We are the future -- message rings loud and clear at Eastside Poetry Slam!

Written by Jake Lloyd
Communications Manager

We are all more than just kids. We. Are. The. Future.

And with that line, Burrville Elementary School's poet-athletes -- wearing "Burrville Strong" T-shirts -- summed up the underlying message sent during the second night of the 19th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam! at H.D. Woodson High School.

DC SCORES school communities east of Washington, DC's Anacostia River are strong, and never was that more evident than Thursday night when the 20 teams who took the stage collectively told the audience -- and anyone else listening -- what shouldn't have to be said.

WE MATTER. WE WILL SUCCEED.

"Me and my peers will not shed tears, but we will persevere."
-- KIPP KEY Academy

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The night ended just like it had the previous two years -- with Aiton Elementary School's poets, coaches and parents rushing the stage. The Aiton Bears were Golden Mic champions, and no one was arguing.

Donning "Straight Outta Aiton" T-shirts and with their hands shackled by paper-created chains, the Bears delivered yet another powerful, united, inspiring, and thought-provoking performance.

I've been craving dreams to wake up without being assaulted
To live in a place where skin won't define any human
Where people won't gamble with our lives
To not see crying mothers burying their child



Aiton's 8-, 9- and 10-year-old kids interwove black history, today's struggles, and their perseverance beautifully in a performance that spoken word professionals would be proud of.

The Bears punctuated it by raising their chained fists in the air, the paper chains harmlessly falling to the ground, and saying, as one:

Choose to live a life that matters
Choose this day to make your life matter
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
Our lives matter 

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That theme -- our lives matter -- was present throughout the night in front of the capacity audience. During a time of such uncertainty in our country and our communities, the Slam! was a refreshing reminder that these poet-athletes are wise and strong beyond their years. They may only be single digits in age, but their voices are powerful beyond any sort of measure.

There was Delaney B., 11, of Kelly Miller Middle School, taking the mic, stepping to the front of the stage, and being brutally honest about the disadvantages she faces.

Yes, I understand I may have some ups and downs but ALL people do.
Yes, I am Black but the fact that I’m a girl sometimes makes it even harder.

But Delaney reminded the audience that she's not complaining. She will show the world her fortitude.

I have a dream which is to overcome what you may think of me.


...

There was Arnye Y., 10, of Thomas Elementary School, with maybe the most captivating solo poem of the evening:

They say man down, but what about woman down?
They say man up, but what about woman up?

If Arnye isn't in public office within two decades, we'll be surprised.


...

And there was KIPP AIM, decked out in their red school uniforms with one kid holding a sign reading "For our past, our broken brothers," delivering a performance multiple generations of African-American could relate to. If DC's new Smithsonian Museum is looking for children's poetry from the District, it's right here:

For our past, our broken brothers
We are a family
Connected through blood, history, and shared struggle
Why do we fight one another?
We can choose to leave the hardships and troubles in our past
All we need is a breath that lasts
We’ve felt more pain than others
But we’ve been able to withstand it by standing together
We’ve been beaten and broken
Through slavery, segregation, mass incarceration
The wounds may heal and the scars may fade
But the pain of a thousand atrocities pulses through my veins
Beat us down, lock us up
I choose to beat the odds and lock those struggles in the past
I refuse to let this nightmare last

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It's too bad President Barack Obama wasn't in attendance, because he was included, too. Because while these DC SCORES teams from the District's most underserved areas decried the circumstances that make their lives difficult, they also made one thing clear:

They're proud. 

Of their school communities. Of their neighborhoods. Of their families (if KIPP QUEST Academy's "I love my Mom because..." poem didn't make you cry, you're one of the few). Of their city. And of their country.

Imagine Hope Tolson's students put on their best Hawaiian fashion, Wearing leis around their necks, the well-educated Soaring Eagles delivered an ode to the president:

Ma-Ha-Lo President Obama
For inspiring youth to reach for their goals.
MA-- HA-- LO
Ma-Ha-Lo President Obama 
For helping to open the new National Museum of African American History and Culture.
MA--HA--LO
Ma-Ha-Lo President Obama
For creating the largest protected marine wildlife preserve in the world.
MA--HA--LO
Ma-Ha-Lo President Obama,
For investing in education, technology, and renewable energy.
MA--HA--LO
Ma-Ha-Lo President Obama

Mashir C., 10, followed this ode with one to his hometown of Washington, DC, listing all the reasons he loves his city.



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I have the urge to be me
Myself because I am me
I will not change just for someone just like me

Amidon-Bowen Elementary School delivered these words to start the night, and they rang true for the following two hours. From when emcee Charity Blackwell asked the kids to yell, "I LOVE DC SCORES" and eardrums popped until D.C. United players Travis Worra and Jalen Robinson and Shayne Wells from the Deputy Mayor for Education's office handed out trophies, kids didn't act.

They were themselves. Authentic. Genuine.

Some were serious, such as Jefferson Middle School's Janiah P., 13, who won the Shine Award and helped the Trojans take home the Golden Mic. Others were funny, such as Payne Elementary School with lines like, "When I grow up, I want to rap like Fetty Wap."

All impressed. All cheered for each other.

Our community is strong. Our neighborhoods our strong. Our city is strong. And especially our kids are strong.

That's what came across in the WUSA-9 (CBS) segment during the 11PM news, and that was real.

"We are all more than just kids. We. Are. The. Future."

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Elementary Schools

1st place -- Aiton Elementary School
2nd place -- Amidon-Bowen Elementary School
3rd place -- Burrville Elementary School
Spirit Award -- Imagine Hope Tolson
Shine Award -- Arnye Y., Thomas Elementary School

Middle Schools
1st place -- Jefferson Middle School
2nd place -- Kelly Miller Middle School
3rd place -- KIPP KEY Academy
Spirit Awards -- KIPP AIM Academy
Shine Award -- Janiah P., Jefferson

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!

DC SCORES service-learning: Imagine Hope creates school garden out of recycled soda bottles

Written by Jake Lloyd
Communications Manager

Ever since Jerome Clemons arrived at Imagine Hope Community Charter School’s Tolson campus four years ago and began coaching DC SCORES in the fall of 2013, he and his teams of Soaring Eagles — the school’s mascot — have had to improvise.

The school, which sits on Edgewood Street NE nearly on top of the train tracks that head south downtown and north to Silver Spring, Md., has no green space. Literally, nothing. When walking out the doors on either the south or north side of the building, a visitor is greeted with asphalt.

Now what can kids do on a plot of hard ground that basically resembles a parking lot? Well, you should have been at the school the afternoon of Friday, May 20, for the culmination of Imagine Hope’s DC SCORES service-learning project.

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There, on that blacktop, were dozens of third- through fifth-grade DC SCORES kids creating a garden of recycled bottles. They’d poke holes in every bottle — 2-liters, 20-ouncers, larger jugs, you name it — then fill them with soil and flowers. The portable plants would then be passed on to receive water before finally being set down with the others along a fence.

