Passport to Summer Week 2014

The Kickoff - Summer Learning Day

In Reach kicked off its Passport to Summer Week Program by holding its 2014 Summer Learning Day activities on Monday, June 24, with its Girls of Worth Literacy Club. The exciting day, which engaged 14 girls in a series of sessions in preparation for their week long travels, included a speaker who delivered a superb workshop, Dreams to Reality: Finding Your Passion and Purpose to Create Your Plan.

The purpose of Passport to Summer week was to encourage girls, who are rising seventh graders, to use the summer to continue their learning by exploring all of the amazing resources the Washington DC Metro Area has to offer (free Smithsonian museums, the best museums in the world) and to read and write to strengthen their comprehension and vocabulary skills. Each girl was given a travel journal and encouraged to record not just their experiences during the week; but, also to continue capturing their thoughts throughout the summer.

Although In Reach's programs are located in a suburb right outside of Washington, DC, many students do not have an opportunity to experience its many monuments and rich resources. Our student's Passport allowed them to enter the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the National Aquarium in Baltimore; the National Museum of American History and the first day of the annual Smithsonian Folk Life Festival on the National Mall; and, last but certainly not least, Luray Caverns in Virginia where girls not only learned about stalactite and stalagmite formations but found their way out of a maze and challenged themselves on a rope course.

The Girls of Worth Literacy Club is held in partnership with William Paca Elementary School in the city of Landover in Prince George's County, Maryland. It is an after school transitional program for girls in their last year in an elementary school setting. Its purpose is to prepare girls for middle school by engaging them in fun, hands-on and confidence building activities that strengthens them academically and further develops their 4C's - communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity - 21st century "super" skills.

Everyone had a great time! See the proof right here.

And the 2014 Amazing Parent Award Recipients Are . . .

The Third Time Really is a Charm--Recognizing Prince George’s County Parents

Hyattsville, MD | On June 6, 2014, In Reach, Inc., held its Third Annual Celebrating Amazing Prince George’s County Parents Awards Program, an event honoring outstanding parents with children currently enrolled in a Prince George’s County Public School. 

“I am very pleased with our third annual celebration of Amazing Parents and congratulate each nominee and their nominator for being simply amazing,” said Executive Director, Ms. Toni Smith.

Congratulations again to our three 2014 Amazing Parent Award Recipients:

Ms. Alexia Clark, recipient of the Parks and Recreation Amazing Parent Award for being an awesome and dedicated bridge builder in the lives of children.

Mr. Jeff Warner, recipient of the In Reach, Inc. Amazing Parent Award for being an all around selfless individual, active in the school and community, and an incredible parent who best demonstrates a well-rounded presence.

Ms. Diane Traweek, recipient of the Ingrid M. Turner Amazing Parent Award for demonstrating a strong sense of community as a volunteer, coach and mentor.

In Reach would also like to thank all 32 of the 2014 nominees: Mr. Samuel & Mrs. Fatima Alfa, Ms. Alexia Clark, Mr. Willie & Mrs. Roberta Cooper, Mr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Bobbie Dewhurst, Ms. Monica Ferguson, Ms. DeLisa French, Ms. Cynthia Gray, Ms. Karen Hackett, Ms. Lorrie Ann Hyatt, Ms. Erica Johnson, Ms. Tarsha Deanna Jones, Ms. Sharon M. Lewis, Ms. Ana Moran, Ms. Josephine Moss-Nelson, Ms. Alicia Nelson, Ms. Anabel Nolasco, Ms. Lisa Ojeda-Brown, Ms. Mary Pollard-Jamison, Mr. Michael B. Rather, Ms. Elizabeth Santos, Ms. Deidra Speight, Mr. Terry & Mrs. Lori Thomas, Ms. Diane Traweek, Mr. Jeff Warner, Ms. Christine Monaco Williams, Ms. Andrea D. Williamson, Mrs. Geiner Janet Winkey, and Ms. Tia Yisrael.

“I commend and applaud In Reach, Inc. and the efforts of Executive Director Toni Smith for recognizing and celebrating Amazing Parents in Prince George s County. Parents are the most important role model in their child’s life and the nominees for the Amazing Parent award have certainly set a tremendous example. They have provided outstanding community service and invested time in our schools through their work in parent teacher associations, youth groups and mentoring programs all while raising and supporting their own children in every aspect of their lives. Congratulations to all of the Amazing Prince George’s County Parents,” commented Council Member Ingrid M. Turner, Esq., (District 4).  

In Reach thanks all of the individuals and sponsors who helped make the Third Annual Celebrating Amazing Prince George’s County Parents Awards Program a success especially Ms. Ingrid Harrison on behalf of Council Member Ingrid M. Turner; Ms. Shawna Fachet of the Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation; Ms. Amber Waller, Prince George’s County Board of Education, District 3; and In Reach's Board of Directors.

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In Reach, Inc., is a tax exempt 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization designed to prepare students for college, work and life. Founded in 1999, In Reach envisions healthy, productive and prepared young adults in every family. To learn more about our work, visit www.inreachinc.org.