CA-10

Mayhem

2012-02-08T11:00:00.000-08:00

Mayhem is the only word I can think of to describe the current turbulence in the school system. Suddenly, there is a severe lack of trust in our teachers because of the severe betrayals of a few. First, and most importantly, I do not have the answer. Mainly because I have no idea how deep the problem goes. Is it a national issue? State? Local? Should the Arne Duncan (the current Secretary of Education) completely raze the institutions that seem to be failing the children? Should only the individuals who corrupt our most precious resource be held accountable or should the blame reach higher? I dont have the answers. The only thing I can do is come to work every day and be better than I was yesterday, and hope. I hope that there all still enough good people out there who are not only capable of teaching, but are also willing.

Word of the Day

2012-01-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

irenic-an adjective, aiming or aimed at peace. Sample sentence: America Scores LA strives to be a big gun in the irenic arsenal of education.

Candor

2012-01-10T11:05:00.000-08:00

I, like the multitude, have doubts sometimes. Am I doing good? Am I good at what I do? But children have a nature which have no aptitude for hiding happiness. The chances I get to be component in the joy of children is more than enough. One may have the ability to run faster than a locomotive, leap tall buildings in a single bound, walk through walls, or battle 100 ft monsters to a standstill, but working with children is truly superhuman. What. Up.

King Henry V

2012-01-04T10:15:00.000-08:00

King Henry V understands the position we in the non-profit world take as we go through our morning rituals: Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more.
Winter Break is melting away in the glowing sun of the coming semester and we are shrugging off the silk garments of relaxation in favor of armored vigilence, a sword of good deeds, a shield of comraderie, and our noble steed, Perseverance. We are preparing to fight the good fight. We anticipate many victories.

SNOW DAY!!!

2011-12-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row, Mattel brought their wonderful staff, products, and snow in order to give our students an outstanding Day of Play. Held at Palms Elementary School, there were Hot Wheels tracks, picture booths, a DJ, a cupcake-decorating station, Santa Claus, and a huge hill of snow for people to sled down. The music kept the party going, scoring various dance events including hula hoop contests, limbo contests, chicken dances, the Electric Slide, and the list goes on. And at the end of it all, Mattel provided gifts for all the students who had the privilege to take part on this remarkable day. We, at LA Scores, would like to thank Mattel once again for all their hard work and support.

And So It Goes...

2011-12-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Here we are, wind-tossed in the maelstrom that comprises the great skies of the non-profit. But in the immortal words of The Beatles: we get by with a little help from our friends. Coming up during this busy month of December: Mattel Day of Play, Poetry Slam!, and ASCAP. And all in the next two weeks. But prevail, we shall. Prevail...we...shall. Peace out, baby.

Thanksgiving Haiku!!!!

2011-11-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Turkey and stuffing,
Food to gobble and get stuffed.
All hail Thanksgiving.

There is no excuse for negligence

2011-11-17T13:59:00.000-08:00

To my loyal follower: it seems there is one person in this great wide expanse of humanity who finds my diatribes upon the merits of America Scores LA poignant and/or compelling enough to earn some small degree of loyalty. And how have I repaid such affections? By neglecting my duties as the chronicler of all things LA Scores. I am ashamed. Surely this apology shall suffice, but if it does not, I also offer this promise to you, dear follower: I shall, henceforth, be a vigilant scribe for the majesty that is America Scores LA.

Happy Halloween...from America Scores LA

2011-10-31T09:48:00.000-07:00

A witch came into my room this morning
shouting and sounding a fool.
She yelled out her curses and bellowed her warning:
YOU'RE GOING TO BE LATE FOR SCHOOL!!!

I ran to the kitchen to flee this old nightmare
in search of a being more stable,
but reading a newspaper and sitting right there
was Dracula, calm, at the table.

This day, I must say, is the absolute worst.
My life couldnt be more messed up.
But wait, this must October 31st
and these ghouls are my parents dressed up.

In Limerick Appreciation of Coach Samantha

2011-10-24T11:19:00.000-07:00

There once was a student in Scores
who saw doing poems as chores.
She met a new coach
who took a new approach.
Now, she likes writing much more.

In need of referees...as a haiku

2011-10-18T13:35:00.000-07:00

We need referees
to be guides and champions
for soccer children

Booyah!!!

2011-10-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

That's right! Booyah!!! We have officially started programming at all the elementary schools with Palms Middle School waiting in the wings. The Braddock Elementary coaches are all returning veterans and leave little to no worries for the office. Palms Elementary has a new model to go by. We have hired four more alumni coaches to oversee the boys soccer teams: Rodrigo Luis, Cristian Lazaro, Cristian Lopez, and Luis Sanchez. Each boys team will feature two of these coaches who have all been members of the LA Scores Alumni Coaching Team for a few years now. We are thrilled at the potential that these new coaches bring with them and look forward to seeing their teams on the upcoming game days (10/21). We, here at America Scores LA, hope everyone is having a great school year so far and we are on pins and needles as we await the beautiful future.

The Seasons Are Upon Us...

2011-10-05T11:27:00.000-07:00

Nothing like a rainy day to flood we toiling souls at LA Scores with vast waves of optimism as the soccer season looms a mere seven days away. If it seems like I'm laying it on thick, it's only because I am excited. EXCITED!!! Last night, we held our Fall Coach Training at the Boys and Girls Club of Venice (the very same place we hold our weekly alumni indoor games) and the coaches were able to meet one another and schmooze and have pizza. Cant ask for more than that. Our Training attendees held many veterans with the exception of Shannon Huang, the Americorps Vista I mentioned in the previous entry; Nahoul Gonzalez, who is the new girls coach at Charnock Elementary and the first LA Scores alumni hired to be a coach; and Samantha Kowalski, who is joining the company as a new poetry coach at Palms Elementary. The coaches seem to be happy with the organization, but the organization is certainly happy with the team of coaches who will help lead America Scores LA to the next evolutionary stage.

So It Starts...

2011-09-08T10:17:00.000-07:00

America Scores LA has the honor and privilege of starting its tenth year of programming in the Palms community. Yesterday morning, LA Scores staff members were up bright and early to be at Charnock Elementary in order to register students in the program. Unbeknownst to us, the word has gotten out about the program because we ran out of the 200 applications we printed for the morning. With such a high demand for our service, we are happy to welcome our new Americorps Vista, Shannon Huang, who has quickly rendered herself invaluable in the machine that propels this program. When you see Shannon in the office, at the schools, at the upcoming game days, give her a big hug and thank her for her help thus far. We are extremely excited to continue working with Shannon as she brings new ideas to make this program better for all the students. I would like to take this time to give Shannon a digital hug. And squeeeeeeeeeeeze...feel the love...feel the appreciation. Stay tuned, Scores fans. This school year is just beginning.

Inaugural Inspired Art Event was a Success!

2011-05-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, America SCORES LA hosted its first ever Inspired Art Event. The Project offered a unique way to bring to life the words of ASLA poet-athletes. Local artists signed up to create and donate original pieces inspired by the poetry of the America SCORES LA poet-athletes. Through this cycle of inspiration and influence, our students were able to witness their creativity brought to life, artists were able to build connections with diverse communities around the city, and SCORES' supporters were able to see the profound impact our youths' words can have on others.

On a Thursday evening in April, SCORES supporters gathered at the Bank of America Plaza in downtown Los Angeles. By reading the poems, by seeing the art, by sharing in this experience, and by giving a child the chance to be heard and recognized, our guests joined us in the interplay between voice and vision. All of the 27 art pieces, which ranged in media from acrylic to a sculpture to a pillow, were featured in a silent auction alongside the poems that inspired them. The evening also featured an open bar of beer and wine and appetizers. All of the proceeds from the event will directly support America SCORES LA programming.

