The Frankford Gazette » Education

Frankford High School JROTC Happenings for January 2012

1st Lt. Lee Nguyen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 01:59:31 +0000

The color guard attended the 26th annual Martin Luther King breakfast celebration at Sankofa Freedom Charter school on January 26th.

Color Guard

On January 29th, the Pioneer Battalion hosted a fundraiser at the Applebee’s located on Castor and Aramingo. It was an “All-you-can-eat” breakfast. I am glad to say it was a huge success! We raised over $600. The money will be used to fund various JROTC events.

Applebees Fundraiser

Brightside Academy Hosts “Meet Your Legislators” Event for Parents and Students!

Pat Smiley — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 04:35:02 +0000

Our local Brightside Academy, located at 1627-29 Meadow Street, hosted a “Meet Your Legislators” event on Friday, 1/13/12, to bring our local legislators, parents and students together. Part of the program included a photo display of students’ concerns about our community. The students had been given disposable cameras to capture and record what they would like to change about Frankford. Students also prepared questions to present to the legislators. As I looked at the photo display, there were pictures of littered streets and abandoned buildings. We, too, share these young citizens’ concerns. Parents gathered in the meeting room of Brightside Academy, munching on provided snacks, to await the arrival of the legislators.

This was our first visit to Brightside Academy and we were warmly greeted and impressed with the brightly painted and decorated classrooms. This Brightside Academy is one of 30 academies in the city according to Davida Garr, Community Affairs Specialist. Brightside Academy is a part of many of our city neighborhoods and are reaching out to connect with their families and support the local communities. Early education and care are provided for children aged 6 weeks – 12 years. Academies are open year-round from 6 AM until 6 PM (may vary slightly by location). Juana Ramos, Area Business Director, explained that Brightside Academy opened in 1999 at this location. The name “Academy” is very important to staff as they provide an educational environment, work to enhance their own qualifications through staff development and work to reach higher levels in the Keystone Stars program. Keystone Stars is a PA Early Learning initiative that gives accreditation to day-care centers based on the highest performance level they achieve – Star 1 through Star 4.

I had a chance to speak with parents who are unanimously very pleased with this facility. They feel staff are pleasant, there is a family atmosphere and they recommended them highly. One mother has had three children in Brightside Academy and the oldest is now 11. We visited a class where a student was celebrating an 8th birthday and cupcakes had been shared!

State Representative Tony Payton arrived, as did City Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez. Unfortunately, State Senator Christine Tartaglione had a previous commitment. Students welcomed them and introduced themselves asking questions about litter, jobs and money for education. These future voters did themselves well!

The Northeast EARN Center (located on Frankford Avenue) had representatives and a table of information at the event. This agency provides support for those transitioning from welfare to work in northeast Philadelphia. You must be referred to them by your caseworker if you are receiving assistance from the Department of Public Welfare. If you have any questions or think you might be eligible, talk to your caseworker.

For more information, visit their website at Brightside Academy or call 215.289.0641 or 877.868.2273. Kudos to all those involved in this event! Our Frankford community is the better for them!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Sankofa Freedom Academy Scores Grant

Gil — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:06:41 +0000

As part of its efforts to keep the arts alive in Philadelphia schools, the Picasso Project, an arts advocacy program of Public Citizens for Children and Youth (PCCY), presented $50,083 in grants to 13 Philadelphia public schools on January 17th at the World Café Live.

Public Citizens for Children and Youth presented a $2,500 check presented to the students and staff Sankofa Freedom Academy Charter School for their arts project “Sankofa Rewind: A Cinematic Journey from Self discovery to Social Action.” They are joined by (back row, from left) John Duffy of the office of State Senator Christine Tartaglione (D-2), Jojy Varghese (3^rd from left) and (far right) Zach Epps of the office of State Representative Tony Payton, Jr. (D-179); and (next to Epps) Picasso Project Coordinator Gretchen Elise Walker. (Photo by Ellie Seif)

Frankford High School Senior Committee

Gil — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:12 +0000

Mr. Creighton won the buffalo wing eating contest

On December 22, 2011, the Frankford High School Senior Committee hosted a fundraiser at the Buffalo Wild Wings located on the BLVD. It raised around $1000! The fundraiser was for the senior class of 2012. The money will be used for various senior activities. The fundraiser was open to the public. There was a huge turn out from the Frankford high school students, staff, and faculty. Over 50 people from Frankford attended.

Frankford Pioneer Battalion
1LT Lee Nguyen
S-5 Public Affairs Officer

Community Computer Center Open in frankford

Gil — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:06:33 +0000

Mayor Nutter cuts the ribbon

Mayor Nutter and Managing Director Negron visited Frankford on Friday January 6th to cut the ribbon on the new community computer center at the office of the Frankford CDC at Griscom and Harrison Streets. This was the culmination of a PhillyRising project which began last year by listing the needs of the community based on meetings with residents.

The majority of the residents of Frankford do not have internet access. The Free Library Branch does offer some service which is very well utilized all day long by students and others but those facilities cannot come close to meeting the demand. The new computer center will help to close the gap.

There are 9 workstations (donated by the Temple University Computer Recycling Center) now available on the second floor with some peripherals. A schedule of hours the center will be open has yet to be established but will be posted shortly by the CDC. In addition, there will be specific events scheduled for the public to come in for help with things like tax preparation and college financial aid forms.