Over the course of a couple hours, an innovative, soda bottle garden was born.

How popular was this event? Well, the Imagine Hope students were joined in service by, among others: sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade alumni who have stayed connected to the program through Clemons and the Classroom Champions nonprofit that he also runs at the school; Steve Mesler, the head of Classroom Champions, and dozens of Olympic athletes from the Team USA Athletes Advisory Council; James Cole Jr., the Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education; and a U.S. Senator, Adrian Smith of Nebraska.

During two hours of after-school time, the mix of people from various backgrounds worked as if they’d been teambuilding for years to create a garden and also clean up several blocks of the surrounding neighborhood. Teams were color-coded, with the orange, purple and red clean squads returning to the school with heavy bags of trash.

This was all after the kids got a chance to network with the Olympians, asking various athletes all about their distinguished careers and receiving loads of advice. And it was after the kids, with Cole Jr. and Smith’s assistance, raised and affixed a United States flag for the first time outside their school building and sang God Bless America.

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Imagine Hope has come a long way in Clemons’ three years coaching DC SCORES. First, the program brought a soccer team to the K-8 school; now, led by athletic director Jason Knecht, there are several sports team that keep the majority of the student body active once the final school bell rings.

The first couple years, the DC SCORES team walked several blocks to the closest parks to practice soccer. Now, while it’s not ideal, they play on mini goals that they set up on the blacktop.

The Soaring Eagles have taken great pride in becoming a poetry powerhouse within DC SCORES, with fifth-grader Leron representing the school at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! (and on the local NBC station) in 2015 and the team performing well at the DC Slam! every fall.



Through DC SCORES, kids both currently in the program and now still engaged as middle schoolers have recognized that they don’t have to be limited by their facilities and location.

“I think it just gives them, it shows them that they have the ability to make change happen,” Clemons said. “They don’t have to watch somebody else do it; you don’t have to be an adult.

“You literally can be a 3rd through 5th grader or middle schooler and literally within minutes or an hour, make change occur.”

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During the past couple years, Clemons showed his DC SCORES teams examples of how around the world, kids play soccer in all places imaginable — making balls out of rags and goals out of trash cans. The kids gained an appreciation for using what they have and making the most of their situation.

And when it came time for service-learning this spring, the team took advantage of a school-wide recycling effort to collect bottles and keep them from ending up in the trash.

“We saw some images online of hey, how can you create a garden out of recycled goods,” Clemons said, referring to the researching stage of DC SCORES’ service-learning season. “So we got some palettes that we worked on, had folks donate small water bottles, large 2-liters, any bottle — bring it in — and let’s see what we can turn that into.”

Partnering with the Olympic athletes and having Cole Jr. and Smith help made the big day, named “Hope Helps,” even more enjoyable and rewarding for the kids — the culmination of months of examining the community’s needs and researching what could be done.

“It means that you take pride in your neighborhood, your community,” said Brandon, an Imagine Hope student, as he returned from one of the clean zones with a bag of trash slung over his shoulder. “We don’t want to go to school in a dirty hood.”

The afternoon expanded kids’ minds in more ways than one. First, they learned about new sports that were, yes, Olympic events! Curling. Archery. Rugby. Ping-pong. They gathered around table tennis champion Han Xiao as he showed them video of the sport on his phone; they grilled former U.S. Rugby captain James Gillenwater about the sport (“I learned that rugby is a combination between soccer and football,” said student Israellee); and they were introduced to curling and archery.

Then they learned that they don’t need green grass to beautify their school grounds. Bottles. Soil. A couple tools. Some seeds. And water.

A garden of recycled bottles was born.

“What my idea for them to understand was, You can do it,” Clemons said afterward. “Just because you might not have the resources, it just gives you the opportunity. You can do it with a little bit of seeds, some water, a bottle — literally.

“It might not look the best, but at least (you got) to get something off the ground; this is something you can do at home.

“Literally, you can turn any space or any item possibly into a little green outside garden”

National Poetry SLAM! diary: Three days in New York City!

DC SCORES Writing Coordinator Rachel Klepper accompanied poetry stars Jency M. and Leron B. on their trip to New York City for a weekend in the Big Apple with 25 other young poet-athletes culminating with the 9th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!. Read below for Rachel's recap of the experience and view the photo album HERE. Watch any part of the SLAM! in the embedded video above or by clicking HERE. 

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Written by Rachel Klepper
Writing Coordinator

Day 1, April 11 -- On the Train to New York
Our journey to New York City began on Saturday morning when I met Jency and Leron at Union Station. We picked out some snacks and headed to the boarding area. Before we even made it to the train, the questions started: How long is the train ride? What will we do in New York? Will the buildings be really tall? This was both poets’ first trip to New York City, so they were full of questions and excitement.

On the train, Leron and Jency got to know one another and quickly became friends. They talked, watched movies, and eagerly awaited our arrival in New York. Finally, we stopped at Penn Station and made our way outside for their first glimpse of the city.

First we headed to the hotel to meet up with America SCORES staff and leave our suitcases. We got settled in quickly because Leron and Jency were impatient to explore! We had a few hours on our own before dinner since other cities' poets were still arriving from the airport. When I had first met the two poets back in DC, I asked them what they most wanted to see in New York. After hearing what they were interested in, I planned to use the time for two iconic New York activities: pizza and a visit to Times Square.

Both stops were a big success. We found an award-winning pizza store, where we all got enormous, cheesy slices. They were delicious! Then we walked through the crowded streets and soon emerged in the middle of Times Square. Jency and Leron’s eyes lit up as they saw the bright billboards, tall skyscrapers, and tempting stores all around them. It was a perfect introduction to the city.

When we returned to the hotel, it was time for dinner and meeting the 25 other poets who would be joining them for the weekend. Leron and Jency each settled in at a table with their three roommates and took part in a fun bingo icebreaker. After that the hard work began. They had their first performance workshop, where they began to understand how they would be preparing for Monday’s performance.

Day 2, April 12 -- Empire State Building!

Sunday morning started with a continuation of the Poetry SLAM! rehearsal. Each of the poets had a chance to practice the poem that they would perform on Monday night. Leron and Jency were both performing pieces that had won them Shine Awards at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in December, so they were experts at their poems. However, they still had lots to learn from their talented peers, and paid careful attention as Coach Tova gave them advice on their voice and movement.

After lunch, it was time for an adventure to the top of the Empire State Building! We divided up into groups by room, so I traveled with Jency and her three new friends from Milwaukee, Cleveland and Portland. We waited in line to go up two elevators to the top, and when we got there we were greeted by a spectacular view and perfect weather. The girls loved taking pictures and searching for landmarks - they even found the Statue of Liberty!