A special Thanks goes out to the SCORES Development Board who took on majority of the planning for this inaugural event and all of the Starbucks event volunteers. Also, a big shout-out goes to the incredible group of talented, passionate and generous artists who made this event possible--and the youth that inspired them!

Thank you to Thad Somoza, Kevin Zhang, and Geoff Nangle for making a video of the event. CLICK HERE to view the video on YouTube

Helping Japan

2011-04-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

On March 29^th 2011, LA Scores students from Charnock Elementary School did their part to help the children in Japan affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. After learning about the current situation in Japan, they drew pictures and wrote messages to the children there, who as a result of this tragedy became displaced from their homes and are now living in orphanages and evacuation shelters. They even practiced writing the word “smile” in Japanese in the hopes that it would make them do just that. Their beautiful cards and pieces of art were given to an organization called Artwork for Heartwork, a group that aims empower children around the world to help their peers in need. Their artwork has already been sent to Japan and hopefully our efforts help lift their spirits and encourage them to stay strong during such a difficult time.

Good Luck Japan!!!

Fundraiser at Souplantation

2011-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

America SCORES is hosting a fundraiser this month at Souplantation in Marina del Rey. Come with your friends on February 22nd between 5pm and 8pm and present this flier when you pay. Souplantation will donate 15% of your purchase back to America SCORES LA! What a delicious way to help out America SCORES LA!

PPL Championship!

2011-02-10T12:19:00.000-08:00

Palms Premier League's championship game was held Tuesday at Palms Middle School. Germany, the first place team, took on Roma, a team comprised solely of sixth graders, to see which team's name would be the first engraved into the PPL trophy. It was a hard-fought game on both sides. Germany took an early 3-0 lead. Roma fought back, and in the last ten minutes of the game were able to score the tying goal, sending the teams to the goal for penalty kicks. Both teams had some great shots and saves, but in the end Germany triumphed with three goals over Roma's one.

Earlier that day, Mexico played Stuttgart for third place while Chelsea played Arsenal for fifth place. Both games went to penalty kicks as well, with Mexico taking third and Arsenal fifth.

We were impressed with everyone's dedication and enthusiasm in the tournament, and cannot wait to start it up again!

Germany - First Place

Roma - Second Place

Mexico - Third Place

Buy Groceries and Help America SCORES LA

2011-01-28T12:48:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought to yourself, "Man, I wish I could help America SCORES LA earn some money, while simultaneously saving money myself, simply by remembering a small plastic card or a phone number when I buy groceries"? If so, you're in luck!

If you shop at Ralphs, you can register your rewards card online and choose America SCORES LA as your community partner. Then every time you use your Ralphs Rewards Card, Ralphs will donate a percentage of what you spend back to us! It's a win-win! Follow these steps to sign up:

1. Register your card (you need your card number for this)
2. Check your email and confirm
3. Sign in
4. Click "Community Rewards"
5. Click "Edit Community Contribution Program Information"
6. Fill in the information it asks for
7. Search for "LA SCORES"
8. Save the information
9. Use your Rewards Card next time you go shop, and Ralphs will donate money to America SCORES LA!

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids

2011-01-24T12:14:00.000-08:00

Last month, in order to address the growing problems of childhood obesity and malnutrition in the US, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. This legislation aims to improve the nutritional value of food served in schools and provide more free meals to low-income students. Over the next few years, the government will allocate an extra six cents per meal served at school, and the USDA will be given authority to introduce new nutritional standards concerning what schools will be allowed to serve in lunches, a la carte lines, and vending machines.

The USDA has proposed a plan to get the ball rolling. Under this proposal, the following changes would be made:

Minimum and maximum calories for meals
More servings of fresh fruits and vegetables
Reduced sodium levels
At least 50% of grains are whole grain
Less servings of starchy vegetables (potatoes, corn, etc.)
No more food with trans fat

According to the CDC, 17% of children in the US are obese, a number that has tripled in the past 30 years. According to one study, 80% of obese children will be obese as adults. The rise in childhood obesity has seen with it an increase in health problems for these children such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. Also, for the first time in history, scientists say, due to the high incidence of obesity, that parents may out-live their children.

While this bill will not instantly cure childhood obesity, it is a good first step. Many kids consume over half of their daily calories at school. This new bill is the first legislation passed in a long time to regulate the food schools serve to them.

Palms Premier League Begins for Middle School

2011-01-14T14:25:00.000-08:00

This week marks the first day of the Palms Premier League at Palms Middle School. America SCORES LA and Team Prime Time, an after school program that brings sports, arts, and homework help to Title 1 middle schools in Los Angeles, teamed up to create this six-team, month-long tournament. Every Tuesday and Thursday for the next four weeks, each team gets to play two games. Refs from ASLA and TPT keep track of the score and player stats so that the teams will know the standings before every game. Teams are a mixture of boys and girls 6-8th grade.

The players were excited to take what they've learned in practice and put it to the test in a competitive league. Scroll down to see pictures of them in action!

Braddock's ASCAP Video

2011-01-10T17:29:00.000-08:00

Kids at Braddock worked with song-writing duo Da Internz through our partnership with ASCAP to write and record an original song. Watch a video of their experience at the recording studio and listen to their song here.

Mattel Day of Play

2010-12-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

Wednesday, December 8th, toy company and long-time America SCORES LA supporter, Mattel, hosted a very special and exciting event for all SCORES poet-athletes called the Day of Play. This event, held at Charnock Elementary, included a cupcake decorating booth, a Hot Wheels race track, dress up picture booths, a dj with a dance floor, and snow -- on which the kids could sled or make snowmen! Throughout the day, Santa was walking about, handing out candy canes and taking pictures with kids.

At the end of the event, Mattel gave every participant a wrapped gift and presented a check to executive director David Joseph. This was an unforgettable experience for the kids, most of whom have never in their lives seen snow. ASLA would like to thank Mattel for everything they have done!

ASCAP Residency Part II: Braddock

2010-12-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

Last month, kids at Charnock got to work with grammy-winning artist Claudia Brant to write an original song and record it in a professional studio. This week, ASCAP sent song-writing duo Da Internz to Braddock Elementary for a similar workshop.

Last Thursday, Da Internz came to Braddock to talk about songs, and what the kids wanted to talk about in their own song. After deciding to write a song about making money, the kids wrote down different ideas to go into the song.

Over the weekend, Da Internz put the lyrics together and created beat for it, so that on Monday everyone could practice singing it together. After learning their song, the kids were excited to travel to the studio and record it.

Yesterday, the students boarded the bus to go to the Song Writing School of Los Angeles, a recording studio in Burbank. Da Internz split everyone up into smaller groups to go in and sing their parts.

The kids had an amazing time, while learning how much work goes into the creation of a single song. Now they cannot wait to hear their single.

Da Internz are a song-writing duo from Chicago who currently reside in Los Angeles. They have worked with other SCORES sites in the past, and were excited to bring their workshop to a local school. They have worked with artists such as Greyson Chance, Mims, John Legend, Jesse McCartney, August Rigo, and Justin Bieber. Here are the lyrics to the song they wrote with the kids:

If I had one chance I would take that chance
Grab the whole wide world, put it in my hands. Hey, hey
Gonna make good grades, graduate from school
Get a real job and a house with a pool. Hey, hey

It's what I gotta do to live my dreams
If I want to have everything.

I gotta make money, money, money, money
I gotta make money, money, money, money

I gotta work hard, aim for the stars, they're not that far.

One Pass at a Time Challenge

2010-11-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

Meet 10,000 New Friends Nationally Before 2011

Since America SCORES launched in 1999, they have tirelessly worked to create an after school program that helps kids in under-resourced communities become better poets, athletes, and more importantly, people. Today, their program helps close to 6,000 students in 15 cities improve their health, become stronger writers, and increase their school engagement.

