Elinor Ross CDF Freedom School

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2024 Schedule: June 5 - July 12

Monday - Friday from 7:30 A.M. to 2:45 P.M.
CLOSED Wednesday, June 19 & Thursday, July 4

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Family Night/Orientation

May 20 | 5:30-6:30pm

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Daily Schedule

8:00-8:30 A.M. / Breakfast with Scholars and Staff

8:30-9:00 A.M. / "Harambee!"

What is “Harambee!”?
This is how we start each and every day! Harambee! is a Kiswahili word that means “let’s pull together.” To ensure that every child has a fair start, the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools start the day with informal sharing when children, staff, parents, and members of the community come together to celebrate themselves and others. Components: Read Aloud / Motivational Songs / Cheers & Chants / Recognitions / Moment of Silence / Announcements 

9:00-10:30 A.M. / Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC)*

Reading, Conflict Resolution, Social Action

10:30-10:45 A.M. / Morning Break

10:45-11:45 A.M. / Integrated Reading Curriculum (Part 2)*

11:45-12:00 P.M. / D.E.A.R. Time

Drop Everything and Read: a time everyone takes to enjoy reading a book of their choosing. Both children and adults select from the diverse Elinor Ross CDF Freedom School classroom libraries.

12:00-1:00 P.M. / Lunch with Scholars

1:00- 3:00 P.M. / Afternoon Activities

Each afternoon offers fun projects and activities - including art, music, theater, and fitness; plus experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. The afternoon schedule also includes weekly field trips to several local and regional venues.

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*What is the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC)?

The IRC recognizes that fewer than 10% of children’s books published in the United States are about non-white children. Therefore, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) brings together a group of outstanding authors and illustrators each year to select from a diverse body of children’s literature/books that celebrate and nurture multiple identities and cultures.

A distinguished group of historians and scholars reviews and recommends books used in CDF Freedom Schools to ensure that children read only those containing accurate narratives of history. Servant Leader Interns lead the children in reading several excellent children’s books throughout the summer. These books feature heroes, heroines, and settings that reflect the children’s own cultural images and histories.