Although everyone was tired by the time we returned to our room, we could only take a short break because we needed to get ready for dinner. Our Sunday dinner took place at the Marriott in Times Square, so we got dressed up and quickly walked the twenty minutes to the hotel. The poets felt so important in the gorgeous hotel, eating from the amazing buffet -- they especially loved selecting their desserts! Some poets had family members join them. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the hard work and dedication the poets and their communities put into writing poetry and getting ready for the SLAM!.

Despite their busy day and a long walk back to the hotel, the poets were not ready to sleep. They were filled with anticipation for what Monday would bring. Since it was the final night before the performance, we got to participate in an America SCORES tradition: the SLAM! Pajama Party. The poets in our room performed their poems for one another in a relaxed, friendly environment, while snacking on popcorn, playing music, and trying on their new NYC souvenirs.

Day 3, April 13 -- SLAM! TIME

Monday was the day of the performance, but there was still a lot of work to do! After breakfast, the poets gathered for more rehearsing. They only had a few hours to learn the group poem that would open the show. Each poet had written an original line that they memorized in addition to the chorus. The most important part, however, was learning to recite the poem in unison and to accompany it with choreography.

During this rehearsal, the team really came together. They learned to listen to one another and to each ensure that they were doing their part to make sure the piece went smoothly.

Then it was on to Central Park, another New York spot Jency and Leron had heard about from movies and TV shows. They sat outside in the sun and ate sandwiches, and then participated in small soccer games. It was a great way for everyone to relax and have fun before the big night.

We went straight from the park to the venue for the SLAM!, the Thomson Reuters building in Times Square. The performance would be at the very top of the skyscraper! When we arrived, the poets did a dress rehearsal on stage. Then they had some time to hang out and change into their special T-shirts. Everyone was feeling pretty nervous, but they were encouraged because they knew that they would all be on stage together.

The time passed so quickly that the poets had just barely finished their pizza dinner when they were led upstairs and backstage. They began with their group poem, chanting in strong voices: “Louder than thunder my voice will be heard. I breathe my dreams alive, I CAN change the world!”

After that, each of the 25 poet-athletes recited their poem. Emcee Charity Blackwell -- a former DC SCORES staff member and coach -- helped the poets feel comfortable and happy on stage. Jency was one of the first poets to perform her poem about bullying. She boldly asked the sell-out audience, “Do you have the courage to go against bullying? and pointed straight to the middle of the room, encouraging all of us to take a stand for what we believe in. Later, it was Leron’s turn. He confidently took the microphone out of its stand to walk across the stage as he spoke, reciting a meaningful poem about the price of freedom.

During the hour-long SLAM!, the poets spoke about their lives, their hopes, and dreams. The poems ranged from funny to serious, but they all captured the audience's attention and encouraged us to see the depth and promise of these children's thoughts. After the last performance, the poets exited the stage, wearing sunglasses and huge smiles on their faces. They were so proud of what they had accomplished and enjoyed meeting their fans and signing programs -- a very celebratory end to the weekend.

Soon we returned to the hotel, and for the first time all weekend the girls quickly fell asleep. They were exhausted from the long day and needed to get up early on Tuesday to pack up and head home.

Day 4, April 14 -- Heading home
The next morning I brought Leron and Jency to the train and we settled into our seats. They were both so happy to have experienced New York City, made new friends, and to be part of a new community of poets. They realized that poetry is now an important part of who they are and how they express themselves. They returned to school more confident and proud to be themselves, and with wonderful stories of their adventures in the Big Apple.

It was a weekend that they will never forget.

Going to the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! -- Meet Leron

Written by Kristen Miano
Digital Media Intern

Leron B., a fourth-grader at Imagine Hope Community Charter School -- Tolson Campus in Washington DC, drew inspiration for his award-winning poem from an unlikely source: history class.

“My poem is about how people weren’t free, like in slavery, when the African Americans weren’t free and people had to fight for freedom in the Civil War,” Leron said. “I was learning about it, and that’s why I made the poem.”

Leron’s poem not only won him the Shine Award at the Eastside DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in December, but it also got him a ticket to New York City where he will take the stage with other young poets from across the nation at the America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!

“I’m excited to see all the buildings,” Leron said of the trip. “Well, no. Just that one building. The really tall one.”

Leron, of course, means the Empire State Building, one of the many destinations he and DC SCORES’ other representative, Jency M., will find themselves at during their trip.

While he’s very excited about going to New York, LeRon confessed that he’s feeling a little anxious.

“I’m nervous because I’m going to be in front of a lot of people,” Leron said.

When he performed his poem at the Slam! in December, Leron said he wasn’t as nervous because the theater was dark and he couldn’t see the audience.

“And I was having fun because I was backstage before, yelling and goofing around,” he said.

Leron said his favorite part of writing poetry is the chance to get on stage and do some acting, but he also enjoys the creative process that goes into crafting a poem.

“I like writing poetry because I get to write a rhythm and have a lot of fun,” he said. “I started writing poetry because I was in DC SCORES and I was just having fun.”

Beyond the writing and the rhymes, Leron attests that he has learned an important lesson from his experience writing poetry.

“I learned what freedom is,” he said. “I learned how some people might not be free and what it’s all about.”

On April 13, Leron will perform that lesson for hundreds of people on another big stage. Stay tuned!

Teamwork, leadership, commitment (and much more) on display at Eastside Poetry Slam!

(See our first-look Eastside Poetry Slam! photo album HERE; Storify HERE.)

"We good in school/ that's the No. 1 rule/ TLC be cool."

That line came from Miner Elementary School, the first of 20 schools to perform at the DC SCORES Eastside Poetry Slam! Thursday. It set the tone for a special night.

During an inspiring, captivating, often hilarious, and often courageous three hours at H.D. Woodson High School, DC SCORES teams could not have better demonstrated the Teamwork, Leadership and Commitment -- SCORES' core values -- that's instilled during the fall season.

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Teamwork.

There was Aiton Elementary School on stage, clapping and stomping in perfect unison as one student after another approached the microphone to describe why they're a survivor.

I’m a survivor because I never give up
I’m a survivor because I’m a strong young man
I’m a survivor because I keep a cool head
I’m a survivor because I reach for the Stars
I’m a survivor because I have faith
I’m a survivor because I don’t criticize, I exercise


That was just a small piece of Aiton's Golden Mic-winning performance, which the Bears rightfully celebrated by rushing the stage to hoist the large trophy. The celebration is surely continuing in the school's halls today.

There was Drew Elementary, the school that burst on the scene in its first Poetry Slam! by claiming the Golden Mic a year ago. When a school joins DC SCORES, there's always the question of how quickly the kids will buy into the spoken word and self-expression component of the program. At Drew, that's never been an issue.

Drew began its second-place-winning show with a step-dance routine, before a kid interrupted to say, "That's OLD SCHOOL, we did that last year!" It was just part of a beautifully synchronized and choreographed performance that began with a poem about hot pink, ended with a solo "About Me" poem -- just one type of poem kids learn during the fall -- and included this in the middle:

You Know 
You know I am the best, because I always try on tests
You know I am a winner, because I eat healthy dinners
You know I am a king, because I always help my team
You know I am a star, can't you see me from afar?
You know I am intelligent, aren't my DC-CAS scores relevant?
You know I am the greatest, because I strive to be the greatest



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Leadership.

