The Children's Guild, Author at The Children's Guild

Exciting New Leadership at The Children’s Guild!

by | Oct 28, 2024 | News, Our People

At The Children’s Guild, we’re thrilled to introduce two outstanding new leaders who are ready to make a profound impact on our mission to serve children and families across the Mid-Atlantic: Andrew “Andy” Simone as our new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Dawn RobertsMark as our new Managing Director of Program Operations.

For over 70 years, The Children’s Guild has been dedicated to providing innovative and compassionate services, including charter schools, special education, mental health services, treatment foster care, and much more. This commitment is about to become even stronger as Andy and Dawn bring their passion, expertise, and energy to our organization.

Andy Simone joins us with over 25 years of financial leadership experience across diverse sectors, including nonprofit, healthcare, and technology. His approach to finance is grounded in the belief that financial strategies should fully support our mission, helping us to serve children and families with integrity and purpose. “I’m honored to join a team dedicated to positive change,” Andy shares. “I look forward to aligning our financial operations with the heart of The Children’s Guild’s work.”

In his role as CFO, Andy will guide our financial strategy, leveraging his experience in corporate growth and high-functioning team development. Having led organizations through IPOs, mergers, and periods of record-setting growth, Andy is committed to ensuring our resources are managed effectively, driving The Children’s Guild’s impact forward.

Dawn RobertsMark, our new Managing Director of Program Operations, is equally passionate about our mission. With a background in education and extensive experience in teacher development, school leadership, and Restorative Practices, Dawn has a strong commitment to fostering inclusive and equitable learning environments. She believes in the power of nurturing student achievement and staff development, values that align beautifully with our work here at The Children’s Guild.

Dawn’s journey includes spearheading behavior management programs and equity coaching in Baltimore City and County schools. She is a certified Restorative Practices Trainer and has continually empowered staff to create welcoming and supportive spaces for students. Dawn says, “I am deeply inspired by the mission of The Children’s Guild and excited to join a team so dedicated to enriching children’s lives.”

Together, Andy and Dawn join an exceptional team here at The Children’s Guild, ready to amplify our impact. Their leadership will support our wide range of programs, from Monarch Academy schools to our mental health clinics, foster care services, and so much more.

As we welcome Andy and Dawn, we also celebrate the bright future ahead for The Children’s Guild, as we continue to transform lives and communities through education and care.

To learn more about our programs and how we make a difference, visit The Children’s Guild website.

TCGDC Receives Grant and Hosts Beautification Day for Students

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Education, News

On a bright September day, The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School students rolled up their sleeves for an exciting project—Beautification Day, a hands-on initiative to create a community garden on their school grounds. Thanks to a generous grant from the Scott’s GroMoreGood Grassroots Program, the students are not only helping to beautify their school but are also planting the seeds for a healthier, greener future.

TCGDC is proud to have received the GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant, a national program aimed at bringing the joy and benefits of gardening to communities across the United States. The partnership between The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation and KidsGardening provides garden grants, kits, educational curriculum, and training for youth gardens and Head Start programs. This support aligns perfectly with TCGDC’s vision of creating a safe, green space where students can thrive.

The new garden, part of the school’s Project Sunflower, is the brainchild of Molly Fleder, LMSW, Elementary Social Worker, and Horticultural Therapist at TCGDC. “We are excited to receive this grant from Scott’s GroMoreGood Program to create a new garden at our DC school,” said Fleder. “The youth in our community face many challenges due to the social and economic hardships of Washington, D.C.’s 7th and 8th wards. This grant will help provide safe, accessible green spaces, offering students opportunities for outdoor recreation, physical activity, and connecting with nature.”

The mission of Project Sunflower is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where students can achieve their individualized educational goals while fostering social, emotional, sensory, cognitive, and imaginative growth. The garden will serve as more than just a place for plants to grow—it will become an outdoor classroom, therapy space, and hands-on learning lab for the students.

Principal Frank Medley of TCGDC expressed his pride in the students’ enthusiasm during Beautification Day. “It warms my heart that students are giving 110% and showing they really love their school,” said Medley. “In our district, a lot of students do not have any green space, so this garden represents a huge opportunity for them. After planting, students will manage the garden, water the plants, measure how high they grow, and integrate the program into their science lessons.”

The involvement of the students extends beyond planting. They will actively engage with the garden throughout the year, working with their social worker or teacher to learn about plant life cycles, pollination, and how ecosystems function. The school received donations of seedlings from the local Arboretum, including a variety of vegetables like broccoli, kale, and collard greens, as well as herbs and flowers such as rosemary, thyme, echinacea, sunflowers, and catmint. These plants not only beautify the garden but will also attract pollinators, contributing to the local ecosystem.

