More first impressions!

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The first few weeks in a new environment are always a time of great transition, and for me that was no different. At AA LEAD, things don't start slowly, so my daily schedule has been a whirlwind of meetings and activities. Right now, post-it notes and piles of print outs cover my desktop, reading material to last for at least two months. But at the end of the day, there's a certain sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from knowing my work here is for the betterment of our society.

First week!

Hi AALEAD blog-readers! My name is Jessica and I am just completing my first whirlwind of a week here as an AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) at AALEAD. I had no idea what to expect coming in but everyone has really surprised me with their kindness, patience, and commitment to the organization's mission. I think I will really enjoy working here and am very excited to get started!

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Maryland Middle School Summer Program comes to a close...

On Thursday, July 30th, our Middle School Summer Program came to a close!

During the summer, students participated in numerous activities and field trips, including ice cream making and water rocket building!

On the final day, students went out to Wheaton Regional Park to enjoy snacks and an awards ceremony outdoors.

Special thanks to Pyle Middle School students, who generously donated certificates and prizes for our students after completing a fundraiser!

Booz Allen transforms our Programs Office!

Thanks to Booz Allen's volunteers, AALEAD was able to have one more room transformed in our community center! On a very hot Saturday August 1, volunteers came to paint, break down desks, and build new desks!

BEFORE: A drab white room with mismatched desks...



Volunteers started by taping the trim and hauling out the old furniture.


Then the painting began! The room started looking a little more pistachio green with a brown trim.


Meanwhile, other volunteers built desks downstairs.



Waiting for the paint to dry, we stopped for a lunch break and a photo.


AFTER: the desks were ready to be brought upstairs to a freshly painted room!



Success! Thank you Booz Allen volunteers for a room transformed!

Summer Talent Show!

On Friday, July 31, our Elementary School Summer Program put on a Talent Show! And what a talent show it was! Performances included dancing, puppet shows, skits, yoga demonstrations and more!

Our high school students played a very instrumental role. Each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, they worked with the Elementary school students, even teaching them how to break dance! During the talent show, they assisted with food distribution and other logistics of the program. Thanks guys!

The Good Life…Eating Smart (Week 4)

By Danny Young

Wednesday, July 22^nd around 35 high schooler's went out to Dave and Buster's for our weekly field trip! We truly enjoyed ourselves: playing games, eating, winning prizes…The best part was we all chipped in to get really great prizes – like when we pooled our tickets together so Magy could get HUGE stuffed animals. But it wasn't all just play, during Eating Smart Week, we also spent some time talking about snacks that are healthy: hummus, guacamole, and banana/peanut butter wraps (and then we made them!). Of course we also had an IRON CHEF competition, where we all split into two teams. The competition was intense – we were judged on creativity, presentation, and flavor. Zefanya and her team pulled together the winning dishes!

YOGA

The Good Life Summer Program…Thinking Smart

By Danny Young

The Good Life Summer Program started on June 29th and every week, our DC high school program students have been working on different areas of health and wellness. Tuesday July 21, 2009, was very exciting for our high school students at AALEAD. They practiced yoga for the first time, with special yoga instructor, Kira.
After 15 min in to the session the instructor told them to lay down and relax and do different movements...she said you might fall asleep. As you can see she was right! It was surprising how well yoga worked on the students.

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