Open House to Feature Public Policy Presentations from D.C. High School Students; Chavez Charter School Marks Charter Schools Week

4/28/2003

From: Kate McGreevy, 202-387-6980, ext. 17, for Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School or Sam Chaltain, 703-284-2808

News Advisory:

-- Open House to Feature Public Policy Presentations from D.C. High School Students

-- Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy celebrates National Charter Schools Week

WHAT: Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy marks National Charter Schools week with an open house featuring a panel discussion on the importance of civics programs in schools, and public policy presentations by ninth-grade students.

WHO: -- Charles Haynes, senior scholar, First Amendment Center -- Peter Levine, deputy director, Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) -- Irasema Salcido, principal, Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy

WHEN: Tuesday, April 29, 10 a.m.

WHERE: Cesar Chavez Public Charter High School for Public Policy 1346 Florida Ave., N.W. Washington, D.C.

BACKGROUND: At the open house, various members of the Chavez community will demonstrate concrete ways to integrate citizenship into the life of the school. Guests will hear from ninth-grade students, who will present their public policy projects and provide insight about how Chavez students are gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to influence future public policy.

Guests also will hear from Peter Levine, co-author of a seminal new report, The Civic Mission of Schools, which summarizes the evidence in favor of civic education in K-12 schools; from Chavez's principal, Irasema Salcido; and from policy-makers and elected leaders on the importance of implementing comprehensive civics programs in our schools.

Media wishing to cover this event are asked to contact Kate McGreevy (202-387-6980, ext. 17, or mcgreevy@cesarchavezhs.cht.k12.dc.us).