Much like on the soccer field, DC SCORES poetry teams need leaders -- kids who will take ownership of the team, help others, and when the Slam! arrives, often perform the solo poem.

The near-capacity crowd at H.D. Woodson was loud and boisterous all night. There were hoots, hollers, loads of encouragement, and plenty of laughs.

It could have been seemed an intimidating environment, especially for a kid all alone under the lights. But that was never the case, and this was best exemplified by Leron B.'s Shine Award-winning poem, "Freedom Isn't Free." Imagine Hope Charter School was the second-to-last school to perform during a long night, but Leron kept the crowd captivated.

People are being held back, held down.
Let people express themselves instead of frown
Have their dreams and be who they are...
Shouldn't everyone be a star?
Freedom isn't Free!

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Commitment.


Middle schools that perform in the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! have an added challenge.

Not only are they tasked with performing three poems in front of hundreds of people; they have to produce their spoken word pieces to music. Getting the timing and rhythm down -- and incorporating everyone -- is a big challenge.

KIPP AIM has mastered it.

The middle schoolers in their orange soccer uniforms might have even upped their Golden Mic-winning performance from a year ago with a committed, nonstop entertaining show that had many in the audience singing along.

First they did a remix of J. Cole's "Got me up all night," inserting their own lyrics.

Got me up all night, trying to get these A's tho
GOT ME Up all night, all I'm doing is learning

Then, after William T. invoked Frederick Douglass in a solo poem, KIPP AIM brought down the house with remixes of the current hit song "Lifestyle" and the forever classic "Man in the Mirror."

You're looking at the kids going to college
We’re going to achieve our dreams
And No Mission Could be
Any Clearer
If You Wanna Make The hood A Better Place
you gotta pick up your bags and go to school

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From Miner's opening to Kelly Miller Middle School's closing, there was no dropoff during the three-hour Poetry Slam!. Emcee Charity Blackwell had the large crowd's attention from the get-go, DJ RBI had kids dancing in their seats in between (and even during) every performance, and the dance contest while scores were being tallied got so loud, eardrums popped.

Each great performance helped inspire the next. It might have been Thomas Elementary's first Slam!, but like Drew last year, the Tigers matched the competition and had many of the night's best lines, including, "When I'm president, my phone's gonna be blowing up!" Thomas finished in third place in an incredibly competitive field.


And just like every other school, they demonstrated that TLC that shined on stage throughout the evening.

Below is the full list of winners from the second night of the 17th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam!.

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Elementary Schools
1st place — Aiton Elementary School
2nd place — Drew Elementary
3rd place — Thomas Elementary
School Spirit Award — J.C. Nalle Elementary
Shine Award — Leroy B., Imagine Hope Community Charter - Tolson Campus

Middle Schools
1st place — KIPP AIM
2nd place — Chavez Parkside
3rd place — Kelly Miller Middle School
Spirit Award — Johnson Middle

National Poetry SLAM! diary: A weekend of memory making in NYC

In early April, Elementary School Program Coordinator Rachel Klepper accompanied DC SCORES students Skky M. of Imagine Hope Community Charter School and Xavier C. of Arts and Technology Academy to New York City for the 8th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!. But the trip was more than just the event. Rachel spent three days with Skky, Xavier, and students from 12 other cities during a a special weekend the kids will never forget.

Watch the SLAM! here, look at photos here, and see Xavier's appearance on MSNBC here.

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Written by Rachel Klepper 
Elementary School Program Coordinator

On Saturday morning, I met Skky, Xavier and their families at Union Station to take the train to New York City. Everyone was excited, and a little nervous as well -- it was the start of a big trip!

As we navigated our many suitcases through the crowded station, we ran into a surprise guest. Jerome Clemons, who is Skky’s coach at Imagine Hope Tolson Community Charter School, came to see us off! And he brought special presents for Skky and Xavier. They got each got a DC flag and pin so that they could share their DC pride with their new friends and keep a reminder of home while exploring a new city.

We quickly boarded the train and began our journey to New York. On the way, Skky and Xavier got to know each other, talked about their schools and their DC SCORES teams, and played card games. It was both of their first train rides, and they loved it!

When we got to New York, we found our hotel, which was on a busy street right next to Penn Station. We had a couple hours to settle in before dinner. Just looking out of our window on the 25th floor, we could see a sea of yellow taxis, pedestrians, and tall skyscrapers -- we were amazed! Skky and Xavier were surprised by how different New York looked compared to DC, but they couldn’t wait to explore.

At dinner, Skky and Xavier got to meet the 24 other poet-athletes who would be joining them at the National SLAM! and would become their new friends. After we ate, the chaperones all met while the kids went off to get right to work on their poems. As I sat in the chaperone room listening to the plan for the weekend, I could hear the kids chanting and singing, already having so much fun.

After practice, we went up to our rooms. Skky and I stayed with one other chaperone and girls from Milwaukee and St. Louis, and Xavier stayed with two chaperones and three other boys. By bedtime, everyone was so much more relaxed and felt settled in to our hotel. After the first long day, the nerves had disappeared and they were excited to spend time with their friends and for all the adventures to come!

Sunday
The first priority Sunday was practice. Not only did each poet need to practice their individual poem, perfecting their memorization, annunciation, emotion, and movement, but everyone also needed to learn the group poem. The poets learned that the show would open with all 26 of them on stage, reciting a poem together, with each one having a special line about themselves and their city.

Watching the group poem practice was one of my favorite parts of the weekend. In a matter of days, they went from being 26 kids from states all across the country, to a team that could speak and move in perfect synchronization.

After some time to practice the individual poems in small groups, we ate lunch and then headed out on our first New York City adventure to the Statue of Liberty. By this time, Skky and Xavier had made friends with the other poet-athletes, so they raced on the bus to sit with their friends and pleaded to spend our time on Liberty Island with another group of kids. Of course, the answer was yes! We took a boat to the island and then got to climb the stairs to the pedestal of the statue, where we could look out and see beautiful views of the city.

We returned to the hotel just in time to change into our fancy clothes and head out to dinner at the Marriott in Times Square. Although the walk with 26 children through a packed Times Square at night meant lots of work for the chaperones, it was worth it to see the poet-athletes' wide eyes as they looked around at the blinking billboards and enormous stores. They certainly felt elegant and important as they rode the glass elevator up to the restaurant at the Marriott!

After dinner we returned to our hotel rooms for our pajama parties. In this National SLAM! tradition, each room gets to practice their poems in a fun and relaxed environment, while snacking on popcorn and other treats. In our room the girls practiced while dancing around the room and wearing some of their new souvenirs from NYC!