However, they still face a challenge:

In most of their cities, only their supporters know who they are and the difference they are making in the communities they serve.

This Holiday Season, every America SCORES city is working together to try something they have never done before. They are asking us, their supporters, to help share their story to 10,000 new friends and invite them to join the America SCORES family.

The Challenge is Simple:

Ask 10,000 new friends to donate $10 to the organization before January 2011.

Here is how you can help –

1. Click here to join our America SCORES team

2. Donate $10

3. Copy and paste this email and send it to ten of your family/friends/colleagues

4. Ask them to donate $10 and forward this email to ten people they know

***Send this email to anyone who likes soccer, poetry, community leadership… or just wants to help support children in under-resourced communities***

5. Our goal is to introduce 10,000 new friends to the organization by Jan. 1^st

Some Questions You May Have:

Why $10?

Anyone can sign up for a newsletter. However, the act of donating signifies a stronger commitment to stay involved.

Where Can I find More Information about America SCORES?

Click here to watch the PSA

Click here to read more about them

How Will My Donation Be Used?

Every dollar donated will go directly to the city you are supporting to support the children in that program.

How Long Will it Take Me to Sign Up and Send Out an Email?

The entire process will take 5 minutes (…at the most).

Why Is It Important to Have People Know Who They Are?

America SCORES is committed to growing and making the program accessible to as many kids around the country as possible. In order to do that, they need to increase their number of supporters. The best way to do that is by us introducing them to people we know who care about the children in our communities.

Will I receive additional emails if I donate?

You will have the option not to be contacted ever again, but I hope you don’t make that decision.

Thank you for joining me in this mission. Together, we can help put this great organization on the map in a much bigger way!

Night of the Rapping Dead

2010-11-17T11:08:00.000-08:00

Watch and listen to Night of the Rapping Dead, written and performed by Claudia Brant and the kids of Charnock Elementary!

Old Faces in New Roles

2010-11-15T09:50:00.000-08:00

Last month, SCORES programming officially started at all four schools, and with that came Game Day. Every Friday, SCORES students from the three elementary schools meet at the park to play organized soccer games against each other. It has been exciting for us to see the kids putting the skills they learn each day to the test.

Game Day has become a community event, from parents and family members coming to watch games to SCORES alumni coming to visit their old coaches and cheer on new players. One of the highlights of Game Day has been seeing Middle School and High School alumni in attendance taking on the meaningful role of assistant coaches and referees -- illustrating that their involvement in SCORES Game Day doesn't have to end when they finish elementary school.

ASCAP Residency @ America SCORES

2010-11-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

Through a national partnership with ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), SCORES poet-athletes across the country are getting the chance to work with a noted song-writer to write an original song and sing it at a recording studio.

Last week, fourth and fifth graders at Charnock Elementary worked with song-writer Claudia Brant to write and record their own song. Claudia showed up on Wednesday to teach the kids about the structure of a song and the process that goes into writing one. Then the kids voted on a subject, title, and genre for their song. At the end of the day, they agreed to write a pop song about zombies entitled "Night of the Rapping Dead".

The following day, Claudia returned with her guitar and spent a two-hour session helping the kids write verses, a chorus and even a short rap for their song. Both Claudia and the kids showed enthusiasm while writing the song, and were excited with what they had come up with. After assigning parts and running through the song a few times, they were ready to record.

Yesterday after school, the kids took a bus to a recording studio in West Los Angeles to record their new song. Over the weekend, Claudia had created a music track, and sang over it so the kids could get a feel for what their song would sound like once finished. They split up into their groups and took turns recording their own respective parts, with Claudia's four year-old daughter Nina joining in with one of the girls groups. Even though it was a long day, the poet-athletes worked hard and stayed focused to make sure each part was perfect. At the end of the day, they heard a rough cut of what they had just accomplished and couldn't be more proud. Now they can't wait to receive a copy of the cd!

Claudia Brant has worked with a number of well-known artists from Carlos Santana to Kenny G. In 2009 she won a Latin Grammy for a song she co-wrote called "Aqui Estoy Yo", which was awarded "Song of the Year". America SCORES LA would like to thank Claudia and ASCAP for everything they have done for us!

At the end of the month, Toby Gad, another ASCAP artist will lead a similar program at Braddock Elementary.

To listen to songs from last year's ASCAP Residency, CLICK HERE. And to read the lyrics for "Night of the Rapping Dead", scroll down.

Night of the Rapping Dead

I was looking out in the night
I saw a monster and it gave me a fright
It started dancing until it bled
It was creepy, slimy, green and red

Pre-Chorus
One brain, two brain, three brain, four
All the bloody creatures are back for more

Chorus
Zombies, zombies
The cemetery kings
They eat all the living things
Zombies, zombies
Stuck in my head
Tonight's the night of the rapping dead

I feel goosebumps, I have nightmares
They wear spiders in their blue hair
Someone call the military
Oh boy, this is scary

Rap
I just wanna go home, I just wanna be safe
I wish my momma was here to get them out of my face
Halloween is over but yet they still chase
If they don't disappear, I'll spray them with mace

LA SCORES Alum Wins Youth Hero Award

2010-11-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last night, City Scholars hosted its annual Youth Hero Awards dinner at the Music Center in downtown Los Angeles. Youth Hero Awards nominees are selected based on academic achievement, community service, and youth leadership by various after-school youth development organizations in LA. City Scholars then selects one winner in each of three age groups: 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. America SCORES LA nominated senior Mireya for the 16-18 age group. Being chosen as a finalist over the summer, Mireya attended the awards ceremony with family members and Dre, David, Alex and Dana from America SCORES LA. And out of the 6,323 students participating in after-school programs in Los Angeles, she was chosen as the winner from her age group.

Mireya has been an active participant in America SCORES LA since she was in fourth grade. She continues to participate in alumni events, and has given back over 100 hours as a volunteer to the new generation of poet-athletes. In addition to her dedication to the SCORES program, she has run in four marathons through the organization Students Run LA, plays for her high school varsity soccer team, is a youth leader in the Neighborhood Youth Association, and was a Yahoo! Junior Journalist.

Congratulations to Mireya for all of her achievements!

About City Scholars: 'Established in 1993, City Scholars Foundation trains, coaches and inspires non-profit neighborhood after-school program leaders to transform the lives of thousands of inner-city youth, helping them become inner-"City Scholars," prepared for college, career and community leadership.'
from www.cityscholars.org

Vote for DC SCORES!

2010-10-27T10:33:00.000-07:00

DC SCORES, one of the affiliates of America SCORES, has been nominated for "Most Creative Fundraiser" in the Stay Classy Awards! Here is a message from DC SCORES staff member Jake:

Based off our Kick, Click, & SCORES Challenge fundraiser held back in May (which New England, Chicago and Milwaukee also did), DC SCORES was chosen as a Stay Classy Awards top-5 contestant for the Most Creative Fundraiser in the DC area. Thanks to our supporters, we received the most votes. NOW, we're competing against seven other cities for the NATIONAL award for Most Creative Fundraiser. If we receive the most votes through November 5th, we'll get $10,000 for our program and be recognized at the Stay Classy Awards -- purportedly, the Grammys of award shows for nonprofit organizations -- in San Diego November 7th.

Obviously, the competition is mych stiffer now, and we need all the help spreading the word and getting out the vote.

Voting is simple: Just go to the voting page, find DC SCORES, then click submit -- from there, you just enter an e-mail and a password (only for verification purposes -- they won't send you anything) and another vote is counted for us.

Thanks!!

