Welcome To Wheatley Open House!

Need something fun to do this Saturday (October 18^th) that is family-friendly and open to the whole community? Look no further than the John Dibert Community School at Phillis Wheatley’s Welcome to Wheatley Community Open House! The event is taking place at the beautifully renovated Wheatley campus, located at 2300 Dumaine from 2 to 5 p.m. 

The event will feature a second line, food trucks, as well as presentations and information about our great community partners. We would like to encourage all community members to come out, bring their families and friends and enjoy all the fun activities.

This is the first year Wheatley has been open since the renovations began. Wheatley has a long-standing tradition of being open and active in the community. We at FirstLine are honored to continue this rich tradition and look forward to seeing families and scholars from all of our schools and communities. Community, food, family and fun, can’t beat it!

For more information about FirstLine Schools and other upcoming events please visit www.FirstLineSchools.org and follow us on twitter @FirstLineNola 

  Jesse Short is a Louisiana Delta Service Corps member serving at FirstLine Schools as the Technology and Social Media Coordinator.

Kathleen: Clark Prep Wins 3rd Place in "Class Got Brass"

Joseph S. Clark Preparatory High School earned Third Place in the Class Got Brass music competition organized by New Orleans Jazz &Heritage Festival and Foundation, Inc. on Sunday, March 24. From the Foundation that hosts Jazz Fest, Class Got Brass completed its second successful year in supporting the New Orleans community in such an inspiring way. Clark Prep won $4,000 by coming in 3^rd place – funds that will be spent on instruments, their repair and other Marching Band needs.

After speaking to Mr. Franklin, Band Director, about what this prize money can do, he said it will not only help the program to buy new instruments, but also allows the students “to see that these are the types of things we can achieve at Clark Prep when students work together.”  Mr. Franklin also explained that the students wanted to be successful in this competition so they collaborated to make it happen, and “when they (the students) have a high desire to do something and work together, all things are achievable at Clark Prep.”

There are many people proud and excited to see Clark Prep begin to show its musical roots again. Our Marching Band and Majorettes participation in Mardi Gras parades was extremely well-received by alumni and all of those throughout the community who know about the school’s history and its strong revival. From local policemen to tourists and now the Jazz & Heritage Foundation, it’s no mystery that those who listen to Clark Prep like what they are hearing.

Class Got Brass is a competition open to all middle and high schools in the state of Louisiana. For Clark Prep to come in Third Place is a huge accomplishment that showcased our talented Marching Band. O. Perry Walker came in First Place with Kipp McDonogh 15 as the Second Place winner. 

Check out the video of "Class Got Brass!" 

Kathleen Duffy is the AmeriCorps VISTA Outreach Coordinator for Clark Prep High School. 

Trey Songz at Clark Prep with a Message

Yesterday (Wednesday, August 15) the 11th and 12th graders at Clark Prep had a surprise guest.  Trey Songz was in New Orleans and had made time in his very busy schedule to come by and say hello to the students.  He had a message for them - "Believe in yourself."  He talked a bit about his past, and urged students to listen to their teachers, "...as they care a lot about you," and to enjoy this time in their life, as it will just get harder - but to really figure out what they want to do, follow their dreams and - "...believe in yourself."  

The below video (please excuse the quality) shows Trey Songz visit to Clark Prep - including a performance of part of one of his songs.

A special thanks to Trey Songz for coming by Clark Prep yesterday - we hope to see you again in the future!

Press Release: LANGSTON HUGHES ACADEMY TO HOST JAZZ NIGHT BENEFIT CONCERT ON MAY 2 AT REPUBLIC NEW ORLEANS

NEW ORLEANS, April 23, 2012 – Langston Hughes Academy (LHA) will host its third annual LHA Jazz Night Benefit Concert on Wednesday, May 2 at 8 p.m., with a stellar line up of New Orleans musical greats, at the Republic New Orleans located at 828 S. Peters St. in the Warehouse District.  Admission is $20 in advance or $30 at the door for adults 18 and up. 

The show takes place annually on the Wednesday in between Jazz Fest weekends and immediately follows the Marcia Ball Wednesday at the Square event this year.  All proceeds will fund students’ end-of-year field trips, band instruments and in-school music instruction.

The all-star line-up of performers includes: Big Sam of Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Jeremy Davenport, Delfeayo Marsalis, Michael Baptiste, Naydja Cojoe, Leslie Smith, Sharon Martin, Gian Smith (performing Jazz spoken word during two interludes), Troy Sawyer, Young Pinstripe Brass Band, and Craig Paddock.  Many of the artists will also feature Grammy-winning bassist and LHA Music Teacher David Pulphus.  A cash bar will be available at show.

“This show highlights not only the local talent of New Orleans but some of the talented musicians that work with our amazing students at Langston Hughes Academy each day.” said Mark Martin, School Director at Langston Hughes Academy. “Our supportive school community, especially Ms. Naydja Cojoe, have worked extremely hard to make this event a success. The concert will help provide the education and opportunities that our students truly deserve.”

Langston Hughes Academy is an open-enrollment college preparatory, public charter school in the Gentilly/Fairgrounds neighborhood.  As a K-8 elementary-middle school, Langston Hughes is committed to providing all scholars with the knowledge, skills and character traits necessary to succeed in high school, college and the world beyond.

To purchase tickets in advance or for more information, please contact Langston Hughes Academy at (504) 373-6251 or get tickets online at www.republicnola.com.

FirstLine Schools

The mission of FirstLine Schools is to create and inspire great open enrollment public schools in New Orleans.  FirstLine currently operates Samuel J. Green Charter School, Arthur Ashe Charter School, John Dibert Community School, Langston Hughes Academy, and Joseph S. Clark Preparatory High School. 

###