Soon it was bedtime, and although the girls wanted to stay up chatting all night, we knew that Monday would be a big day and everyone needed their rest.

Monday
Monday morning started off with breakfast in our hotel rooms, and then some more practicing of the group poem. After an hour of rehearsal we got on the bus for one of the most anticipated parts of the weekend: soccer in Central Park! Despite the light rain, our poet-athletes were happy to run around the park and play a fun soccer game. It was a great way to distract everyone from their nervousness about the performance.

From Central Park we took the bus right to the New York Stock Exchange, where the Poetry Slam would take place. It was finally almost time! First, though, the group got to practice on stage. Everyone recited their poems until they felt comfortable with the words and the microphone. At this point, everyone was pretty calm, though they were starting to realize that their big moment was getting closer.

Then the time came for the poet-athletes to head downstairs for dinner. They were all distracted by the delicious buffet, and by a surprise visit from soccer star and America SCORES spokesperson Briana Scurry. But little did they know that while they ate and laughed with their friends, hundreds of guests were arriving for the SLAM!. Soon it was time, and the poet athletes donned their matching shirts and neon sunglasses. They walked upstairs and down the center of the audience to take their places backstage.

That was the moment that the atmosphere changed. All around me, the poet athletes were realizing that in a few short minutes they would be up on stage in front of all these people. I could sense the anxiety, but I also could tell how ready they were. I knew that every single one of them was going to be amazing! I felt so happy to be able to be there with them and, along with the other chaperones, give them encouragement as they walked onto the stage to begin the event.

All 26 poet-athletes gave phenomenal performances. Their words captivated the audience, who reacted with smiles, laughs, or tears during the different poems. Each poem gave insight into a child’s life -- including their experience at school, their family, their imagination, or their dreams for the future. Their poems were deep, emotional, funny and inspiring.

After Xavier capped off the performances with his powerful school closing poem, all the students were treated like celebrities as they signed autographs for the guests. They also used their sharpies to sign each other’s shirts, leaving them with a memento of the SLAM! and of their new friends.

By that time, it was late and the poet-athletes were exhausted. However, the night was not over for Xavier. He had been asked to accompany America SCORES director Holly O’Donnell to New York's NBC studios to perform his poem and be interviewed on the Lawrence O'Donnell show.

Despite Xavier's exhaustion, his family and I traveled to the studio and waited until it was time for him to go on camera. Xavier was so poised and articulate on TV. He talked about his trip and his experience in DC SCORES, and performed his poem again. Then, finally, it was time to go back to the hotel for one last night with his roommates.

In the morning, we met to say goodbye to the whole group before getting on the train back home. The weekend was full of so many new and exciting experiences, and I think it is one that Skky and Xavier will never forget! They left feeling very proud of themselves, and ready to tell everyone at home about their trip to New York.

Nothing but inspiration at America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!

Written by Jake Lloyd
Communications Manager

"I'm in awe."

Those words were spoken by Briana Scurry, someone who isn't easily impressed. After all, the legendary U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper won two Olympic gold medals and the 1999 World Cup during an incredibly decorated soccer career.

So when Scurry — the newly anointed spokesperson for America SCORES — took to the stage about midway through the 8th Annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! at the New York Stock Exchange Monday night, she meant those three words — and she was far from alone.

We were all inspired.

During an action-packed hour, 26 poets representing 13 America SCORES cities far and wide took the stage and wowed the audience with an exhibition of self-expression like I've never seen before — and that's saying something, considering I've been at five DC SCORES Poetry Slam! events.

As many of the hundreds of guests remarked afterward, from the opening group poem — put together during just two days of practicing! — to Xavier C.'s culminating and incredibly powerful school closing poem, there was no drop-off between performances. But they were also incredibly varied, keeping audience members on the edge of their seats throughout the night. Some poems were in Spanish; others were pure comedy; more than anything, we got to know the amazing students through their self-expression.

Awe. We were all in awe.

And all convinced of the impact these students — just a handful of the 8,000 impacted each year through America SCORES — will make on the world.

Once the event had concluded and the students received a long standing ovation from the likes of Scurry, former soccer star and current broadcaster Shep Messing, members of the New York Red Bulls, and hundreds of others, guests wouldn't let the evening's stars leave just yet.

We all wanted their autographs. The 26 elementary and middle school youth walked around in their America SCORES T-shirts — with their cities on the back — signing guest's programs and having us ink words of congratulations on their red shirts. It was the perfect capper to an incredible night of inspiration.

Except, for one student, it wasn't over...

Xavier — showing no signs of fatigue from a LONG day — headed to New York's NBC studios with America SCORES Executive Director Holly O'Donnell for an appearance on MSNBC's "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell." The national show's first guest in 2010 was Joe Biden. On Monday night, Xavier owned the spotlight (VIDEO).

The 10-year-old could have been forgiven for appearing a bit tired on late-night TV, but Xavier was far from that. Rather, he was a natural in front of the camera, demonstrating the same poise he had two hours earlier in delivering his poem for the national TV audience and answering all of O'Donnell's questions without hesitation.

When the segment ended, Xavier — looking like a seasoned TV guest — told O'Donnell, "Thank you for having me."

After Monday's grand show, I had the same feeling for the poet-athletes who put on the greatest exhibition of self-expression I've ever witnessed.

If you weren't at the NYSE and missed the live streaming of the SLAM!, you can still watch it on the embedded player and HERE (beginning at the 22:00 mark).

America SCORES National Poetry SLAM! profile: Skky M., Imagine Hope Community Charter School

Written by Kara Dunford
Communications Intern

On April 7, New York City will shine bright as almost 30 poets from across the country come together for the 8th annual America SCORES National Poetry SLAM!.

Skky M., a fifth grade DC SCORES student at Imagine Hope Community Charter School, will take to the stage to perform her poem “The Hungry Child.”

Skky started writing poetry as part of the DC SCORES curriculum this past fall and said it helps her to express herself.

“I like writing poetry because I like to present it in front of my classmates. It makes me feel confident,” she said.

Skky was recognized at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! this past December, winning the Shine Award for best individual performance. It was an incredible achievement for a child performing in front of a huge audience for the first time in her life.

Jerome Clemons, one of the Imagine Hope coaches, said the opportunity for Skky to go to New York City says a lot about the school and community.

Skky performs at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam!.

“We hope everyone enjoys the performance, but really enjoys and sees the passion we instill in our players and our students,” he said.

When I had the chance to chat with Skky about her upcoming performance, the passion Clemons discussed was on full display. As she performed her poem, it was clear that Skky deeply felt each of the emotions expressed in the text.

Skky talked about her performance in December. She admitted she was nervous, but that didn’t stop her.

“I just stayed confident,” she said, noting that her practice in the classroom and support from her teammates was key.

The Imagine Hope Soaring Eagles, who won third place at the Poetry Slam!, are excited for their teammate. During my visit to the school, the team prepared a chant to wish Skky luck on the big day.