Last season, DC SCORES executive director Amy Nakamoto put together a fundraiser called the Click, Kick, & SCORE Challenge where she juggled a soccer ball from 7am to 7pm on a busy street corner in DC to raise money and awareness. By the end of the challenge, she had raised $50,000.

A belated congratulations to DC SCORES on their innovative, successful fundraiser, and good luck in the Stay Classy Awards!

Welcome New Coaches!

2010-10-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

This season America SCORES LA has some exciting new additions to our coaching corps. We are very excited to have these new coaches working with our poet-athletes, and can't wait to see what the teams will learn, both on the field and in the classroom. So without further ado, here are the new faces of America SCORES LA!

Name: Aaron Turner
School: Charnock
Position: Boys and Girls Writing Coach
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hobby: Sports and Music
Interesting Fact: Also works at Charnock as a one-on-one teacher

Name: Alexandra Jaspers
School: Palms
Position: Boys Writing Coach
Favorite Food: Eggplant Parmesan
Hobby: Surfing
Interesting Fact: Nickname is "Ada" because she couldn't say "Alexandra" when she was young

(left: Alexandra, right: Chevana)

Name: Chevana Player
School: Palms
Position: Girls Writing and Soccer Coach
Favorite Food: Peach Cobbler
Hobby: Basketball
Interesting Fact: Has one gray streak of hair

Name: Chrissy Clark
School: Charnock
Position: Check-out
Favorite Food: Pizza and Chinese food
Hobby: Going to the movies
Interesting Fact: She can write with her feet

Name: Julie Palacios
School: Braddock
Position: Boys Writing Coach
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hobby: Drawing
Interesting Fact: She plays basketball, softball, and flag football

Name: Mike Baskerville
School: Palms
Position: Boys Soccer Coach
Favorite Food: Pizza
Hobby: Coaching
Interesting Fact: He is fun and easy going!

Collegiate Athletes Inspire SCORES Students On and Off the Soccer Field

2010-10-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

When the UCSD women's soccer team traveled to play rival Cal State Dominguez Hills on Friday night, their game did a lot more than just advance their position in the California Collegiate Athletic Association; it inspired a younger generation of soccer players from the non-profit organization America SCORES LA. In the stands there were two girls teams from Charnock Road Elementary watching and lending their support. The third through fifth graders traveled together from their school on a bus and on the way they wrote UCSD on their arms and made up several unique cheers that would be heard by all later in the evening.

After the scoreless first half, the poet-athletes talked about teamwork and learned to trust and rely on each other when they participated in team building challenge games in the stands. When the second half started, the UCSD team showed the girls just what you can accomplish by working together on the field when Sarah McTigue netted a goal off of a cross from Annie Wethe. After Dominguez tied the game with less than 20 minutes to go, the girls knew it would take determination to come back. The players proved their character when Lindsay Mills came off of the bench to score the game winner that sent the SCORES fans into a cheering rage.

The biggest highlight of the night came after the game when the 18 poet-athletes got to go on the field and meet the UCSD players. They were each given a UCSD magnet and a poster to get signed. The Triton athletes went above and beyond when interacting with the girls and telling them about their experience both as an athlete and a student. We want to thank the UCSD women's soccer team and coaches, especially Kristin Jones and captain Lisa Bradley, for organizing this event. All of the UCSD players made a generous donation to the America SCORES LA program to make this night possible and beyond that, they made a strong impression on the girls they met. Some of the reactions on the bus ride home were, "I can't believe they were so nice!" and "I can't wait until I get to go to UCSD!"

Keep an eye out for more pictures on the facebook page

Fall Season is Here!

2010-10-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

America SCORES LA programming started yesterday at Palms and Braddock Elementary Schools. Though it poured, the weather didn't keep SCORES poet-athletes from coming to the first day. At Palms Elementary, the students -- a good mix of new and returning -- met in the auditorium where they introduced themselves to the new coaches and to each other and played some games to get to know one another. They played Rock, Paper, Scissors Around the World; Simon Says; and a name game. Later, two middle school girls who were in the program at Palms last year showed up to play with the new generation of poet-athletes.

Starbucks Kicks Off the School Year

2010-09-15T12:39:00.000-07:00

School started this past Monday at Charnock, Braddock and Palms Elementary Schools, with LA SCORES programming starting at Charnock. The kids were excited to get back on the soccer field and back into their classes to work on a new portfolio of poems this season.

This year, thanks to donations from Starbucks, every kid in the program will have his/her own journal for the year. Last month, Starbucks District Manager and LA SCORES board member Tisha Kimoto held a drive for journals and other supplies and was able to collect 300 journals for the poet-athletes of LA SCORES.

LA SCORES would like to thank Tisha Kimoto and Starbucks for their donation and all the support they have given us!

America SCORES PSA on Vimeo

2010-09-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

The America SCORES Public Service Announcement is now on Vimeo! America SCORES National Board Member and Soccer Hall of Famer John Harkes speaks about the opportunities America SCORES provides for kids across the country.

CLICK HERE to watch the video.

Earn Money for LA SCORES by Grocery Shopping

2010-09-09T13:19:00.001-07:00

You may know that America SCORES LA is a part of Ralphs' Community Contribution Program. As part of this program, friends of America SCORES LA can register their Ralphs Rewards cards to America SCORES LA, and Ralphs will donate a percentage of money you spend back to the organization. Once a year, we need to renew the contract and have everyone sign up again, and that time is here! If you shop at Ralphs and want to help out America SCORES LA, follow the directions below to sign up your card!

If You Have Not Registered Your Card:
1. Go to Ralphs.com and sign up your Ralphs Rewards card
2. Check your email and verify your email address
3. Sign in and follow the instructions below

If You Have Already Registered Your Card:
1. Sign in by going to Ralphs.com and clicking the "Sign In" link
2. Scroll down and click on "Community Contribution" under "Services"
3. Scroll down and click the "Enroll" button
4. Make sure your card information is correct (you don't need to answer every question)
5. Under "Find Your Organization" type in "LA SCORES" and hit search
6. Select LA SCORES, then click "Save Changes"
7. Next time you shop at Ralphs, use your Rewards Card and earn money for LA SCORES!

Alumni Camping Trip

2010-09-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

Last week, America SCORES LA staff took 30 SCORES high school alumni on their 5th annual camping trip to Lake Casitas for two nights. We arrived in the late afternoon to set up camp and then everyone met at the girls' campsite for dinner, a campfire and scary stories.

The next morning everyone woke up and met in a nice grassy area near the lake to hang out and play soccer, toss around a football, and play catch. Then after lunch, we drove to the dock and spent the afternoon on the lake switching off between kayaks and a pontoon boat.

On the way home, we stopped at a beach in Ventura where a large group of the kids and staff played a game of football, and then soccer. Everyone had fun time, and this trip was a great way to end the summer before school starts next week.

Trivia Night

2010-08-16T14:46:00.000-07:00

Fernandomania!

2010-08-09T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last Friday, America SCORES LA high school alumni got the chance to go to a Dodgers game to watch the boys in blue take on the Washington Nationals. Before the game, the kids got to go onto the field to watch batting practice and meet baseball legend Fernando Valenzuela as part of the Amigos de Fernando program.

Meeting at the field at 5:00, the kids all got Fernando Valenzuela t-shirts and then filed onto the field to watch players from both the Dodgers and Nationals warm up at batting practice. During that time, Fernando Valenzuela came over and talked to the kids. They asked tons of questions ranging from "Who was the toughest competition you faced?" (Tony Gwynn and Keith Hernandez) to "What's your favorite Mexican League soccer team?" (Cruz Azul). He talked about being a professional athlete, advising them to "take it one game at a time, and don't be too hard on yourself if you mess up." After the Q&A, Valenzuela signed autographs for everyone and then the kids left to find their seats to watch the game.

