I watched Sister Mary Bourdon begin the Washington Middle School for Girls a little over 10 years ago, first as an after school study hall with 12 girls in a basement apartment, then into a two campus school, serving almost 100 students in grades 4-8.
And when I say serving, I mean:
- Offering them an exemplary education in core subjects;
- An Extended Day Program from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m., featuring student clubs such as yoga, poetry, chess, photography, and arts classes with The Washington Ballet, Levine School of Music, and The Corcoran Art Gallery;
- A summer camp that features remedial work, arts activities, field trips, and welcoming of visitors that expands their world like nothing else; and,
- A Graduate Support Program that assists in getting their students accepted into some of the best high schools in the Washington area and beyond.
Right now, 97 percent of the Washington Middle School for Girls’ graduates are either still in high school, or have graduated and gone on to higher learning of their choice! An incredible statistic for young girls living in the most under-served neighborhood of Washington, D.C.!
When I think about making an investment in the future, I can look no further than Washington Middle School for Girls – and I’m betting on a great future for those girls who are fortunate enough to have Sister Mary and her dedicated staff on their side!
We will all be better because of this school! Please, vote for them today!
Patricia Roland is a donor and supporter of The Washington Middle School for Girls.
