"To Nurture Crew" Fall Campaign

Our mission starts with the words "To nurture." Two Rivers relies on everyone - staff, board, families - to be nurturers and one way to do this is by joining our fall fundraising campaign. From October 15-30, we seek to raise $45,000 through 100% participation from our amazing community.

NatureBridge

As an EL Education school, we invest in students' opportunities to be outdoors. In a few weeks, our 5th-grade students will embark on their annual overnight camping trip through NatureBridge. This hands-on experience will enhance their classroom science curriculum and create unforgettable memories in nature.

October 23-25 (5th Grade at 4th St)

October 25-27 (5th Grade at Young)

Ms.Brenda's Day of Service

Last year, we introduced a new TR tradition, Ms. Brenda's Day of Service, in honor of a beloved community member who poured love into students and staff.

Ms. Brenda's legacy of caring for our community lives on as students from all campuses engage in meaningful community service activities.

This year, we continue to inspire kindness and unity as our students learn the true meaning of caring for one another through Ms. Brenda's Day of Service on November 21.

We are thrilled to announce that Ms. Ashley, our Middle School Principal, has been accepted into this year's School Leader Professional Learning Community in partnership with School Leader Lab and Teach For America D.C. Region!

Incredible leaders from DCPS and charter schools across the city are coming together to develop connections, engage in school walkthroughs, and strengthen as a community.

Ms. Ashley's dedication and commitment to our school community shine brightly, and we couldn't be more proud of her. Congrats!

Check out the post here.

Shoutout to Ms. Jumoke, our amazing 3rd grade teacher at Young, who participated in the Fulbright-Hays program in Jordan last summer to investigate how their school system integrates refugees.

The Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program provides short-term study abroad opportunities for U.S. educators in the arts, social sciences, and humanities to improve their understanding and knowledge of the peoples and cultures of other countries.

Ms. Jumoke's research informed her creation of empathy-building lessons, which will be available next year on the Department of Education website.

Lauren - Student Spotlight

You are now in 8th grade. Wow! How long have you been at Two Rivers? What are you looking forward to this year?

I have been at Two Rivers for 10 years (since pre-school). What I am looking forward to this year is MHSS (My High School Search). The reason I have been looking forward to MHSS is because I was able to experience MHSS at the end of 7th grade. During the small amount of time I was able to spend taking MHSS, I met Ms. Katona and was able to experience the process of getting ready to apply to high schools.

I know that Ms. Katona, who runs My High School Search, does a fantastic job in helping students get into the school of their choice. Do you have any idea about what you want in a high school? Do you feel prepared about the transition? What makes you say that?

I would like my future school to have a good STEM and music program. I would also like to go to a school that is closer to home so that I don't have to commute very far. I feel a little nervous about the transition, but I feel that with the help of Ms. Katona and my other teachers, I will be well prepared.

As you may know, the Two Rivers mission is a big deal for us. The opening phrase in the mission is "To nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education." What does that phrase mean to you? What does it look like? Have you seen this during your time at Two Rivers?

What that phrase “To nurture a diverse group of students to become lifelong, active participants in their own education” means to me is that when going to Two Rivers the teachers that you meet are more than just teachers, they are the people who have watched and helped you grow in the hopes that you achieve greatness.

Lesley Riddick - Staff Spotlight

You are a founding TR teacher and TR parent. That's amazing! Can you please describe your role(s) at TR? When did your child join and where is she now?

I held various roles during my time at Two Rivers Public Charter School, starting as an assistant teacher, which marked my first job after college. I was initially drawn to the school because of its unique expeditionary learning model, which I found fascinating for its ability to engage students in learning while connecting it to their lives and community. Over time, my responsibilities evolved, and I transitioned into the role of a co-teacher before assuming my current position as a special education teacher. My daughter joined Two Rivers in the third grade, which, in my opinion, was the ideal time for her to immerse herself in the expeditionary learning approach. Her time at the school allowed her to discover her voice and nurture her creativity through the various arts/special classes offered at TR. Now, she is an 11th grader at McKinley Tech High School, focusing on a STEM track in computer science. She has fond memories of her time at Two Rivers and frequently reminisces about significant events like the 6th-grade trip to NorthBay, the 5th-grade camping adventure with NatureBridge, and the in-depth exploration of H Street's history, as well as learning about food deserts in her community. These experiences have not only made her well-informed but have also equipped her with valuable research skills and instilled a sense of empathy and compassion in her.