The Nationals got an early lead of 6-0 in the 2nd inning. Although the Dodgers were able to make up some runs in the 4th inning with a two-run homer by Andre Ethier and an RBI to left from Casey Blake, they were ultimately defeated 6-3.

Fernando Valenzuela pitched for the Dodgers from 1980-1990. Born in Navojoa, Mexico, Valenzuela became an icon for the Los Angeles Latino community and drew large crowds to the field whenever he pitched. In 1981, Valenzuela became the only player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, and the Cy Young award in the same year. He is also known for his unique windup: throwing his head back and looking straight up before pitching. At the end of his 17 year Major League career, he had an ERA of 3.54 and 2,074 strikeouts.
(Source: Wikipedia)

America SCORES LA would like to thank Fernando Valenzuela, Ron Sittler, and Noel Pallais for such a great opportunity!

Best Buy's @15 Results Are In

2010-08-05T14:57:00.000-07:00

Best Buy's @15 Campaign finished last Friday, July 30th, and the results are in. America SCORES, one of four national organizations selected to participate in this round of the campaign, will receive 26% of $250,000 (totaling $65,000).

With its @15 Campaign, Best Buy pledged $250,000 to be divided among four national nonprofit organizations, and let teens ages 13-18 be the ones to decide how much each organization received. Teens logged onto the website and earned points, which they later dolled out to their organization of choice. With the help of friends, supporters, volunteers, and even alumni from SCORES sites all over the country, America SCORES was able to earn a total of 150,188 points, enough to get an impressive 26% of the total amount. Thanks to everyone who voted!

Other organizations in the campaign include Truth, YMCA and Room to Read. To see the results of the campaign, check out the @15 Website.

Camps for Kids at the Home Depot Center

2010-08-03T16:39:00.000-07:00

This summer, the Home Depot Center Foundation invited ten elementary school students from LA SCORES to participate in their "Camps for Kids" program. Camps for Kids is a three-hour summer camp where about 150 kids ages 7-10 get to practice soccer and learn about health and fitness at the Home Depot Center. The kids were split into groups that rotated through different stations: drill stations (passing, shooting, and dribbling), a scrimmage station, and a health station where the kids learned about making healthy choices (and they also got to jump rope, hula hoop, and jump on a large trampoline!)

At the end of the camp, each kid got a boxed lunch and a gift bag from the Home Depot Center which included a brand new soccer ball.

Alumni Coach Middle School Camp

2010-07-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Down the street from the Elementary Summer Camp, middle school and high school students are participating in a different camp. Every Wednesday during the month of July, a group of ten LA SCORES alumni meet at the middle school field to coach the middle school players.

Earlier in the summer, the alumni attended a special training put on by Team Up For Youth -- an organization that recruits and trains volunteer coaches in California -- to learn basic drills, fun games, and techniques for coaching younger kids. This month they've been able to take what they learn and put it into action at Palms Middle School. At practice, groups of two or three alumni each organize a drill at a station -- shooting, passing, dribbling, defense, etc. -- then they divide the middle schoolers up into small groups and have them rotate through the stations. After each group completes all of the drills, they scrimmage together.

As coaches, the alumni are showing the middle schoolers that LA SCORES doesn't end when you graduate 5th or 8th grade. Those who are interested can still be a part of the program through volunteer coaching or even just coming out to play soccer with old friends. It is our hope that this will start a new tradition where the current middle schoolers come back with their friends as high schoolers every summer to help teach new 6th graders soccer skills and the value of community.

America SCORES on CBS

2010-07-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

America SCORES New York was on the news today on CBS. Click here to watch the video http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=144240@wcbs.dayport.com

US National Team Member Practices With Alumni

2010-07-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Last week, US National Team member Stuart Holden attended a special practice for LA SCORES high school alumni. Rather than running drills, Holden wanted to just get out there and play. The practice turned into a giant 14v14 scrimmage, mostly boys vs. girls with Holden playing for the girls' team. Holden scored two goals for his team, but they were defeated by the boys. The kids really appreciated having the opportunity to play alongside one of the players talented enough to be chosen to represent the U.S. as part of the national team; and the boys especially enjoyed testing their skills against him.

After the scrimmage, the kids and Stuart Holden had two juggling contests. Holden gave each winner one of his shoes as a souvenir.

Stuart Holden, 24, was born in Scotland and moved to the US when he was 10. He began playing for the Houston Dynamo in 2006, and helped lead his team to two titles (2006 and 2007). His success in the MLS drew international attention, and in January 2010 he moved to England to join the Premier League side Bolton Wanderers. Holden was on the 2008 US Olympic team, where he scored in the US's opening match. Also, this summer he played in the first stage match against England at the World Cup.

LA SCORES would like to thank Stuart Holden for coming out and playing!

Elementary Summer School Programming

2010-07-13T20:30:00.000-07:00

This summer, the kids of America SCORES LA are staying busy and staying active. We are offering a summer camp free of charge for about 100 SCORES poet-athletes. The camp started on Tuesday, July 6th and will continue until July 30th. Monday through Friday, the kids are being engaged both in the classroom and on the soccer field.

Inside, the kids have already learned about the World Cup and they've chosen a participating country to represent. With markers, paint, and crayons the SCORES students made flags for their country and came up with interesting facts to write on the back. On the last day of camp the kids will proudly march their flags around Palms Elementary and enjoy a multi-cultural fair with food from all around the world. There are also stations available everyday in the classroom with volunteer tutors who provide homework help and activities for the kids in math and reading.

Outside, the kids are improving their soccer skills by breaking up into small groups for games and drills and coming together for scrimmages. Summer camp provides the student-athletes who play with their school team during the SCORES season with the opportunity to meet and play with kids from other elementary schools in the Palms community. On Friday, all of the kids look forward to playing outside as the coaches incorporate some way for the kids to get wet.

The summer programming wouldn't be possible without the help from all of our volunteers. Mainly high school students and alumni, the volunteers act as assistant coaches, homework tutors, and mentors for the SCORES elementary students. If you're interested in volunteering contact Natalie at (310) 204-6455.

LA SCORES Poet-Athlete Published

2010-07-01T10:25:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 27th the Los Angeles Times published a poem from Kamari R. in its "Creativity Corner" section. Kamari was one of our chosen poets to represent America SCORES LA at the National Poetry SLAM! which took place this past April in New York. The published work "Sometimes Life Just Isn't Fair" is about her inspirations and future dreams, and was the poem she performed at the National SLAM!

Kamari has just finished 5th grade at Charnock Road Elementary and will be starting middle school in September. She has participated in LA SCORES since 3rd grade and has written many wonderful poems for the program in that time. To read Kamari's poem, visit the Los Angeles Times "Creativity Corner" Website below.

Creativity Corner - June 27, 2010

Do You Get Your 5 A Day?

2010-06-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

This month the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated report on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. According to the report, Americans in general eat too much fat and sugar, and not enough fruits and vegetables; which is arguably one of the main causes of the high rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes afflicting the American population -- including our nation's youth.

If you think back to the food pyramid, you'll remember learning that we are supposed to eat 3-5 servings of vegetables and 2-4 servings of fruit per day. The food pyramid has changed a bit since I was in school, but that number has pretty much stayed the same. Now, for a person eating 2000 calories a day, the USDA recommends 5 servings of vegetables and 4 servings of fruit. Nine servings of fruit and vegetables sounds like a lot, and it can be hard to know how to incorporate that many vegetables into your meal. But how much is one serving of vegetables? According to the USDA, one serving is half a cup of cooked or raw vegetables or fruit or one cup of raw leafy vegetables (spinach, cabbage, lettuce, etc.) So if you are not used to eating that many fruits or vegetables a day, how can you start?

