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WMSG Visits the White House

 

 

Sister Mary Bourdon, Director, recently visited President and Mrs. Bush at the White House.

 

When First Lady Laura Bush visited WMSG, she invited our students and staff to visit the White House.  Just before the Christmas holiday, our fourth and fifth grade students made the short trip to the executive mansion, and were particularly thrilled to be welcomed during a time when the president’s home is decorated for the holidays.

On a separate occasion, Sister Mary Bourdon, Director, was the guest of President and Mrs. Bush in order to celebrate the Third Anniversary of the Helping America’s Youth Initiative.  During her visit, Sister Mary was asked by Mrs. Bush if the girls were continuing to increase their reading hours.  We are happy to say that more and more students are making use of the libraries at each campus.

 

First Lady Laura Bush Visits WMSG

Mrs. Laura Bush, a former teacher and librarian, and actress Emma Roberts, star of the upcoming Warner Brothers film, Nancy Drew, discuss the importance of reading in their respective careers with students from The Washington Middle School for Girls.

 

Mrs. Laura Bush visited the Washington Middle School for Girls on May 29, 2007, to encourage reading among the students and their younger brothers and sisters – especially over the coming summer months.  Actress Emma Roberts, who is the star of the upcoming Warner Brothers Film, Nancy Drew, joined the First Lady.  Mrs. Bush and Ms. Roberts read to the students from The Secret of the Old Clock, by Carolyn Keene.

When asked by one of the students “Why did you choose to visit our school?” Mrs. Bush replied that whenever she and her staff visit a school or organization, they are very careful to choose “ a school that has a proven record of excellence”, and that she could immediately feel that The Washington Middle School for Girls was a place where learning was important.   The students took a moment to share with Mrs. Bush their recent class work on Darfur, and shared with her their hope for more action in dealing with the tragedy there.  When asked by Mrs. Bush how many students were going on to college, every hand went into the air.  The students presented Mrs. Bush with a Photonarrative Journal compiled in 2006, and a compilation of Spring 2007 poetry.

“This was a historical moment for The Washington Middle School for Girls, and Mrs. Bush has joined with a number of outstanding women who have visited our students.  I am proud of how these wonderful young women welcomed the First Lady of the United States to our school”, said Sister Mary Bourdon, RJM, Director.

WMSG Stays in the Diplomatic Limelight- Visits the United Nations and the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda

Sister Mary Bourdon, RJM, Director, Notre Dame Americorp volunteer Amy Herring, and three WMSG 7th graders attended the United Nations' Fifty-First session of the Commission on the Status of Women on March 2, 2007. This year the commission focused on one key theme: the elimination of all forms of discrimination against young girls. The WMSG students joined with girls who represent countries throughout the world in the international "Girls Speak Out" session. All three girls are committed to retelling the stories of violence and discrimination they heard about girls all over the world, so that one day, conditions will improve. Following their work at the UN, the girls visited Ellis Island.

In addition, recently the 4^th and 5^th grade students from WMSG’s Washington View Campus enjoyed lunch at the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda, which was hosted by Ambassador Deborah-Mae Lovell.  Ambassador Lovell enlightened the girls with historical facts about her country, and encouraged them to strive for excellence.  While boarding the bus home, one 4^th grader exclaimed, “I’ll never forget this – I can’t believe how smart she is!”  This is one of a number of trips that makes our Nation’s Capital – and other destinations as well - a big part of our school curriculum!

Progress in Reading and Math

According to our educational consultant, Dr. Natalie Rathvon, results of mid-year (06-07) progress monitoring conducted with all students reveal the vast majority of students reading on grade level.  Gains at THEVIEW Campus (4^th & 5^th grades) were especially impressive.  For example, the typical 4^th grade student’s reading skills grew 1½ years in one semester.

In addition, Math teacher Kelley Lockard reports the following gains from using Renaissance Learning’s on-line Accelerated Math Program:                  

• At the beginning of the year, 34% of 6^th graders were performing on grade level.  We now have 66% at grade level, and hopefully will have reached our goal of 85% by year’s end;                                                                                                                                     

• The 7^th gr. moved from 29% to 58% on grade level;

• 33% of eighth grade students who were not on grade level have achieved much improvement.

 

WMSG Students Celebrate with Speaker Nancy Pelosi at Trinity University

On January 2007, WMSG students offered the "Prayers of the Faithful" (along with several Pelosi grandchildren), during a special Mass honoring Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), and in remembrance of the children of Darfur and New Orleans. The Mass took place at Trinity University, Ms. Pelosi's alma mater. The Speaker took a few moments following the celebration to thank these three students, who are excited that there are many courageous women leading the way for them.