Therapeutic and Educational Benefits for Students

The garden will offer numerous therapeutic benefits, especially for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs). The program supports students in achieving social and emotional milestones, including enhanced mood, self-accomplishment, and decision-making skills. For students on the Autism Spectrum or with ADHD, the sensory aspects of gardening—touching soil, seeing colors, and smelling herbs—will help with focus, endurance, and occupational therapy goals.

Cognitively, the garden encourages focus and memory retention, while discovery and imagination are nurtured as students explore the changing seasons and the life cycles of plants and animals. From watching caterpillars transform into butterflies to planting and harvesting crops, students will connect what they learn in the garden to their classroom studies.

A Holistic Approach to Education

Throughout the year, the garden will be a central part of TCGDC’s educational approach, providing a space where students can apply lessons from science, math, and even special education in real-world, hands-on activities. Weekly visits to the garden will include group therapy sessions, classroom projects, and individual therapy tailored to each student’s IEP.

As the garden grows, so will the students’ knowledge, confidence, and sense of accomplishment. The project represents a holistic approach to education—one that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit while connecting students to the natural world.

To learn more about The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School go to www.tcgdc.org

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School: A New Kind of Charter

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Education, News

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter SchoolThe Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School (TCGDC), founded by The Children’s Guild, opened its doors in Washington, D.C. in 2015 with a mission to provide a unique and personalized educational experience for every student. As we gear up for the new school year, we’re excited to reintroduce our school and highlight what makes TCGDC a standout choice for families in the District of Columbia.

A Student-Centered Approach

At TCGDC, Every Student Matters, and Every Moment Counts. Our approach is centered around the belief that education should be about more than just academics; it should be about developing caring, committed, and contributing young people who are prepared to engage in a cause bigger than themselves.

Our curriculum is designed to celebrate the unique talents of every child, offering a personalized learning environment that adapts to each student’s needs. By focusing on each student’s strengths and interests, we foster a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.

Admissions Made Easy

The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School is a tuition-free, publicly funded charter school open to all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our admissions process is fully online, making it convenient for families to apply and join our community. We welcome all students, without the need for testing or screening, ensuring that every child can benefit from our innovative educational programs.

Apply Now for the 2024–2025 School Year!

For more information, connect with our Admissions Team:

Meal Programs and Free Transportation

TCGDC is committed to supporting our students’ well-being in and out of the classroom. We offer three different types of transportation options to ensure all students can attend school without barriers:

  • School Bus Transportation: Convenient and reliable for students in all grades
  • Special OSSE Bus Transportation: Tailored for children with special needs to ensure safe and comfortable travel
  • Bus Cards for Metro Public Transportation: Free Metro bus cards for students who prefer using public transportation

We are also proud participants in the National School Breakfast Program, the National School Lunch Program, and the After-School Snack Program. Our school is part of the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which means all meals are free of charge for every student.

Meal Programs Include:

  • Breakfast: Offered in the classroom during in-person learning
  • Lunch: Served in the cafeteria
  • After-School Snacks: Provided as part of our extended day program

Additionally, TCGDC participates in the Fresh Food and Vegetable Program (FFVP), providing students with access to fresh produce and nutritious meals daily.

A Family-Oriented School

TCGDC stands out as a family-oriented school that serves students in grades K-8. We provide rigorous and supportive settings for all students, from general education to self-contained special education. Our broad-spectrum approach allows families to educate all K-8 students in one school, making us a truly unique educational option in the District.

Best Practices in Education

The Children’s Guild combines the most effective educational and behavioral practices to create a unique hybrid model that defines our schools. Our educational model is built on five foundational practices:

  1. TEACCH Structures: Developed at the University of North Carolina, these structures provide a framework for supporting students with autism and related disorders, ensuring an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
  2. Project-Based Learning: We integrate strategies and tools that engage students in real-world problems, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
  3. Character Development: Our multi-dimensional approach emphasizes the development of strong character traits, helping students become responsible and ethical members of their communities.
  4. Arts Integration: We believe in the power of the arts to enhance academic rigor. By integrating arts into our curriculum, we support students in expressing their creativity and understanding complex concepts.
  5. Diagnostic and Evaluation Center: Our state-of-the-art center uses highly skilled professionals to identify the programs and services each student needs to reach their optimal academic potential.

Join Us at TCGDC

As we continue to grow and evolve, we remain committed to providing an exceptional educational experience for every student. We invite new and returning families to join us for the 2024–2025 school year and become part of our vibrant school community.

