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FOCUS Movie Benefit and Reception
Cocktails and Comedy for Charter Schools
On March 30, supporters of Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS) were
treated to a screening of the new Coen brothers’ film “The Ladykillers,” a black
comedy starring Tom Hanks as the nefarious ringleader of a riverboat casino heist.
Guests chuckled aloud throughout the film, and then traded opinions of favorite
scenes while sipping wine and dining in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Residences
in Georgetown at an after party. Since its inception in 1996, FOCUS has helped D.C.’s public charter schools by
recruiting and training developers, keeping parents abreast of new charter schools
in the area and working with the D.C. Public Charter School Coalition. A total
of 39 public charter schools are located in seven of D.C.’s eight wards. Unlike
voucher schools, charter schools are free and open to all students. They are held
accountable for improved student achievement and are subject to closing if they fail
to perform. “Charter schools are a much better alternative to vouchers because it
is public education and the schools are formed by groups of parents who partition
for the schools to be opened and are focused on quality curriculum, teachers and
overall education,” said supporter Giselle Therberge.
Photos by Zaid Hamid |
