Warriors Open the Athletic Season

The brand new TMA gym was rocking last Friday when the Lady Warrior volleyball team took on Georgetown Day. Inspired by co-captain Keandra Paul and the dynamic play of Destiny Wilson, the Warriors went up a set before ultimately falling 2-1. Co-coach Ms. Horn praised the energy and spirit of the team, saying they were “amazing.”



(If you look closely, you can see Ms. Horn shushing the competition.)

Equally amazing was the amount of student and community support for the Warriors. Spectators were in full voice, singing in unison with the TMA Cheerleading squad. Come out and join what will be another pulsating atmosphere at the next TMA home game. The Warriors take on Booker T. Washington this Tuesday, September 21, at 4:30.

A new year with Law Firm Tutoring!

The 2010-2011 school year is in full swing! On Tuesday approximately 75 students boarded several school buses marking the beginning of Law Firm Tutoring. Law Firm Tutoring is a program designed for all 11^th graders. The program connects students with community members at one of five local law firms: Morgan Lewis, Crowell & Moring, Williams & Connolly, Jenner & Block, and Vinson & Elkins. There students eat dinner and receive help in subjects ranging from Chemistry to Spanish to US History through one-on-one tutoring. Law Firm Tutoring is not only an opportunity for students to receive help with their school work during their most important year of high school but it’s also an opportunity to connect students with working professionals. The tutors, ranging from lawyers to paralegals to administrative professionals, serve as role models to the students and frequently develop personal relationships with students. Many 12^th graders enjoyed Law Firm Tutoring so much last year that they signed-up to do it again this year! We are all looking forward to another exciting year with Law Firm Tutoring!

The Fun Continues

This week is jam packed at Thurgood Marshall Academy! There are so many activities that are going on. Last week, we began Homework Help and that continues to run after school. A special event that happened this week was our Volunteer Kick-Off Event. Yesterday at Morgan, & Lewis LLP, we hosted a happy-hour with food and drinks! This was a great opportunity for potential volunteers to speak to current or past volunteers and receive an accurate sense about what volunteering at TMA entails. Many of these volunteers will participate in either our tutoring or mentoring program. Teachers and faculty were present to answer any questions about Washington DC’s first law-themed public charter high school.

In addition to our Volunteer Kick-Off event, today is our Clubs Fair. The clubs fair is held in the cafeteria every year. It gives students a chance to see what extra-curricular opportunities are available at Thurgood Marshall Academy. The clubs available range from community service opportunities, to youth empowerment to book club to art club to fitness club and many more!! Every club will have a table with information about what activities and opportunities are available. Clubs that are run by external organizations will also be present at the Clubs Fair. We are very excited to have volunteers from Metro Teen Aids, Sister Action Sister Strength and George Washington University all assisting in running programs for our students this year. We are looking forward to the variety of clubs that will be occurring over the course of the school year!

A New School Year Begins!

A new school year has started, and the halls of Thurgood Marshall Academy are once again full of bright, energetic students. In addition to their lessons in the classroom, students have an array of opportunities awaiting them once the school day ends.

Homework Help started Tuesday and gives students a chance to work with teachers and tutors to better understand important concepts and solve difficult homework problems. Students can also stop by on Thursdays to visit the Writing Center.

Next Tuesday, September 14, marks the kickoff for this year’s Law Firm Tutoring program. 11^th and 12^th grade students will work one-on-one with tutors at DC law firms, completing projects, preparing for tests, and discussing college and career goals. Next Thursday, September 16, is the Clubs Fair. Students can sign up and participate in clubs like Drama, Newspaper, and the Debate Team.

And this afternoon is our first ever home volleyball game; the TMA Warriors are taking on Georgetown Day School! Come out and cheer in our beautiful new gym at 4:30.