One thing you can do is eat them as a snack. Instead of opening up a bag of Doritos while watching a movie, snack on fruits or vegetables. There are plenty of simple yet delicious ways you can serve vegetables and fruits to make sure you reach nine a day. Continue reading for some ideas.

Plain Ol' Carrot Sticks
Aside from numerous health benefits, carrots are sweet and refreshing. If you get carrot sticks or baby carrots, they are the perfect snacking size.

Why Carrots?

Carrots are one of the top five most nutritious vegetables. Eating carrots could help protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Carrots also help vision (especially night vision) and could lower blood sugar.

Vegetables and Hummus
Hummus is a dip or spread made out of chickpeas that is popular in the Middle East. It is quite healthy, and can be made with different flavors such as spicy jalapeno or garlic. Dip baby carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower in hummus for a light, savory snack.

Why Broccoli?

Broccoli is the number one most nutritious vegetable you can eat. It is loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, and contains very few calories. Eating broccoli can help protect against cancer and heart disease. It also promotes strong bones and strengthens the immune system.

Why Cauliflower?Cauliflower is also very nutritious. Its flavor is a bit milder than broccoli, so those who don't like broccoli should give cauliflower a try. Research has shown that eating cauliflower could possibly help protect against several different kinds of cancer.

Vegetables and Salsa
I know this one sounds a little strange, but if you have a favorite salsa, try eating it with vegetables instead of fried tortilla chips. You can use broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, or your favorite vegetable. The tomato in the salsa also counts as a vegetable. Try it.

Celery and Peanut Butter
This is a good way to get kids to eat vegetables. Cut up celery into four inch pieces, then spread peanut butter on them and add raisins on top. Be careful about what kind of peanut butter you buy though. Most brands have extra sugar and hydrogenated oils added to them, so make sure you read the ingredients before buying a jar.

Why Celery?
You may have heard the myth that celery is mostly water, so when you eat celery you burn more calories digesting it than are actually in the celery. This myth is untrue, and you shouldn't be fooled into thinking that a.) eating celery is negative calories or b.) celery is a worthless vegetable. It is actually packed with nutrients. Eating celery can help prevent cancer. Also, studies have shown that celery can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Sweet Potato Oven Fries

You can add whatever spice you'd like to change the flavor of these fries. They taste good with paprika, chili powder, or cinnamon. Most of the fiber found in potatoes is in the skin, so do not peel them. Also, try them plain before you dip them in ketchup. Ketchup has a surprisingly high amount of sugar and can undo the benefits of eating a would-be healthy snack.

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Cut a sweet potato into thin fry-shaped pieces3. Put the fries into a ziplock bag with 1/2 tbs of olive oil 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/4 tsp pepper
4. Shake to coat
5. Bake for about 30 minutes, flipping the potatoes after 15 minutes

Why Sweet Potatoes?

Despite their sugary flavor, sweet potatoes are more nutritious than regular potatoes. They are full of vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes come in many shapes and colors. Vegetables you find at the grocery store called "yams" are usually sweet potatoes. Both pictures above depict sweet potatoes.

Popcorn Cauliflower

This is probably the most delicious way to eat a vegetable. Roasting cauliflower caramelizes it, making it crunchy and sweet. You need:

1 head of cauliflower
2 tbs olive oil
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Cut cauliflower into golf ball-sized florets
3. Place in a bowl and toss with oil and salt
4. Spread cauliflower onto a baking sheet and bake for 60 minutes, flipping every 15 minutes

To find out more about health benefits of different vegetables visit http://whfoods.org/

Sources:
USDA
World's Healthiest Foods

A Nation of Graduates

2010-06-16T16:18:00.000-07:00

This week we will be attending the culmination ceremonies for 3 schools: Charnock Road Elementary, Braddock Drive Elementary, and Palms Elementary. Alongside their friends and families, we will proudly watch 70 of our SCORES student-athletes celebrate the completion of elementary school. Being present is more than just watching the celebration; we are showing our support as these children prepare for the next step in their education.

Speeches will be given, inspiring the graduating class to set goals -- goals that will aim to improve the current high school dropout crisis. In the future, many of the kids graduating from elementary school this week will achieve those goals. And many more will not. If the prevailing research is correct, only 44% of the students in LAUSD will receive high school diplomas. This means that 39 of the graduating SCORES students are projected to drop out of school in the next seven years.

Alarming statistics such as this one are not limited to LAUSD schools. Across the country, more than 12 million students are projected to drop out of school in the next decade. Those young people will be 8 times more likely to be in jail, and the projected financial impact to the nation is $3 trillion. Across the United States, and here in the LAUSD, students are failing their classes, and schools are failing their students.

As an organization that has joined the fight against the dropout crisis, we provide a free and safe after-school program that enriches youth with a literacy and soccer curriculum. Beyond that, it is our hope that the time we have spent with these kids has provided them with role-models, a team to call their own, and a sense of self-worth and belonging. As we watch these 70 student-athletes, we will reflect on the experiences that we have had with each individual kid. We are filled with satisfaction in what they have already accomplished and inspired by the ways that they have already strived to achieve their dreams and create change.

In 7 years, we will be sitting at high school graduations for the class of 2017. It is our goal to see all 70 of the SCORES student-athletes receive their high school diploma -- doing their part to reestablish a nation of graduates.

Congratulations Oscar!

2010-06-09T17:04:00.001-07:00

LA SCORES Program Coordinator Oscar Gonzalez has just been awarded Los Angeles United School District's 2010 Special Education Paraeducator of the Year. Oscar has been with LA SCORES for four years. Every day Oscar works as both an educator at Palms Elementary and site coordinator of Charnock Elementary for LA SCORES. He has also organized multiple summer camps for LA SCORES, and is in the midst of planning this year's summer programming. Oscar's ability to connect with kids has been instrumental to the success of our program. Congratulations Oscar! We couldn't do it without you!

Tomorrow is JAMBOREE

2010-06-01T11:04:00.000-07:00

JAMBOREE will take place tomorrow at Mar Vista Recreation Center from 2:30-5:30. Join us for food, fun and soccer!

LA SCORES Poets Turned Songwriters

2010-05-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Last fall, students at Palms Elementary School were given the opportunity to work with song writers from ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) to write and record their own song. Our kids produced a great song entitled "The Happiness and Sadness of Love". This song is now available to listen to online, along with more songs written and recorded by students from other America SCORES sites. Click here to listen to "The Happiness and Sadness of Love".

Pali Blues' Victory for Kids

2010-05-24T08:45:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 22, the Pali Blues, a womens' team from the United Soccer League's W-League, invited students and families from LA SCORES to attend their final pre-season game against Santa Clarita on their home field, Stadium-by-the-Sea at Palisades High School. It was an exciting game with the Pali Blues finishing on top with a final score of 3-1.

At half-time, hundreds of fans took to the field to participate in an event dubbed "Beat 627", an attempt to beat the Guinness World Record for the number of people juggling soccer balls at once. Fans brought their own soccer balls to the field, and after the event, donated them. Over 400 soccer balls were collected for nonprofit organizations like LA's Para Los Ninos and the international Balls Without Borders.

For more information about the Pali Blues, check out their website.

Kids Helping Kids at Braddock Elementary

2010-05-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Students at Braddock Drive Elementary chose to do a clothing drive for homeless teens as their service learning project this season. They have worked hard over the past few weeks to collect new and gently used garments to donate to a shelter that give homeless teens in Los Angeles a safe place to stay. As of now they have collected over four large bags to donate.

The organization that will benefit from this project is called the Los Angeles Youth Network. LAYN is located in Hollywood and helps kids all over Los Angeles from ages 12 to early 20's. Among LAYN's services are a temporary shelter for teens who need a safe place to stay, a smaller long-term house for those who need it, and an apartment program for teens after they graduate high school.

