Month: December 2011

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iPraxis aims at helping Northwood Charter’s students in science fair

Northwood Academy Charter School held it’s annual science fair this past Thursday at it’s annex in the former Saint Joachim’s school at Penn and Church.  My father, wife and I stopped by to check out how the budding scientists were faring.  I met with Meagan Hopkins-Doerr, former Northwood Charter teacher and current iPraxis program director, who guided me through the process that the students would follow.  All students in 7th and 8th grade are prepped for science projects.  Those that were able to attain a certain level of preparation were moved ahead to the school’s science fair.

Judging  for the school’s science fair was coordinated with iPraxis, a non profit organization who’s focus is to improve science opportunities for underserverd students.  According to iPraxis’ website, “science comes to life for kids when they get to learn by seeing, hearing, feeling, and experiencing science inside and outside of their classrooms.”

iPraxis coordinated with the school to link up Ph.D. candidate scientists to judge the competition and then mentor the winning students in each category weekly until the region wide  George Washington Carver Science Fair hosted at Temple in early March.

I spoke with Cordell, an 8th grader at Northwood Academy, who’s science fair project this year centered around what can make an electromagnet stronger.  He was excited by the opportunity to showcase what he learned and looked forward to the opportunity to compete.

Cordell showcases his project

It was great to the asset to the community that Northwood Academy has become and it was the first time in a couple decades that I was back in Saint Joachim’s auditorium since I graduated 8th grade.  It seemed a lot smaller than I remembered.

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PSA1 Meeting 12/21/2011

There was a good number at the PSA! meeting this month, especially considering how close it was to Christmas, about 20 people were in attendance.  Unfortunately, the police were a no show.  The problem was that transfer were announced earlier in the week for Lt. Casselli and the new Lt. Wood was scheduled to be off. PSA meetings are scheduled around the Lieutenant’s schedule so the next meeting should have the new Lt. show up.

In his absence, those present did discuss issues until 8PM.  The next PSA1 meeting will be announced when it is posted on the 15th District’s web site.

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Coming Up in Frankford 12/24 to 1/20/2012

  • Northeast Philadelphia EPIC Stakeholders Group
    When – Thu, December 29, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
    Where – Aria Hospital’s Frankford Campus (4900 Frankford Avenue) in the 2nd floor meeting room. Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
    Description – The ultimate goal is to create a process that enhances the community’s ability to solve issues surrounding truancy, domestic violence, child safety and substance abuse.
  • Frankford Civic Association Meeting
    When – Thu, January 5, 2012, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – 2nd floor conference room, Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19124 (map)
  • Effective Job Search Strategies Workshop
    When – Fri, January 6, 2012, 10:30am – 12:30pm
    Where – Frankford Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia, 4634 Frankford Avenue (map)
    Description – Begin the New Year by learning faster and better ways to achieve your job and career goals! Job seekers are invited to attend a free workshop on Effective Job Search Strategies. Evelyn Cunningham of JEVS Human Services will present techniques for developing short and long term career plans and finding a job. During the second half of the workshop, participants will have a chance to explore The Career Gateway, JEVS online job and career resource. To register, call 215-685-1473 during library hours or email baxterb@freelibrary.org.
  • Financial Aid Application Workshop
    When – Wednesday, Jan 11, 2012
    Where – Frankford High School (map)
    Description – This workshop will assist parents and students in completing the FASFA application.
  • 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Celebration
    When – Mon, January 16, 2012, 9am – 11am
    Where – Sankofa Freedom Academy, 4256 Paul Street (map)
    Description – The Breakfast Celebration is a Youth event focused around Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the goals and aspirations of the Civil Rights movements with included equitable work, pay, peaceable assembly and desegregation. The Frankford Coalition of Neighbors is a non-profit organization working to improve relations among the diverse economic, racial and ethnic groups in Frankford, while promoting volunteerism and community coalition building. For Information or to Volunteer CONTACT: Jennifer Powell-Folks at (215) 744-9170
  • Northwood Civic Association Meeting
    When – Tue, January 17, 2012, 7pm – 8pm
    Where – St. James Lutheran Church, at Castor Avenue and Pratt Street. (map)
  • Frankford Community Development Corporation Public Meeting
    When – Thu, January 19, 2012, 6pm – 8pm
    Where – Aria Health, 4900 Frankford Ave. 2nd floor conference room (map)
    Description – Frankford CDC staff and board will discuss 2011 accomplishments and plans for 2012.
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Frankford Junior ROTC

One of the many bright spots that emanate from Frankford High School this year is the Junior ROTC.  I meet them at a lot of different community events lending a hand.  This week they were busy sprucing up the High School itself.

On December 13, 2011, the Frankford High School JROTC cadets spent over three hours cleaning-up the Frankford High School campus. The cadets raked over 38 large bags of leaves.