WISH LIST $100: afternoon snack for all TFS students; $500: books for after-school and summer enrichment programs; $1000: 1 year of music lessons for 5 students

The Fishing School serves students residing in five of the fourteen “hot spots” identified as “the most troubled neighborhoods” in DC. But the crime rate is only one of many problems. While fewer than 10% of 1st graders score below basic in math and reading, by 11th grade that number is up to 51% in reading and 89% in math. It’s just not acceptable. So at TFS, 125 inner-city youngsters attend an After School Enrichment Program 5 days a week until 7pm. Snacks come first; then homework assistance, tutoring, and a rotation of classes in reading, math, music appreciation, and financial literacy.A nutritious meal ends the day – with time for meal etiquette and clean-up. Each child has an individual learning plan and staff review report cards and conduct quarterly interviews with parents and DCPS staff to assess progress. 2001 marked milestones for a number of youth who were among the very first enrollees: six received four-year college scholarships. The students enrolled today are following in their footsteps. Won’t you help them along the path?

Alfreda Edwards, Director of Development 1240 Wylie Street NE Washington, DC 20002 202- 399-3618 www.fishingschool.org