A few times a week, people from LAYN also drive around Los Angeles with food and water looking for homeless teens to spread awareness about the organization, its shelters, and how they can help.

On Wednesday, a representative from LAYN came to Braddock to talk to the students about the organization. The students learned how their donations would help out kids from all over Los Angeles. They were also able to ask questions about the program such as, "What do the kids do on holidays?", "What kinds of movies do they like to watch?" and "What do they do after school?" Learning about LAYN was inspiring for the students at Braddock, who were interested in finding out how to donate more items even after their LA SCORES clothing drive.

To find out more about the Los Angeles Youth Network, visit their website at http://www.layn.org/

Palms Students Organize Beach Clean Up

2010-05-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, students from Palms Elementary teamed up with Heal the Bay to organize a beach clean-up for their service learning project this season. The kids took a bus from school and spent the morning walking along the beach and picking up trash at Dockweiler Beach. Heal the Bay provided trash bags and gloves, and the kids provided the time. The kids had a blast while making a difference.

One the biggest problems that LA's beaches face is pollution from urban runoff. Urban runoff is the result of rain water washing pollutants like motor oil, gasoline, pesticides, and litter into the ocean via storm drains. According to Santa Monica Baykeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting LA's beaches, many local industries have significantly "reduced their input," however, pollution from urban runoff is continuing to increase.

Here are nine simple things everyone can do to protect the bay:

Cover outdoor trashcans at home and work so that litter doesn't blow into storm drains
Recycle at home and work as much as possible
Pick up after pets, and encourage others to do so also.
Do not release balloons into the air: they can injure marine animals who think they are food
Do not rake or blow leaves into the storm drains, bacteria grow on this organic matter.
Do not use pesticides on lawns and gardens
Maintain the family car so that it doesn't drip oil into the streets or release excess air pollution.
Do not wash your car on impervious services such as driveways, which allow runoff to streets.
Do not hose down gutters or drive ways - sweep up and put debris in the trash.

Source: Santa Monica Baykeeper.

Date Set For JAMBOREE

2010-04-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

America SCORES LA's annual JAMBOREE will take place on Wednesday, June 2 from 1:30-4:30 at Mar Vista Recreation Center. The JAMBOREE is a chance for poet-athletes to celebrate the end of their season with food, face-painters, bounce houses, a friendly game of soccer, and a chance to show off the community service projects they have completed this season.

There are many volunteer opportunities available for this event. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up here

*UPDATE* If you would like to help make JAMBOREE a success this year by donating, please see our JAMBOREE Wish List. THANKS!

LA SCORES Video

2010-04-14T11:26:00.000-07:00

Check out our new video on youtube!

USC Trojan Scholar-Athletes 'Fight On' With LA SCORES

2010-04-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

On Friday, three players from the USC Women's Soccer team came out to Game Day to support the poet-athletes of LA SCORES. The Trojans are a Pac-10 team and won the NCAA National Championship in 2007. They came to Game Day to share the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and commitment that got them to where they are today. Their passion for the sport was felt throughout the park. Courtney, Samantha, and Ashley immediately jumped in with the kids and ran through a warm-up with the girls teams to get them excited and ready for their game. Once the whistle was blown to start the game the girls from Braddock, Charnock, and Palms were enthusiastic to show the USC scholar-athletes their skills. A lot of the girls asked questions at halftime with the most popular one being "who's better, UCLA or USC?" After the games were over the SCORES athletes lined up to get autographs from the players. From the warm-up, to juggling, answering questions and signing autographs, the Trojan scholar-athletes conveyed their determination, positive attitude, and dedication to soccer and their surrounding community.

Having successful scholar-athletes come to LA SCORES Game Day is a way to give the kids something to strive for. It connects our poet-athletes to a group of people larger than just their school and larger than the SCORES program -- helping them find their place in the greater athletic community that they are part of. The USC Women's Soccer team is going to send 3-4 players to two upcoming Game Days to continue this relationship. If you or your team are interested in coming to an LA SCORES Game Day please contact Lauren via phone at 310-204-64-55 or email at lsegars@americascores.org. On behalf of the athletes from LA SCORES, we say Thank You and 'Fight On' to the USC Women's Soccer team!

Middle School Tours Video Game Studio

2010-04-05T13:01:00.000-07:00

Last week LA SCORES enjoyed the week off for Spring Break. Students from Palms Middle School kicked off their vacation on Monday with EA LA Day, a field trip to Electronic Arts. Electronic Arts is an international video game company located nearby that produces well-known games such as FIFA, Medal of Honor, the Sims, and Rockband for systems like Playstation, PC, Wii, and now the iPad . They were kind enough to host our students and teach them a bit about what it's like to create video games for a living.

The day started out with the students playing soccer on the field at EA with some of the employees. The group was split into four teams --girls and boys mixed -- and played a friendly but competitive round robin with each game lasting 10 minutes. In between games, students shot baskets on the basketball court next to the field or hung out in the shade to watch their friends play.

After the tournament, the students went inside for a tour of the studio. They got to walk around the office and see EA employees working at their desks on new games. Then the students got to go in to the EA store and choose one free game each as a gift from EA. After that there was a little bit of free time for the students to play video games on various systems like XBox 360 and Wii or hang out in the arcade room for old classics like pinball, Pacman, and Foosball.

EA staff concluded the day by showing the students a demonstration of a video game that has not yet been released, and then allowing them to ask questions about the industry and what kind of work goes into making a video game.

LA SCORES would like to thank EA and Aaron Kaufman for organizing this event and giving students such a wonderful opportunity!

Plastic Bottle Boat Sets Sail

2010-03-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

So you've heard of a ship-in-a-bottle, but what about a ship made of bottles? This past Saturday, a sail boat made out of 12,000 recycled plastic bottles and other recycled materials set sail for a 3 month voyage across the Pacific. The Plastiki, as it is cleverly named, will sail from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia to call attention to environmental issues such as pollution and global warming, and their effects on our oceans.

David de Rothschild and his 5-person crew will man the vessel through regions of the Pacific Ocean that have been negatively affected by pollution. One such area being the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating mound of trash that is estimated to be twice the size of Texas.

The Plastiki is made buoyant by 12,000 plastic bottles filled with carbon dioxide. The mast is made from a used irrigation pipe, and the sail was fashioned from recycled PET plastic. Solar panels and wind energy are used to power the boat, along with an exercise bike connected to a generator. In addition, the crew will use rain water to take showers and a vertical garden to grow some of their food.

You can track the boat's progress, learn more about how it was made, or check out pictures on the Plastiki Website.

Two LA SCORES Poets are New York Bound!

2010-03-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

After holding auditions at all three of our LA SCORES elementary schools, two poets have been chosen! Selected because of their unique poetry, performance style and positive attitude, Kamari (Charnock, grade 5) and Jose (Palms, grade 5) will travel to New York City to celebrate the power of spoken word during National Poetry Month. They will join 24 other young poet-athletes from SCORES sites around the country to perform in front of VIP guests including Sunil Gulati, the president of the US Soccer Federation. The SLAM! will take place at the New York Stock Exchange on April 19th. We will have more details about the National Poetry SLAM! and the unique opportunities the kids will have during their stay in the weeks leading up to the event. For now, let's put the spotlight on the two participants who will be representing Los Angeles.

Karmari started with LA SCORES in 3rd grade and has been an exemplary student ever since. She wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up and her passion for fashion is evident in some of the poems she has written. She was born in Brooklyn and moved to Los Angeles when she was 7 years old so for Kamari, this opportunity is her first chance to travel back to her home state. Aside from that, her excitement to travel to New York is fueled by the opportunity to do something that she loves: performing her poetry. Drawing inspiration from people such as Johnny Depp, who she says "can set his mind to anything", and Judy Blume, who is the author of her favorite book Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret, Kamari enjoys writing poems about "feelings, life, and ordinary things."