Recently, you were the recipient of a Fund for Teachers award. Congratulations! Can you please describe your project? What did you hope to gain from it?

Thank you for your congratulations! I was fortunate to receive a Fund for Teachers award recently. Our project involved a visit to a special needs school located in Phato village in southern Thailand. During our time there, Kai and I had the opportunity to observe how they seamlessly integrate yoga and meditation practices into their classrooms. Our goal was to gain insights into their methods so that we could apply similar techniques to support our own students who may be grappling with negative thoughts and anxiety in the aftermath of the pandemic.

In addition to exploring yoga and meditation in the school setting, we also volunteered at the school's sustainable farm. This unique experience allowed us to witness how they connect yoga principles with the natural world around them. Through hands-on activities such as growing their own crops, students at the school not only cultivate a connection to nature but also develop vital life skills such as problem-solving, patience, decision-making, and time management. These skills align closely with the values and practices of yoga, making them essential components of our project's objectives.

We also traveled to Phuket, Thailand to explore the origin of yoga, mindfulness, and meditation by exploring some Buddhist temples such as Wat Chalong and Wat Khao Rang. Lastly, we were able to travel to a temple in Bangkok to participate in a few meditation classes.

What did you learn from your time in Thailand? How did it push you as a learner? What do you take away from it to inform your practice?

During our stay in Thailand, the experience pushed us as learners by revealing the profound benefits of incorporating yoga and mindfulness practices into the daily lives of students. It gave us a deeper understanding of how these practices serve as powerful tools for emotional regulation among students.

What advice do you have for a teacher who has never applied for a Fund for Teachers Fellowship?

Start the application process early to allow ample time for thoughtful planning and preparation. Begin by brainstorming a study topic that not only benefits your students but also challenges you as an educator. The strength of FFT lies in its flexibility, allowing you to design a personalized learning experience that suits your learning goals. View the FFT application process as an opportunity to create your own educational expedition, tailored to your specific goals and interests, much like you would design an expedition for your students. Attend FFT's information sessions and make use of the support and resources they offer to assist teachers in crafting their proposals effectively. Prior to finalizing your destination or project, conduct thorough research on the chosen location to ensure it has the necessary resources and conditions to help you achieve your educational objectives.

Hajah Barnes - Family Spotlight

Congratulations on your new role as President of the Middle School Family School Association (FSA)! Can you please share what excites you about this role?

I am excited about this role because it gives me an opportunity to be an active participant in connecting with families and building community not only at the Middle School, but across the TR network.

You've been a member of the TR community four years - with one child at the Middle School and one at 4th St Elementary (and another to join next year!). What attracted you to Two Rivers? Why do you continue to stay?

The explorative model of learning initially attracted me to Two Rivers. I believe children and all beings learn best through experience. I continue to stay because Two Rivers makes my family and I feel very welcomed and valued.

Any fun fact you'd like to share about yourself?

Everyday I am fortunate to wake up, my goal is send love out into the world and shine my light so brightly that it touches everyone and everything I come in contact with.

Aswathi Zachariah - Board Spotlight

Ash, you've been on the Board for 5 years, having served as the Board Chair through the pandemic and recovery. Congratulations and thanks for your service! What is a highlight you'd like to share from this experience?



Being part of the Two Rivers community has been incredibly rewarding and joyful. I feel so fortunate to be a part of the Board. The experience has been invaluable and has deepened my appreciation for our teachers, staff, students, and parents/caregivers. There are so many highlights during my time on the Board but one in particular was celebrating the graduation of our 8th graders during the heart of the pandemic. We had gathered outside and were celebrating their accomplishments during a particularly difficult period. There was such joy and admiration in the air for all the students had accomplished in the face of such unpredicted adversity. It was truly momentous and such a show of resiliency. And I will say that every step Two Rivers has taken since then to get our "normal" back has reinforced our community's spirit. As we start this new school year, I'm loving the energy surrounding all our campuses.