The video below is about 14 minutes with the comments by Manny Citron of PhillyRising who coordinated the project with the CDC. Managing Director Negron and Mayor Nutter speak and Tracy O’Drain completes the presentation. You can hear some of the details of the project. I had to edit the Mayor’s comments a bit for length.

This is another win for Frankford.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

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

Jim — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:52:20 +0000

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.

Frankford Junior ROTC

Gil — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:48:07 +0000

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.

Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library

Gil — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 12:00:49 +0000

Hugh Boyle

I visited the GAR Civil War Museum and Library on Sunday December 4th during their monthly public program. I didn’t have much time to spend and so I did not get my fill of history, music, pictures, exhibits and stories from Hugh Boyle and Tom O’Toole. I hope to do better next time.

There are lots of reasons to go to the GAR. If you have an interest in the Civil War as we enter the 150 anniversary years of the conflict, this is a place to see some historic artifacts for yourself. The GAR was the original Civil War veterans organization.

Google Old Baldy and General Meade and you will find a ton of hits. Then troop on down to the GAR Museum and see what they have. You will find Old Baldy himself.

Old Baldy

If you’ve been to Washington DC and toured and Ford’s Theater, you know about the house across the street (Peterson boarding house) where President Lincoln died. On display at the GAR Museum is a piece of the pillow case where Lincoln lay which still has his blood still on it. There is a great display of Lincoln material on hand.

Did you ever hear about Dr. Mary Edwards and her experience in the Civil War. You can see her tool kit right there on Griscom Street. You got the Congressional Medal of Honor for her service.

The Ruan House itself is a historic gem. It was built in 1796 and is on the National Register of Historic Sites. It is in amazing condition and a treat to see.

28th Pennsylvania RegimentalBrass Band in Concert

An unexpected highlight of my brief visit was the performance by the 28th Pennsylvania Regimental Brass Band. They were doing music of the Civil War era and it was interesting to hear songs that the troops would have heard back in that time. The venue at the museum is cozy and intimate with the musicians and audience in close proximity. It is more like having a concert in your own living room. That is the best way to enjoy this music and the acoustics were really great.

Put this place on your schedule. It should not be missed. Bring the kids. They have parking in back.

Frankford Boys and Girls Club

Gil — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:42:50 +0000

Ninette Cooper

I met with Ninette Cooper, director of the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club today to talk about the club and her job. I got there early and walked about taking some pictures. For those who have not been to the the club building, it is housed in the former William W. Axe school (1709 Kinsey Street) and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It looks to be about 110 years old.

When we finally sat down, I asked Ninette what her job was all about. She said it is all about hope. Giving hope and positive direction to the 350 kid who utilize the club at various times during a typical year. Her official title is Club Director but in fact she is now serving as Interim Chief Operating Officer for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, so I was lucky she could find time to talk to me.

The club offers child care, after school care, teen programming and recreation. Kids can do homework, use the computer lab, play sports or just have a good time. The club is open until 8Pm and midnight on Friday. There are numerous programs to encourage and facilitate education. There are an additional 50 slots for kids for after school care over at Sullivan Elementary School at 5300 Ditman Street.

At the EPIC Stakeholders meeting last month there was a discussion about the idea of getting high school students to tour colleges. The purpose is not so much to pick a college but to get them to actually see one first hand. The club has such a program in place.

Basketball Court

The club also has a Drill Team that has performed at many events in the neighborhood and throughout Philadelphia.

I asked Ninette about what the club needs. She said she gets great support from Councilwoman Sanchez and the state representatives. The basics are covered but the building is old and there are some capital improvements that have to be put on hold until the economy makes a turn around. She says she has a tremendous staff who every day go about the business of saving lives. The club can be that important in the life of some of these kids.

You can read all about the programs at the club website” http://www.bgcphila.org/home. You can call 215-743-7515 or better yet, stop by and say hello. They will be happy to talk to you and your child.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, Inc.

Our Frankford Library – A Treasure Trove on the Avenue!

Pat Smiley — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:14:09 +0000

The literal meaning of “treasure trove” from the old English is “treasure that has been found”. Have you discovered all that the Frankford Library has to offer? An Open House was sponsored by the Friends of the Frankford Library on Wednesday, October 26, to familiarize us with the services available at the Library. The Library, at Frankford Avenue and Overington Street, has been at its present location since 1906.

The Frankford Library provides students in grades 1-12 an opportunity to LEAP (Literacy Enrichment Afterschool Program) ahead in their studies. This is a free, drop-in after school program that provides homework help and computer assistance to students. There are literacy enrichment activities for early elementary students. The LEAP Program operates four days a week, Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 PM – 6 PM and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 PM – 5 PM.

There are eight computers for the community to use and you can bring your own mobile devices to access the free wifi. This internet access provides a great resource for job-hunters and even for those updating their skills.

What can we do for the Library? We can become Friends of the Library whose mission is to support the Free Library of Philadelphia. Each branch has a volunteer group promoting cooperation and communication between the community and the Free Library. Note that today – not many services are free!

Check it out! For more information, visit the library Monday through Friday! Check out the website at www.freelibrary.org.