“It shows our teamwork,” Clemons said. “We all work together in writing and performing, and then in playing soccer.”

Skky is looking forward to having the chance to perform with the students from America SCORES affiliates across the country at the National Poetry SLAM!, which will be held inside the New York Stock Exchange.

“I’m looking forward to meeting other kids and becoming friends,” she said.

Check out the embedded video (also HERE) to hear more from Skky and take a sneak peek into her practice for the National Poetry SLAM!. Follow along on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #SCORESslam14 for updates from New York.

Poetry Slam! performance of the week: Imagine Hope Community Charter School -- Tolson Campus

Each Wednesday during the year, we will highlight one of the 41 performances from the 16th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam! that took place Dec. 4-5, 2013. The event is the largest youth poetry slam in the District and highlights the original poems of our 1,500 youth. To view any performance from the Poetry Slam!, visit our YouTube channel. You can also read recaps of the event on our blog: Westside; Eastside. 

Today we highlight Imagine Hope Community Charter School - Tolson Campus, which was participating in its first fall of DC SCORES and, thus, first Poetry Slam!. The Eagles showed no fear on stage in front of 500 audience members. Under the bright lights and decked out in green school uniforms, the team performed a fun and poignant poem, "Harambee."

"Harambee in Swahili means we pull together," said a student, introducing the poem to the audience. Then the Eagles demonstrated several forms of pulling together as a team -- using their voices but also acting out each line.

Imagine Hope's group poems were powerful and well-choreographed, but they just led up to Skky M. taking center stage to read her work "The Hungry Child." Skky's touching poem won her the Shine Award for best elementary school individual performance, and the Eagles took home third place in their Poetry Slam! debut.

Click on the embedded video player above. We promise it will put a smile on your face.

Inside the notebook at Imagine Hope Community Charter Part VII: Looking back at a fall of self-expression

Image Hope performs at the Poetry Slam!.

Each week throughout the fall season, DC SCORES intern Brady Smithsund visited the writing enclave of Imagine Hope Community Charter School -- Tolson Campus, a new school in the program. Brady witnessed as the Soaring Eagles experienced ups and downs in going through the Power of Poetry writing curriculum. Brady's internship ended before last week's Poetry Slam!, so he didn't get to witness Imagine Hope's inspiring performance at H.D. Woodson Senior High School that won third place and Skky M.'s solo poem that won her the Shine Award for best individual poet.

But Brady could have known as much from witnessing the enthusiasm and excitement the students brought to the classroom every day that he visited. Putting together a strong Poetry Slam! experience is a three-month journey for a DC SCORES team and its coaches, and Imagine Hope exemplified that process as well as any school.

Below are Brady's final thoughts from a semester spent visiting the poetry classroom of the Soaring Eagles. See photos from Brady's visits on our Flickr page.

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Shine Award winner Skky M.

After about three months of hard work in the classroom, the fall 2013 DC SCORES season is ending for the Soaring Eagles of Imagine Hope Charter, Tolson Campus. Not only does it mark the end of their soccer and writing seasons, but it also means my time with them is over. I have enjoyed watching the students learn from two very talented teachers in Jerome Clemons and Kendra Keuhl. The amount of work it took for them to teach a class as successful as this one shows nothing but promise for future seasons of DC SCORES.

On Day One, I sat back and observed as the students cracked open the DC SCORES Power of Poetry curriculum book (182 pages!) and begin their journey through poetry. That first day I was there back in September, I saw a group of kids who didn’t know anything about poetry -- some didn’t even know much about creative writing in general. They were nervous and shy around me. They weren’t as cohesive of a group as they are now. I was nervous at first at how much progress they could make, and how much of the curriculum they could hit along the way.

Each week, though, they kept getting better and better. I found myself more and more impressed by the ever-growing knowledge, spirit, and willingness to work hard exhibited by the students week in and week out. I saw them write their first “I Am” poems, used to describe themselves as students, athletes, friends, and human beings. I was there when they proceeded to writing acrostic poems, which incorporated a more artistic and aesthetic approach to poetry. I could see their confidence growing with each line they wrote and each poem they performed in front of the class.

By this time, they had accepted me as one of their own, giving me high fives and welcoming me into the class each time I visited. I knew them by name and they knew me. I was able to offer them advice and give them little pushes in the right direction if they needed it. Even though we had only spent one day a week together for a few weeks, I could tell that they respected me and they knew I respected them.

On the final day I attended a session at Imagine Hope, I witnessed what I could only describe as the pinnacle of their season. That day the students were practicing a complicated group poem they would be performing at this year’s Poetry Slam!. Kids are not perfect, and therefore they messed up quite a bit. Frustration was all around and tempers were starting to run thin. It looked as though they had hit a wall and were struggling to find a way to combat it.

Then, a unifying moment happened. One of the smallest boys stood up and grabbed the attention of the entire room.

“Who are we?” he yelled “Who are we?”

This ignited the rest of the kids, who responded with a rousing chorus of “Soaring Eagles!” It was at this point that they became a team. They bonded together to overcome their obstacles and work toward their common goal -- performing well at their first ever Poetry Slam!.

It was at this moment that I realized success in the DC SCORES poetry program isn’t about making it all the way through the Power of Poetry curriculum. I realized that none of it matters if the kids don’t have fun along the way. All the substantive material in the book is lost if the kids don’t have a nurturing and creative environment to learn in.

They have this environment at Imagine Hope Tolson. The kids were genuinely excited to be in that classroom every day, and I could see them change as students and writers throughout my time there. This is what the DC SCORES Power of Poetry curriculum really does -- facilitate the positive growth of kids in ways that go beyond just writing by teaching them to deal with everything that may get in their way. They learned not only how to write creatively but also how to think for themselves and express themselves in new ways.

That’s the power of DC SCORES.

Lessons from soccer field, power of service-learning on display during second night of 16th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam!

Drew prepares for its performance.

When someone is introduced to DC SCORES and learns that the program combines soccer, poetry and service-learning, the usual -- and natural -- reaction is what? How in the world can that work?

The three prongs of our program model seem so far apart, such different disciplines. Why would a kid who plays soccer want to write poetry?

On Thursday night at the Eastside version of the 16th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam!, a near-capacity audience of over 500 people at H.D. Woodson Senior High School witnessed just how intertwined soccer, poetry and service-learning are through 19 original poetry and spoken word performances.

The second night of the fall season's culminating event was emceed by spoken word artist and teacher Clint Smith along with DC SCORES staff member Charity Blackwell, with DJ RBI dropping beats and the background music to performances all night.

Earlier during the season, the soccer team at Drew Elementary School -- just blocks from Woodson -- received a generous donation of soccer cleats from Sarah Bair, a high school student who started the nonprofit Cleats for Peace to give soccer shoes to students lacking them.