I Am

I am fashionable, cute and hungry.
I am a horse or a zebra or a flamingo because I'm pretty on the inside.

I am fashion show day.

I'm a boot because I'm fashionable.

I'm aqua.

I'm Michael Jackson sound because my mom says I fascinate people.

I'm a circle cause I go round and round.

I'm a violin because I like the music.

I'm water.

I wish I was a fashion designer. I'll be walking down Gucci runway.

I would be french fries.
I'm fashionable, funky, and fresh.

-Kamari

Jose, more commonly referred to as 'Little Man', has also been with LA SCORES since 3rd grade. His favorite part of SCORES is playing soccer, but his poetry is just as inspiring as his soccer skills. Jose's favorite book is Bridge to Terabithia and in his own writing, he too is never afraid to let fantasy and his imagination lead him. Jose enjoys writing stories and lessons with the theme of "trying your best and following your dreams." For him, those dreams include playing in the Olympics and traveling. Jose has expressed his excitement about the opportunity to go to New York and specifically, to meet kids from all around the country.

MY HERO

My hero is a she!

Her name is Coach Karen.

But they named her Coacher.

Her power is everything.
She could save people's lives.

If a team is short,
she will help that team.

She is good at forward.

She once saved a plane from falling.

She has magic.

Once a kid forgot to bring

his soccer shoes for a soccer game

and she came with his shoes

on her hand.

She could do anything.

She is friendly to everybody.

-Jose

Charnock Elementary Celebrates Dr. Seuss

2010-03-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

Today, in celebration of Dr. Seuss, Charnock Road Elementary hosted its 5th annual Read Across Charnock. This is an event where teachers and volunteers take time to read Dr. Seuss books to groups of students in their classrooms. LA SCORES' own David Joseph participated in this event. "Dr. Seuss bridges generational gaps. It's fun to share books that I had growing up with students and see that they continue to be exciting," says David. Volunteers were escorted to classrooms by members of the student council and read out-loud old classics like The Cat in the Hat Comes Back and You're Only Old Once. Afterward, they enjoyed snacks and refreshments with the student council. Read Across America is a nationally observed event to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday, which was on Tuesday, March 2nd.

Fun Facts About Dr. Seuss:

He was born Theodore Seuss Geisel on March 2, 1904
His parents were German immigrants who owned a brewery
In college, he was editor-in-chief of a humor magazine, but when he got caught violating rules of the prohibition, he was forced to resign. However, he continued writing for the magazine under the name "Seuss"
During WWII he joined the US Army as commander of the Animation Department of the First Motion Picture Unit
In response to the rising level of childhood illiteracy in 1954, an editor from Houghton Mifflin created a list of about 350 words he thought first-graders should be able to read. He challenged Dr. Seuss to pick 250 words from that list and write a book that "children can't put down" using only those words. The resulting book was called The Cat in the Hat.
UCSD's Geisel Library is named after Dr. Seuss

Read the Wikipedia article on Dr. Seuss

Follow LA SCORES on Twitter

2010-03-04T16:51:00.001-08:00

LA SCORES now has a twitter account. Follow us!

America SCORES Receives Largest Donation In Its History From Bestfoods Educational Foundation

2010-03-01T10:19:00.000-08:00

America SCORES has been awarded the largest ever gift in our history, a $1.3 million grant from the Bestfoods Educational Foundation. The Bestfoods Educational Foundation, overseen by former Bestfoods executives, has provided gifts to non-profit educational causes for 10 years. America SCORES has had a long partnership with the Bestfoods Educational Foundation and we are so grateful that they have decided to award this grant to our organization.

America SCORES will use the gift to dramatically improve the delivery of our innovative after-school programs that combine soccer, poetry, and service learning to fight obesity, improve literacy, and increase motivation among youth in 200 public schools in 14 cities. Enhanced communication and operations among the national and affiliate offices will allow us to provide more and better opportunities to empower children across the country to succeed in school and live healthy lives.

From Norma Barquet, our CEO: "This gift will enable America SCORES to reach new heights in its mission to inspire urban youth through creativity and teamwork. We are extremely grateful to the Board and the Bestfoods Educational Foundation for its generosity and belief in our organization to provide educational opportunities to deserving children. America SCORES is honored and privileged to be the recipient of such an extraordinary gift."

Click Here to view the full press release

On behalf of our poet-athletes here in Los Angeles, the America SCORES LA team says Thank You to the Bestfoods Educational Foundation.

Earn Money For LA SCORES While Grocery Shopping

2010-02-18T11:46:00.000-08:00

Do you shop at Ralph's? Do you already have a Rewards Card? If so, you can sign up online to have Ralph's donate a percentage of what you spend on groceries to LA SCORES. Here's how:

Step 1. Register your Ralph's card online. Click Here

OR

If you have already registered online, sign in

Step 2. Click on "My Account"

Step 3. Click on "Edit Community Contribution Program Information"

Step 4. Enter your Rewards Card number (if necessary)

Step 5. Search for LA Scores OR
enter our NPO number: 90692

Step 6. Select LA SCORES and save

Step 7. Use your rewards card next time you go grocery shopping and earn money for LA SCORES!

What Does Poverty Really Mean?

2010-02-16T12:00:00.000-08:00

So if you're like me, you've heard people talk about poverty in a variety of different contexts and although you may have the general idea on how to use the word, you don't have a deep understanding of it's meaning. So what is poverty? Where did it come from and who does it affect?

What is poverty?

Absolute poverty is "a condition characterized by severe deprivation of basic human needs, including food, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, health, shelter, education and information. It depends not only on income but also on access to social services" (United Nations, Copenhagen Declaration, 1995).
Relative poverty refers to deprivation that is relative to the standard of living enjoyed by other members of society. Even if basic needs are met, a segment of the population may still be considered "poor" if they possess fewer resources, opportunities or goods than other citizens

What is the history of the term?

1962: President Kennedy asks Council of Economic Advisors to gather statistics on poverty. Makes defining and measuring poverty a goal of his administration.
January 1963: Mollie Orshansky publishes paper that proposes method for determining the number of poor. Her method proposes poverty thresholds that are based on the most austere food plans set forth by the USDA.
January 1964: After President Johnson declares war on poverty, the Council of Economic Advisors cite Orshansky's paper in a report to the President.
August 1964: Congress creates the Office of Economic Opportunity
May 1965: The Office of Economic Opportunity uses Orshansky's poverty threshold for determining eligibility.
1969: After other federal agencies follow the OEO's lead in using Orshansky's method, the White House adopts it as the official poverty measure. It becomes known as the "poverty threshold."

Orshansky's Poverty Threshold

$3.60 x 3 x 365 = $3,942

$3.60 represents the cheapest USDA Food Plan per day for a family of 4, 3 comes from 1950's studies that showed families spent 1/3 of their income on food, 365 is for the days in a calendar year, and you are left with a poverty threshold: any family of 4 living on less than this amount was considered poor.

Poverty Threshold today

Who is Affected?

If you google poverty you will see images of developing countries and initiatives to reduce poverty internationally. But don't let that mislead you. According to the US Census Bureau, 35.9 million people live below the poverty line in America, including 12.9 million children. Poverty is all around us. Besides a lack of financial resources, people in poverty have a lack of emotional and mental resources, leading them to engage in self-destructive behaviors and make poor decisions. They also lack social capital and role models that most people use as a knowledge base available for them to access in times of need. With information about poverty, it's assessment and it's impact, LA SCORES attempts to do our part in breaking the cycle of poverty and providing resources and opportunities to our student-athletes that can help them make a difference in their own life and in their community.