2020.wearedream.orgDREAM Year in Review 2020 | Play. Learn.

Grow. Donate Select Page Year in Review 2020 Play. Learn. Grow. Play. Learn. Grow. Why DREAM DREAM started in 1991 as Harlem RBI, a Little League for 75 kids in East Harlem. Almost 30 years later, we serve 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of free, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. By developing a whole child model that is responsive to the unique needs of every child, we tackle the cycles of inequity that exist today, creating lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. Our Mission DREAM provides youth with opportunities to play, learn, and grow. Our mission is to level the field by empowering all children to recognize their potential and realize their dreams. The DREAM Way: Our Model Rigorous Academics Rigorous Academics DREAM’s curriculum prepares students to fulfill their vision of success, in the classroom and beyond. Across East Harlem and the South Bronx, DREAM Charter Schools serve students from preschool to pre-college, and our scholars consistently outperform city and state peers in ELA and Math. Social-Emotional Learning Social-Emotional Learning We believe school should be a place to play, learn, and grow – somewhere that’s about more than just grades and testing, where students can develop both critical thinking skills and compassion. That’s all part of DREAM’s commitment to our Grow the Whole Child model, which is rooted in social-emotional learning, a framework that teaches students to understand and respond to their own emotions and those of the people around them. Athletics, Health, & Wellness Athletics, Health, & Wellness We offer free, nationally recognized after-school and summer sports-based programs that help our scholars become confident, competent, and caring community members who know what it means to be part of a team. Family Engagement Family Engagement DREAM knows that success starts at home, and that’s why our families are critical partners. Every summer before school starts, DREAM teachers visit every one of their scholars and families in their homes to get to know them and learn each family’s hopes and dreams for their child. Families and school staff actively work together and share decision-making to provide the best for our scholars, every step of the way. Our Model in Action DREAM’s education model is all about the promises we make to our families - the things we’ll never compromise on. Here’s how we stayed true to our model even in the toughest of times. P Rigorous Academics School looked a little different in 2020—but our high expectations for our scholars never wavered. We know what they’re capable of, and they know that what might feel like failure can be just another opportunity to persist. A robust network of support helped sustain our commitment to academic excellence, from getting free hotspots and Chromebooks into our families’ homes, to round-the-clock outreach to scholars struggling with logging on. It took a village full of people like DREAM Senior Operations Coordinator Judy, who, at the height of the pandemic, met up with her high school students for socially distanced dog walks to ensure they stayed engaged. P Social-Emotional Learning When our scholars grapple with current events that are scary or confusing—from our littlest ones to our high school seniors—our mandate as educators is to honor and address their feelings and to hold space for their voices. In 2020, teachers didn’t just keep our scholars informed; they guided them through moments that no one could face alone. And it makes a difference. Take Christopher, one of our kindergarteners. After his first day back to in-person school, his mom told us, Christopher came home and said ‘I love school’ and we both cried. Never at the two other schools he attended did he once say he loved school.” P Athletics, Health, & Wellness The meaning of summer—of freedom, joy, and infinite possibilities—has always been core to DREAM’s foundation. This summer, we had to get creative to bring that spirit to life, pivoting to mostly virtual programming and opt-in, small-group play on our Field of Dreams. Over 600 youth logged on each day for workouts and games, reading activities, virtual field trips, and more. That includes the 150+ high school scholars who took on internships and summer jobs as coaches and mentors, leading remote activities for our little ones—for many of them, representing their first paid work-based experience. You made my summer special,” said one of those high schoolers. I didn’t think it would be as fun as it was.” P Family Engagement In addition to distributing groceries and technology to DREAM families, this year we launched the DREAM is Family Fund to provide direct financial assistance to households impacted by COVID-19. One of our teammates shared the story of a DREAM mom who called her on a break during her shift working at the laundromat. She was having trouble making ends meet, and her scholars had to do their schoolwork in the hallways of their apartment building because that was where the WiFi was strongest. That week, she had seen an email about the DREAM is Family Fund and immediately felt a sense of relief knowing she wouldn’t have to tackle everything alone. And DREAM is Family” is more than just a campaign name – it’s something we all put into practice daily, however we can. Just take the DREAM staff member who donated her household’s entire stimulus check to the fund , which, thanks to her and so many others, is on track to distribute up to $250,000 of assistance by early 2021. I have never witnessed a school full of teachers and staff who genuinely love their children! I will be forever grateful for responding to that welcoming email inviting my kindergartner to join DREAM Charter School. Best decision I’ve ever made. ” — Shereece Claxton DREAM Parent During my most formative years, DREAM and the people there shaped my character, informed my values, and changed my life. The DREAM mission has influenced my own desire to study education and to be active in community and youth development. ” — Isaac Yearwood DREAM ‘18, Yale University ‘22 I joined this work to support student voice and choice in and out of the classroom, and though these past few months have been challenging on many levels, they have also been an opportunity to show ourselves and each other what we can accomplish! ” — Kandice Stewart Middle School MAPS Coach, Department Chair, & Art Educator The last nine months of this pandemic have been brutal, trying, and challenging. The South Bronx and East Harlem communities have been hit the hardest, but the resilience, and creativity, and compassion, and effectiveness of everyone at DREAM has been breathtaking. ” — Hank Azaria Performing Artist & DREAM Board Member During this crisis we saw the team at DREAM step up and show their commitment to be part of their community by offering food, wellness supports, and a choice for families of in-person or remote learning to meet students’ needs. We’re proud to have DREAM as part of our national portfolio of high-quality schools. ” — Kathy Hamel Partner, Charter School Growth Fund Despite the rising challenges faced by all school communities in 2020, DREAM remained determined to find new ways to unite and support their students, families, and staff. These efforts to go above and beyond for scholars affirm why we are so proud to work with DREAM.” — Susie Miller Carello Executive Director, SUNY Charter Schools Institute Meet the DREAM Graduate There’s a reason we call DREAM alumni Legends.” All DREAM scholars graduate ready to embark on best-fit college and career paths—with the power and support of the entire DREAM community behind them. They do more than just show up on time and follow instructions; they’re critical thinkers and lifelong learners who are ready to build, to innovate, and to drive change. Darlene...