On stage in their orange soccer uniforms Thursday, Drew captivated the audience with a poem about their new shoes. In unison, the students sang, "Cleats on my feet! That's all I need! Cleats on my feet! That's all I need!"

That lined capped off a rhythmic clapping, stomping, rhyming and singing performance that at the end of the night won Drew the Golden Mic Trophy in the school's first ever Poetry Slam!.

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Immanuel W. holds up his trophy for the Shine Award.

Drew wasn't the only debut school that showed no fear under the bright lights. KIPP AIM won the middle school championship with a powerful performance about education and self-empowerment, highlighted by Immanuel W.'s four-verse rap that won him the Shine Award for best middle school individual performance and could be on the radio soon (no joke).

KIPP AIM''s time on stage, though, began with an introduction. A girl, Raven H., in her orange soccer uniform took the microphone and told the audience how her soccer team had come from not knowing how to properly do a throw-in at the beginning of the season to making the Capital Cup Championship game.

And even though they lost, she said, the students were proud of what they had accomplished. That translated perfectly into an incredibly confident and inspiring Poetry Slam! debut performance highlighted by Immanuel's rap set to the song "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco.

Each middle school is tasked with choreographing a performance to go with a song, and Immanuel's lyrics flowed flawlessly as he dropped the chorus: "All right, all ready, we're climbing on/up the mountain/we worked so hard..."

Imagine Hope's students demonstrate community service.

Perhaps no team better demonstrated all they have learned on the soccer field and in the classroom this fall than Imagine Hope Community Charter School, which was also making its first Poetry Slam! appearance. Using the theme of "Harambe," which a student introduced to the audience as meaning "Pull Together" in Swahili, the Soaring Eagles demonstrated with actions and words all the ways they've come together during their first DC SCORES season.

"We pull together to show sportsmanship," two boys said, helping up a fallen teammate. "We're not supposed to litter, we're supposed to recycle," another boy said as he picked up fallen paper. "We pull together to help the poor," another student said as he and a teammate gave money to and helped a boy up from the ground.

Imagine Hope's third-place performance was capped off by Skky M., whose poem "I am the Hungry Child" not only inspired the audience, but won her the Shine Award for best individual performance.

"School, food, water are all things you take for granted," Skky emphasized. "I don't want or need a game, ipod, ipad or a car/Give me a book so I can learn and read and maybe ONE day/I can get an education!"

Imagine Hope hasn't had a DC SCORES service-learning season yet, but is there any doubt this spring that they'll make an indelible impact on their community (or around the world?).

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Second-place finisher Arts and Technology Academy.

On the subject of education, no team delivered a more powerful performance than Arts and Technology Academy. ATA is no stranger to inspiring and heartfelt Poetry Slam! deliveries -- winning four consecutive Golden Mic trophies from 2008-11 -- and Thursday was no different.

With the increasing emphasis on test scores, school reform and other mitigating factors, schools in Washington, DC, are rarely completely immune to the possibility of being shuttered. Just last June, four DC SCORES schools were included on a list of 15 that were closed.

The ATA students, dressed well in their burgundy school uniforms, addressed school closures head on -- highlighted by a boy's solo performance that had the entire audience's attention. Microphone in hand, the boy came off the stage and walked directly in front of the judges, where he expounded on the worth of his fellow students.

"We know our math and reading scores may not be the best," he said. "But we have potential because our worth is more than just data and tests!"

That much was obvious to the 500-plus people who witnessed ATA's perfectly delivered second-place performance.

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The beauty of poetry and self-expression is that when you're treated to several performance under one roof, there is great diversity in the content. While ATA focused on schools and Hart Middle School performed an anti-violence song ("Violence is a waste of time/At Hart that's something you will NEVER find"), other schools had fun with creative and comical performances.

Emcee Clint Smith.

Third-place elementary school finisher Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School had the audience howling with laughter during its "Soccer is a Dog" poem, which featured the students in their Santa hats imitating the sounds of big dogs, lonely dogs and confused dogs -- the funniest sound.

Garfield Elementary School did a poem all about running, with each student imitating a different animal's or person's gait. Burrville Elementary School did a serious yet also amusing poem about the government shutdown, dropping lines like, "The shutdown was so bad, it made some people go mad!" and followed that poem with "Tale of two David's," as two boys performed a fun back-and-forth about the merits of their David.

It was a poignant, powerful, comedic and entertaining night of self-expression at H.D. Woodson -- a Poetry Slam! Executive Director Amy Nakamoto called the best she's witnessed in seven years. And no event could have better exemplified just how connected the three aspects of DC SCORES' program are.

Now if only Drew's students could have worn their cleats on stage!

Below is a full list of winners from the second night of the 16th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam.

Elementary Schools
1st place -- Drew Elementary School
2nd place -- Arts and Technology Academy
3rd place -- Imagine Hope Community Charter School, Tolson Campus
Spirit Award -- Perry Street Preparatory Public Charter School
Shine Award -- Skky M., Imagine Hope

Middle Schools
1st place -- KIPP DC: AIM Academy
2nd place -- Kelly Miller Middle School
3rd place -- Jefferson Middle School
Spirit Award -- Cesar Chavez Public Charter School, Parkside
Shine Award -- Immanuel W., KIPP AIM

See photos from the 16th Annual DC SCORES Poetry Slam! on our Flickr page.

And students from Drew have a final message for you...

Inside the notebook at Imagine Hope Community Charter Part VI: Jerome Clemons embraces role of coach

Each week throughout the fall DC SCORES season, I will be accompanying the students of the Tolson campus of Imagine Hope Charter on their journey through DC SCORES’ Power of Poetry curriculum. This will include weekly content posted on Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and this blog. Follow these talented kids as they learn to express themselves through one of the purest forms of art! You can stay in touch with me by following me on Twitter at @DCSCORESInterns and @DCSCORES. Enjoy!

-Brady Smithsund, Fall 2013 Intern

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Last week I sat down with one of Imagine Hope's coaches, Jerome R. Clemons, Jr, to ask him a few questions about his life and how he came to work for DC SCORES. While his students prepared for the Poetry Slam!, the 5th-8th grade Social Studies teacher took a moment to reflect on his journey to DC SCORES.

DC SCORES: How did you get into education or start working with youth?

JC: I first started volunteering with youth in Charleston, South Carolina, when I was in high school. I worked with a non-profit organization called Youth Service Charleston. I helped start a summer reading tutorial lab for elementary students. To get the program off the ground, I worked with Youth Service Charleston, who assisted in getting books and reading supplies donated to the program. I found area camps that needed volunteers to help with campers' reading skills. Additionally, I mobilized many of my friends to volunteer. I have always cherished those memories of volunteering working with kids. I see those early experiences as my foundation into my current educational career. After high school I attended Towson University, where I played soccer and majored in Social Science. Upon graduating, my first teaching position was abroad teaching English to 4th-6th graders at a school in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Why did you choose to work for DC SCORES; what attracted you to the program?