Together, let’s inspire a love for learning and prepare our students to make a positive impact on the world.

Connect With Us Today!

Visit our website or contact our Admissions Team to learn more about how The Children’s Guild DC Public Charter School can be the right fit for your family. Don’t forget to follow us on social media @TCGDC on Instagram, Facebook,  X, and  The Children’s Guild YouTube. We look forward to welcoming you!

The Children’s Guild District of Columbia Public Charter School

2146 24th Place NE
Washington, DC 20018

202.774.5442

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] 

Our Successful Annual Golf Classic: Meeting Tangible Needs for 17 Years

by | Oct 8, 2024 | Events, News

At 9 am on Monday, September 16, 115 golfers cheered as The Children’s Guild’s 17th Annual Golf Classic kicked off with a shotgun start at Renditions Golf Course in Davidsonville, MD.

“We were excited to be at Renditions Golf Course for our 17th Annual Golf Classic! This event will help us meet immediate needs in our classrooms, in counseling sessions, and for students and families who need unique and nontraditional resources for special education support,” says Paul Hoyer, 2024 Annual Golf Classic Chair.

Golfers competed at a new course this year for the annual event. Renditions Golf Course gave golfers the opportunity to play replicas of legendary holes throughout the world, adding an extra element of excitement and challenge to their round. Jean Blosser, 2024 Annual Golf Classic Chair said, “There was a new thrill at this year’s tournament with this new course. It was exciting to watch my fellow golfers react to it!”

The 2024 tournament was made possible by our generous sponsors. Five Ways Forward, a coaching, consulting, and wellness company focused on helping individuals, managers, executives, teams, and organizations move forward to achieve their success – at work and in life, was this year’s tournament sponsor. “The Children’s Guild’s mission is inspiring to see in action,” says Colin McLetchie, President of Five Ways Forward. “It was so exciting to be this year’s event sponsor to help children and families in the Baltimore and D.C. area.” Other sponsors included:

“Our Annual Golf Classic is an exciting and special event,” says Victoria Davis, Manager of Corporate Partnerships for The Children’s Guild. “The money raised from this event goes directly to our programs and services to make a tangible difference in the lives of the families and students we serve through the education and services we provide. We love being able to share The Children’s Guild mission and vision with our golfers and encourage them to be ambassadors of our organization and keep coming back! Their support is making a difference across Maryland and Washington, D.C.”

We had a fantastic time on the links and captured the day through photos and videos. Check out the library of photos here.

Congratulations to all the winners of our 17th Annual Golf Classic!

  • First Place Team: Marc Bolotin, Michael Dackman, Josh Gochnauer, Keith Miller
  • Second Place Team: Arin Nicholson, Robert Davis, Joshua Moran, Michael Moran
  • Third Place Team: Patrick Curley, Dan Jamison, Dylan Asay, Nick Mafale
  • Longest Drive: Matthew Pica and Katie Gugliotta
  • Closet to the Pin: Dylan Viacava
  • Putting Contest: Andrew Hahn and Sam Walton

This year, golfers helped us raise over $73,000, which will make an immediate impact in the lives of those we serve. There is still time to donate and make a difference; help us make a difference in the lives of those we serve!

We also want to extend a special thanks to all employees and board members of The Children’s Guild who came out to support this event by volunteering or golfing. We are grateful for your continued support in events like this!

Next year, we are excited to return to Renditions Golf Course for the 18th Annual Golf Classic on Monday, September 15, 2025. Save the date and get notified when registration opens next year here.

Protecting Your Kids Online – What Is Even Possible?

by | Sep 5, 2024 | Mental Health, News, Parenting, Special Education

Potential risks for your kids are everywhere today, with social media, virtual worlds, gaming, internet sites, inappropriate online content, and security. We know you are concerned, and that every day you are working hard to balance their screen time and your safety concerns.

And if your child has special needs, technology can be an essential tool in their communication and learning – so limiting access is not always an option. Children with ADHD, mood disorders, and other conditions that manifest with impulsivity, may have an even harder time making good choices and following the family rules online.

How can parents navigate this, especially with school starting, new friends entering the picture, and their kid’s online worlds constantly expanding? There are plenty of safety and awareness measures you can take to help mitigate the risk, even if you can’t remove it completely from their lives.

The Children’s Guild (TCG) has always been concerned about the proliferation of cell phone use and the potential impact of the Internet on children. Several years ago, TCG started reminding parents and other concerned adults to educate, discuss, and monitor phone use to help young people sort out their relationship with their devices.1

So much has changed, but even five years ago when this article was first published—an eternity in the world of technological progress—there were significant concerns about kids and the internet. With the rapid advancements in technology, we know your concerns have only grown, as the digital landscape continues to grow at an incredible pace.