You (along with four other Board members) have a child at Two Rivers. How does being a TR parent inform your outlook as a Board member?

Being a parent helps me understand with more granularity the topics that come before the Board. It gives me really helpful context at times for the decisions our school leadership needs to make and the ways in which the Board can be in service through its governance and oversight role.

Two Rivers turns 20 years old next year. What do you want folks outside of our community to know about our community?

I'd like those outside our community to understand how far Two Rivers has come in only 20 years! It's pretty amazing how our founders planted the seed and that seed has grown into this network that continues to move through challenges, celebrate successes and be crew.

You describe yourself as a "reality TV junkie." Any recommendations?

Embarrassingly, I'd say anything on Bravo with a specific nod to Below Deck. However, I'm always taking recommendations on how to elevate my TV viewing!

Evan Bowie - Alum Spotlight

In which grade did you start at Two Rivers? How did you develop as a student and as a human being at Two Rivers? Who helped you along the way? Are there any stories you'd like to share?

The third grade is when I started to attend Two Rivers. Two Rivers helped me to be mindful of my circle and always advocate for myself. Teachers who has helped me along the way are Ms Francine, Ms Keisha, Ms LaShaunda, Ms Jessica, Ms Fatima, Mr Ben, Ms Ama, Ms Katona, and more.

You still come and visit (thanks!) and you recruit for your high school, Ron Brown. What does community mean to you? How would you describe the Two Rivers community?

Community means a source of happiness, protection, and accountability. The Two Rivers community is welcoming, loving, expandable, unique, and teachable.

You graduated from Two Rivers in 2020. So you spent your last few months at TR remote and then started at Ron Brown online. How was that like?

Being remote wasn’t that bad at all: I still was able to laugh and learn with my peers. It just forced me to do some growing within.

You have been so involved in clubs and activities at Ron Brown and have excelled academically. Can you describe your learning experience in high school? What is being a Monarch all about?

Leaning at Ron Brown is different than most schools. We have something called the Black Biosphere where we have four pillars that represent the core basis of our school, which are health and wellness, financial freedom, story telling, and experiential learning. Being a student at Ron Brown, you definitely have the opportunity to explore different avenues and grow your character.

What advice would you have for middle schoolers so that they are poised for "rich and varied options for their future?" How should they navigate through middle school?

My advice is to find Jesus!! Right around 8th grade I started to seek him and he became my backbone of my life and success. Build relationship - it’s ok to be yourself. Don’t stop putting effort in just because you reach the end. I have no advice for navigating though high school because we all have different paths and reasons that brought us here, but I will say be kind to yourself and look for the positive in everything.

You are a senior now! How does that feel? What are you learning about yourself in applying to college? Does it feel like a more involved version of My High School Search?

Being a senior I realized that life moves fast. I am learning that I love deadlines and schedules. It’s definitely an advanced level of My High School Search with a lot of research, writing, and test taking.

We were honored to host Dr. Walker-Davis from the DC Public Charter School Board!

Our incredible student ambassadors gave her an inside look at our 4th Street Campus, showcasing the magic that happens daily.

Thank you, Dr.Walker-Davis, for your visit!

Check out our post here.

As we kicked off the school year, we wanted to welcome our new Executive Director, Mrs. Belicia. Mrs. Belicia is interested in getting to know the Two Rivers community. For the month of September, she held meet-and-greet opportunities that were both in-person and remote.

Check out the Zoom recording from 9/14 here:

bit.ly/ConnectWithBelicia

Check out these heartwarming moments from our first community meetings of the year at our elementary schools!

Community Meetings are a Two Rivers tradition of coming together, connecting, and celebrating each other and our journey of learning.

#WeAreCrew

Check out the middle school community meeting here.