Annual Report 2006-07 | Página 24

Committee’s sale of reusable grocery bags; and a big yard sale administered by student government representatives on Rosario’s school grounds, an event that raised $900. Educational Field Trips and Training: A highlight of the school year was a team-building and leadership retreat at the FLOC Outdoor Education Center in West Virginia. Several enthusiastic staff members and teachers joined the student representatives on two separate occasions to challenge themselves through a series of trust exercises and a high ropes course. They walked across cable wires over 50 feet high, swung on a zip line, and climbed moving ladders. Everyone took risks, stepped outside of their comfort zones, and had fun in the process. In addition, both semesters ended with a day-long public speaking training conducted by MAYA, Inc. This training emphasized managing nervousness, enhancing presentation skills, and speaking with confidence. It was a great opportunity for students to practice their public-speaking skills and to receive feedback in a safe and supportive environment. Leadership and Civic Engagement: Through participation in community-wide events, students had the opportunity to learn about the importance of leadership and civic engagement. In the fall semester, for example, evening student government representatives volunteered as ushers at a community meeting held by Mayor Adrian Fenty, and they also attended an informational meeting at EOFULA, a local organization that works with older adults. During the spring semester, representatives participated in the National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) Issues Briefing and Advocacy Day. Participation in this twoday event included advocating for policies that affect immigrant populations, including legislation regarding education, health coverage, career and asset-building, youth violence, and immigration reform. Student government members meet with Mayor Fenty They also visited with members of Congress, including Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), to advocate for policy change in these areas. Evening representatives participated in yet another Latino town hall meeting with Mayor Fenty to discuss issues such as education, public safety, and healthcare. Supportive Activities within Student Government: Throughout the school year, student representatives facilitated activities designed to support and welcome one another and also to help prepare for future events. Students participated in a picnic at Rock Creek Park, engaged in a welcome dinner, held a gift exchange and pot luck dinner in celebration of the holidays, and ended the school year with a picnic on Rosario’s school grounds. Workforce Program Advisory Committee The Workforce Program has corporate advisory committees for Culinary Arts, Information Technology, and Healthcare. Corporate Advisory Committees have been established to inform the curricula as it relates to the needs and expectation of local employers. During the 2006-2007 academic year, the committees met once each semester. Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, Annual Report SY 2006-2007 -23-