Today we recognize that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping kids as safe as possible online. Over the years, we have constantly monitored the evolving digital world and adjusted our recommendations to address new habits and trends.

The U.S. Surgeon General has even issued a “youth mental health crisis” stemming from social media. Another recent article delves into the topic of phone usage and the mental health issues that are attributed to social media, and cites that “parents should be doing more to engage their child in ways that don’t involve technology so when they get home from school, they’re less incentivized to get right back on their phones.”

As technology continues to advance rapidly, here are some key considerations for monitoring your child’s behavior online:

1. START A CONVERSATION – AND KEEP IT GOING

If you haven’t already, it’s time to start the conversation about social networking, privacy, phones and tablets, computer security, and dealing with cyberbullying. Kids may push back against your reminders, cautions, and questions. But it’s still critical that you talk about it all. Discuss inappropriate conduct online. Have a conversation about people online who may have bad intentions, like bullies, predators, hackers, and scammers. And let them know how you feel about content, like pornography, violence, or hate speech.

Children with ADHD or special needs may have difficulty understanding social cues or recognizing unsafe situations online. It’s crucial to tailor conversations to their comprehension level. Break down topics into smaller, manageable discussions and use clear, concrete examples. Role-playing different online scenarios can help them better grasp the concepts and practice safe behavior.

    2. BE SMART WITH SMART PHONES

    There are no set rules for when kids can have cell phones. Consider their age, personality, maturity, and your family’s circumstances. Cell phones are available with limited internet access, or you can turn on web filtering. Most phones have privacy settings and child safety controls built-in. GPS can be a blessing and a curse – allowing you to know where your kids are and inadvertently broadcasting their location to others. Encourage kids to think about privacy before they share photos and videos. Set rules on when they can and should use their phone. Your child’s school may do the same. In fact, many districts in our area are looking to prohibit use during school hours.

    If managing impulsivity is a challenge for your child, consider using apps that provide reminders and prompts to think before sharing personal information or making posts. Encourage them to pause and reflect before responding to messages or sharing content. Regular check-ins can help reinforce these habits.

    3. PARENTAL CONTROLS

    Especially if you have elementary school kids, there are digital tools to keep them safer and not exposed to harmful content online. You can elect to filter and block certain sites, words, and images. These can apply to websites, email, chat, and IMs. Software can prevent kids from sharing personal information online, in chats, or by email. Monitoring tools will alert parents to online activity without blocking access—with or without a kid’s knowledge. Take a look at Aura Parental Controls, Net Nanny, and Bark Premium, to start. There are many more options.

    Tools that offer visual and auditory alerts rather than text-based warnings might be more effective for a variety of neurodivergent learners.

    4. SUPERVISING USE AND LIMITING TIME

    There’s software to limit your child’s time online and set the time of day they can access online. You can also do this in person, just like you would read a book together, or play games. It’s a great way to talk to kids about the Internet and share your values about using it.

    Some children may struggle with time management and may need more structured time limits for online activity. Consider using a visual timer or scheduling specific periods for internet use to help them manage their time better.

     5. SOFTWARE AND SITES DESIGNED FOR KIDS

    There are many browsers and websites specifically designed for kids that may filter words or images that are inappropriate for them. Child-oriented search engines allow limited searches or screen search results for sites and material more suitable for kids of different ages. Here’s a list of free educational websites and apps for kids to learn at home.

    Also check out websites and apps that are specifically designed for children with special needs or ADHD, such as Funbrain, Do2Learn and GoNoodle. These websites and apps provide tailored support that can help children with special needs or ADHD develop essential skills, manage their behaviors, and engage with content in a safe, structured way.

    6. KEEP READING, LEARNING AND SHARING

    Online safety for kids is a moving target and an ongoing concern. So, continue to learn about tips and tricks that work for your own family. Kids are innocent, curious, and want independence and you want to nurture that in them. So be involved, set rules, talk to them, and warn about dangers. There’s plenty of guidance available online from reputable sources. 

    NEW LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CHILDREN

    Legislators are very aware of internet safety for kids. In July 2024, the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan bill to protect kids online and make tech companies accountable for harmful content. Congress hasn’t passed a law to protect children on the internet since 1998—before Facebook and the iPhone. The bill was written by members of both sides of the Senate and pushed by parents whose children died by suicide after online bullying or were harmed by online content in other ways.

    1. (“Educate Your Adolescent Before Labeling Them as ‘Addicted’ to Their Cell Phone” by Frank J. Kros, MSW, JD)