Annual Report 2005-06 | Page 52

B. Unique Accomplishments The Charter School received a High Performing School Incentive Award from the Mayor. The awards were designed to reward high performing charter schools in the District of Columbia. Recipients were decided on the basis of students’ achievement levels and a charter school’s ability to: 1) Receive accreditation status, 2) Provide timely and thorough reporting of information for the annual review; 3) Implement strong staff development policies; 4) Maintain strong academic and financial viability; and 5) Avoid negative actions by its chartering authority. The Carlos Rosario School was awarded $20,000. The team sign let everyone know that the Carlos Rosario School is dedicated to Literacy! The forces of nature could not stop Carlos Rosario staff, students and friends from marching through a soggy Saturday morning to support the State Education Agency’s Annual Walk for Literacy. Despite the steady rain on October 8th, 14 participants showed their school spirit and helped promote Literacy in DC. The School also collected donations from staff and friends. The school continues to be an instructional model for teaching universities: Graduate students from the University of the District of Columbia and George Mason University visited classes to observe and learn best practices from Carlos Rosario teachers throughout the school year. Additionally, Sally McElroy, ESL teacher, mentored an American University TESOL graduate student for their teaching practicum during the spring 2006 semester. Last September, Labor Day brought the close of the summer and the beginning of the school year. Staff, faculty, and students welcomed the year by participating in several “International Literacy Week” events. Staff and students showed their school spirit and international colors by attending the State Education Agency’s reception for literacy programs across the city in native dress. The school was also represented by staff and students at the “Read Out Loud” campaign second year kick off sponsored by Fannie Mae, where the students Students and staff showed their school spirit during International interacted with corporate and public Literacy Week. stakeholders to encourage funding for literacy. Seventy (70) Carlos Rosario School members were also out in force distributing flyers in the neighborhood to promote the campaign. Each event was a learning experience for students Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, Annual Report SY 2005-2006 - 51 -