of our major program supporters. A special thank you to
Building Hope,  CityBridge  Foundation, FedEx Corporation, Elizabeth and Michael Galvin, Donald Graham, Michele  Hagans  and Mario  Morino  for investing in K-12 education and supporting this important program.

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