DC SCORES combines two of my favorite hobbies: soccer and poetry! Last school year I learned about DC SCORES and became interested in bringing the program to my school. I surveyed students to find out if they were interested. The response was overwhelming. There was interest from students in all grade levels. Finally, I contacted DC SCORES and worked on logistics.

Now that you’ve been doing it for a while, what do you enjoy most about it?

I enjoy the process of helping to drive student athletes towards success. We absorb information together learning, creating, and sharing new poetic ideas and soccer skills. I reciprocate the same love and excitement they share for DC SCORES.

Why is DC SCORES important to the school and the students it serves?

DC SCORES is vital to our school in helping to create community, self-expression, and integrity. The students we serve at Imagine Hope Tolson love sharing their experience this year with DC SCORES. We are one of the schools that does not have any athletic facilities on campus. The excitement that is felt on the days we have soccer practice and games is electric. Students sing cheers on the way to practice and even on the bus to games. Students look forward to having the opportunity to be outside and play soccer after school. The poetry component has helped create confidence in our students. DC SCORES has touched everyone at our school. Classmates and staff are always asking about our team!

Was there an experience you had growing up that pushed you into education or toward a program like DC SCORES? Were you in a similar program?

My first experience with soccer was with the Ebony City Soccer Club Lil’ Peles. Since 1980, Ebony City Soccer Club has been providing an organized team soccer experience to youth between the ages of 5 and 16 years in my hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Lil' Peles soccer team was established to provide a vehicle that would help channel the energy of the area youth in a positive direction. Just like DC SCORES! The Lil’ Peles derived their nickname from the undisputed master of the game, Brazilian born soccer player Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pele). His background as a youth was one of poverty and a determination.

What progress have you seen from your students during the writing session?

The progress I have seen during writing sessions has been connected to their creativity, confidence, and communication. Their vocabulary has constantly grown each week. The level of detail has also increased each week in their writing. They enjoy being specific and providing unique details.

What are you most looking forward to about the Poetry Slam!?

I am most looking forward to seeing my students take the confidence from the soccer field to the stage. I am excited to see all of the school performances. I know students and coaches have been working hard to put together performances for the Poetry Slam!.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is Lionel Messi of La Liga club FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Before writing sessions would start, I would show my players highlight videos of Messi and say you need to emulate him on the field.

Who is your favorite musician or poet?

My favorite poet is Khalil Gibran.

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food is baked macaroni and cheese.

Inside the notebook at Imagine Hope Community Charter Part V: Luis comes out of his shell, performs his poem

Each week throughout the fall DC SCORES season, I will be accompanying the students of the Tolson campus of Imagine Hope Charter on their journey through DC SCORES' Power of Poetry curriculum. This will include weekly content posted on Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and this blog. Follow these talented kids as they learn to express themselves through one of the purest forms of art. You can stay in touch with me by following me on Twitter at @DCSCORESInterns and @DCSCORES. Enjoy!

-- Brady Smithsund, Fall 2013 Intern

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One of the goals of last Wednesday's poetry session at Imagine Hope was to begin the process of deciding which student might perform their solo poem at the DC SCORES Poetry Slam! in early December. This is a crucial part of the DC SCORES Power of Poetry curriculum, as the Poetry Slam! is the premier — and culminating — event of the fall season. With a small group of students present, Ms. Kuehl suggested that everyone read aloud their recently written “Who Am I?” poems to me.

The first thing I noticed was that the students present were, incidentally, the ones who spoke up the least in class. One student, Luis, was possibly the shyest boy in in DC SCORES. At previous poetry sessions when I tried to introduce myself and the other students encouraged him to share, he remained quiet. On this occasion, though, he was a completely new person.

Luis greeted me when I walked in and hugged me when I left. And he even stood up in front of me and the class and performed his “Who Am I?” poem. It was beautifully written. I was surprised by the fact that he hadn’t spoken up before. This kid can write!

Now he was heard!

The rest of the students then performed their poems about poverty. This culminated in a group poem performed by more than half of the class. Lasting for a few minutes, the students touched on issues such as poverty, starvation, heritage and suffrage. I knew what these students were capable of, but I didn’t expect them to talk about these issues with such great depth.

Surprised and fulfilled, I left Imagine Hope with a smile on my face following a great poetry session.
 

Inside the notebook at Imagine Hope Community Charter Part IV: Self-expression through movement

Each week throughout the fall DC SCORES season, I will be accompanying the students of the Tolson campus of Imagine Hope Charter on their journey through DC SCORES' Power of Poetry curriculum. This will include weekly content posted on Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and this blog. Follow these talented kids as they learn to express themselves through one of the purest forms of art. You can stay in touch with me by following me on Twitter at @DCSCORESInterns and @DCSCORES. Enjoy!

-- Zac Oring, Fall 2013 Intern

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This week, I attended Imagine Hope Charter in place of my fellow intern Brady Smithsund. This was my first time being in the classroom with Mr. Clemons, Ms. Kuehl, and all the students. I was introduced to the class, and was greeted with the warm smiles of the children. A few even asked if they could call me “best friend” on my very first day!

When I entered the class, the students had just finished learning about UNICEF (United Nations Children Fund). Each student was given an orange box, labeled “Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF,” which encouraged students to fundraise in their community.

The presentation led right into the poetry lesson of the day … but not before a little warm up! The class was split into two groups, one led by Mr. Clemons and the other by Ms. Kuehl.

The groups played the Rhythm Game: all of the students, except for one, gather in a circle and one of the students creates a rhythm for the rest of the group to follow. The creator of the rhythm can then change the beat at any time. The one student who is not in the circle -- and has had their back turned -- then must get in the middle of the circle and try to figure out which one of their classmates is changing the rhythm.

All of the kids had a blast and I was even invited to join in on the game, However, all of the kids were way better than me and my poor gameplay provided some humor for the group!

The kids then sat down with their pencils and notebooks to begin writing their “Who Am I” poems. Demonstrating their teambuilding mentality, many of the kids helped their peers come up with ideas for their poems if they were stuck. Each child wrote two versions of the poem -- one from the perspective of the student, and the other version from the perspective of a poor person.

The kids all had the opportunity to present their poems in front of the class; each poem read was applauded by snapping fingers. Incorporating hand motions and gestures with the words being spoken was encouraged by the teachers.

One student read aloud, “I am famished” while simultaneous rubbing his stomach and groaning as if he were hungry and in need of food. Another student read aloud, “I am a dancer” before breaking out a fancy dance move!

While the students were working on their poems, I asked a few of them, “What does poetry mean to you?”

One boy told me, “Poetry helps me learn new things and teaches me what I love in life.”

Another student gave me three words that come to mind when he thinks of poetry: “emotions, explanatory and fun.”

My day at Imagine Hope Charter concluded with a nice pasta party. I look forward to visiting the classroom again in the near future and seeing the kids’ progress in DC SCORES’ Power of Poetry curriculum.