DC SCORES covers DC: Imagine Hope Tolson, Ward 5

As DC SCORES has grown over the past several years -- from 20 schools, to adding middle schools in 2006, to 27 schools, then 42, and now to 60 sites, including several recreation centers that make up the first-ever DC City Soccer League -- we've expanded our reach across Washington, DC. And now we serve 2,200 kids in neighborhoods throughout the entire city -- meaning all eight wards. This fall, we'll bring to you a highlight program in each ward.

Last week, we went to Imagine Hope Community Charter School, Tolson Campus in Ward 5. Not only did we visit during a session of poetry programming, we also spent some time with them at Fall Frenzy and attended a special poetry workshop at DC SCORES partner Busboys and Poets! In every encounter we had with the group, each student was dedicated to working hard, while also learning and having fun. This is due in part to the incredible job that the Imagine Hope coaches do; they have made a huge impact upon these students.

Throughout soccer practice, the coaches advise their students to work constructively on the field while practicing strong sportsmanship. During poetry sessions, the coaches inspire the students to be creative and express themselves in whatever way works for them. No matter the setting, the coaches find a way to incorporate fun into the lesson! Rock-paper-scissors games are popular at Imagine Hope, too.

WARD 5 PROGRAMS
Imagine Hope Community Charter School — Tolson Campus (2013)
Taft Recreation Center (2015)
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center — Elementary (2015)
Turkey Thicket Recreation Center — Middle (2015)

IMAGINE HOPE FUN FACTS
Year DC SCORES started: 2013
Ward: 5
Team mascot: Soaring Eagles
Uniform color: Green
Coaches: Soccer -- Jerome Clemons, Cyriacus Igwilo; Poetry -- Jerome Clemons, Karen Burton, Ebony Smith
2016 service-learning project: Imagine Hope cleaned up their neighborhood and partnered with the Special Olympics to plant a school garden on their blacktop using old water jugs filled with soil.

COACHES' CORNER
“The students have become important to me. It’s not just only my team, I keep up with their grades. I make sure that they’re still doing what they need to do in class at all times. I’m not just their coach and adviser. To me, I feel like I’m more of a mentor to them. The students come to me. They come to me for advice, they come to me if they get in trouble. I help sooth the students most of the time. DC SCORES poetry and coaching is beyond coaching. It’s a mentor program to me.” - Karen Burton, Poetry Coach

“For me, the things that I try to instill as a coach are one, they know that my biggest rule is having fun and we’re always here to have fun. Two, we’re here to work as a team, and three, you’re here to try your best and work your hardest. Those are the things that I want out of them in both poetry and in soccer.” - Coach Clemons, Soccer/poetry coach


KID TALK
"What I've learned from DC SCORES is that when you fall you have to get up and be brave, get back in the game." -Ajyah F., 8

"We are learning how to be confident and be brave to not be scared when you are at the Poetry Slam! and you are at the mic on stage in front of a lot of people." -Michael M., 10

FROM THE ARCHIVES

BLOGS

5.30.2016: Imagine Hope creates school garden out of recycled soda bottles
5.4.2015: National Poetry SLAM! Diary -- three days in New York City 
4.3.2015: Going to the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM -- meet Leron
11.19.2013: Inside the Notebook, Part VI at Imagine Hope: Jerome Clemons embraces role of coach

VIDEOS

12.5.2013: Imagine Hope performs at Poetry Slam!




4.2014: Skky performs at America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!

Poet-athlete performs at Lights on Afterschool, chats with Mayor Gray and Councilmembers

Written by Cory Chimka
Program Director

Last week DC SCORES joined one million Americans and more than 7,500 communities in celebrating after-school programs with the 12th annual Lights On Afterschool.

Poet-athlete London H. of Noyes Education Campus recited his poem “Bullies” on the dais of DC’s city Hall, the John A. Wilson Building, as a part of the nationwide day of advocacy and action highlighting the importance of access to high quality enriching after-school programs for all children between the school dismissal bell and the dinner bell.

London’s performance was part of an agenda that included remarks from District Mayor Vincent Gray, City Council Chairman Kwame Brown, Deputy Mayor for Health & Human Services Beebe Oterro, and President and CEO of the Washington DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation Ellen London. The event was sponsored by the DC Alliance of Youth Advocates.

London impressed the mayor during a Q&A session by asking Gray about his April arrest during a DC statehood protest. Gray’s spirited answer included removing a $5 bill from his pocket and waving it as a metaphorical visual aid representing the city’s need for budget autonomy.

Not to be outdone by Gray, Council Chair Brown promised to pass along London’s personal greeting to President Barack Obama during their next meeting!

London also enjoyed a one-on-one chat with his Ward 7 representative Councilmember Yvette Alexander (left), who asked if she could count on London’s vote in eight years.

London shared the stage with students from Capital City Public Charter School, City Dance and Sasha Bruce House.

“London was so excited and couldn't stop talking about the event,” said London’s mom Ebony. “He really enjoys reciting his poem and will jump at any opportunity to do so.”

The event was just one of several poetry readings London is taking on this fall. Recently, he read his poem at the opening of a new Starbucks store (and has become a Starbucks regular and huge fan of its hot chocolate). And this afternoon, London is heading to The Shakespeare Theatre to rehearse for the Catalogue for Philanthropy’s Nov. 7 Inspiration to Action Kick-off.

Introducing Saturday SCORES soccer clinics in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8

It’s finally Thursday again, which means the long week — and wait — is over. Kids from 20 elementary schools across the city will get the chance, once again, to compete in the only organized elementary school soccer games in the District.

Usually on Fridays — but not tomorrow because of DCPS professional development — kids at 17 middle schools get that same opportunity.

But despite our best efforts, we always hear, especially from kids, parents and coaches East of the River where DC SCORES is the only chance to get involved in soccer, “The season’s too short! Not enough games!”

Well, we’ve listened. And starting this Saturday, we have an answer.

Free weekend soccer clinics in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8.

Saturday SCORES is the result of DC SCORES collaborating with DC Stoddert Soccer and the District’s Department of Parks and Recreation. For five consecutive Saturdays this fall, from 11:30am-1pm, soccer instructors will run clinics at sites in each of the aforementioned wards.

The clinics will focus on skill development, but won’t be overly competitive. Kids of all skill levels are invited to any of the clinics, including elementary, middle and high school students.

“The main thing is focusing more kids on the game, giving them more opportunities to play, bottom line, in those wards of the city,” said DC SCORES Athletic Director Kenny Owens, who will oversee one of the weekly clinics at Kelly Miller Middle School (Ward 7).

“The idea is to work on the kids’ technique. The main thing is having them play with the ball more — a lot of touches on the ball — and just work on their skills.”

At a recent DC SCORES game day, the idea was introduced to students from C.W. Harris Elementary School in Ward 7. It didn’t take long for them to buy in and commit to attending.

“When I talked to the C.W. Harris kids and asked, ‘What do you guys do on Saturdays?’ They said, ‘There’s nothing to do,’” Owens said.

“They’re excited about not only having something to do, but also having another opportunity to get out there and play.”

And that’s exactly why these clinics were formed — to provide an opportunity, like DC SCORES does, that otherwise isn’t available to the targeted population.

At each clinic, participants will receive a T-shirt and snack, and parents are encouraged to attend.

Below are the weekly Saturday SCORES sites, and more information can be found on this flyer.

Ward 5 — Lamond Riggs Recreation Center

Ward 6 — King Greenleaf Recreation Center

Ward 7 — Kelly Miller Middle School

Ward 8 — Barry Farms Recreation Center