America SCORES Chicago

Leslie's #BestSCORESMoment

2014-07-22T15:01:00.005-05:00

Bucket in hand, I walked toward the lake that had consumed the field. It's game day after all. The storm had passed and the work began. Coach Dean, knee deep in muddy water, filled the air with Jamaica's rhythm. The rhythm persuaded me. This is really happening. All I could do was laugh. Wet grass and mud under my feet, bucket in hand. Man verses Wild. For the love of the game, maybe. Dedication to the kids, certainly. One hour later the lake was a puddle and the game began. Teamwork. Leadership. Commitment. And a sense of humor turned what should have been a disaster into my #bestSCORESmoment. Friday May 9th, 2014. Douglas Park

Junior SCORES 2014 Season

2014-04-09T22:32:00.000-05:00

This winter, 120 students in Kindergarten through 2^nd grade took the field kicking off the America SCORES Chicago Winter 2014 after-school season with Jr. SCORES.

Started in 2010, the Jr. SCORES model encourages students to WRITE.PLAY.ACHIEVE through literacy activities and soccer.

This year, Jr. SCORES programs ran at Hay, Hearst, Hughes, Johnson Pilsen, and Spry Elementary two to four days per week.

Jr. SCORES students learn level one soccer skills like dribbling, defending, ball control and scoring goals. During writing practice, students create a writing portfolio of their poetry and art work.Jr. SCORES teams also traveled to other SCORES schools for end of season game day to have fun with students from other schools and showcase their new skills!

Johnson Garden

2014-01-30T12:09:00.001-06:00

The Johnson garden project*, crafted and designed with the help of The Loud Grade Produce Squad, teaches urban youth how to create small and sustainable gardens in their community to provide more fresh produce for families.

During the lab sessions students engaged in groups discussions about the biology of plants, sustainable urban gardening and the importance of eating fresh produce to promote a healthy lifestyle.

During the build sessions, youth became apprentices of Loud Grade staff and learned how to build and maintain raised planting beds, soil formation techniques and experimented with different methods of composting.

25-30 3^rd-5^th grade students took part in the weekly and sometimes twice weekly garden sessions.

The parts that students liked best were building the beds, shoveling, planting seeds and seedlings, and providing care for the plots.

*Part of the garden project is supported by the Aetna Foundation, a national foundation
based in Hartford. Connecticut that supports projects to promote wellness, health and access to
high-quality health care for everyone. The views presented here are those of the author and not

necessarily those of the Aetna Foundation, its directors, officers, or staff.

Fall Season Wrap-Up

2012-12-18T14:23:00.002-06:00

The Community Poetry Slam was a resounding success! Everyone was a winner, but Eli Whitney brought home the hardware - winning both Golden Ball awards as well as the middle school boys League Cup. The elementary girls at Castellanos won the Golden Boot, and the Pope middle school girls won the League Cup. The Golden Ball award is America SCORES’ highest team honor, based on our core values of Teamwork, Leadership and Commitment. It is bestowed on the school that collectively most displays these characteristics throughout the season. Similarly, the Golden Boot honors the same values, but highlights the TLC achievements of a single boys or girls team. The middle school League Cups are given the teams with the most points (3 for a win, 1 for a tie) at the end of the season.

The Pope girls’ success was especially sweet: A predominantly African-American school, the majority of the students had never played soccer or even seen soccer before they joined the SCORES program a few years ago. The first few seasons were rough to say the least – not a lot of goals scored and wins were few and far between. However, they continued to embody the SCORES core values of teamwork, leadership and most importantly commitment. They enjoyed practice and loved game days despite the lack of wins. Gradually and with lots of hard work and dedication, they improved from practice to practice and season to season. The final stage of their metamorphosis was completed this past fall season; they become the first SCORES team to go undefeated and were duly crowed the league championship! Jubilant celebration photos from the Community Slam are below:

Music Videos from the Community Slam can be seen on YouTube:

More to come...

Community Poetry Slam!

2012-10-29T12:02:00.000-05:00

We are excited to announce the 11th annual Community Poetry Slam! will take place on November 16th at Pope Elementary School (1852 S. Albany Ave.) from 5-7PM. This year, over 300 elementary students will take center stage to perform as a team or as individuals while the middle school poet-athletes will debut their original music videos composed with their team song.

Throughout the fall season, all SCORES participants engage in a poetic curriculum that prepares them for this special event. The middle school teams are taught the Hip Hop SCORES: Poetry and Song curriculum; at the end of the season, they collaborate as a team to develop a poem/song that conveys a socially conscious message, which they then present in the form of a music video at the Slam. The elementary teams are presented with the Power of Poetry curriculum during the season and they perform team poems coupled with dance on stage. In addition, the best individual poets from each team and grade level punctuate the night, giving resounding, insightful and poignant performances during the evening.

This community Poetry Slam is designed as a venue to celebrate the youths’ accomplishments and share their achievements with the surrounding community. Join the families, friends, coaches, school administrators and community leaders and become immersed in this high-energy event.

American Graduate Week: SCORES Makes it Happen

2012-09-21T10:55:00.001-05:00

Saturday, September, 22 from 12:00 to 7:00pm WTTW11 presents American Graduate Week, a seven-hour live public television event designed to teach viewers and listeners more about the dropout crises, the potential solutions in our community and how we can get involved. Local pre-taped segments will feature Chicago organizations (such as America SCORES Chicago) that are making a difference and helping to make graduation happen.

Marissa, our former volunteer coordinator, explains how SCORES makes it happen:

Also, on Tuesday September, 25 from 9:00 to 11:00pm WTTW11 will present a two-hour documentary called Dropout Nation as a part of the critically acclaimed documentary series FRONTLINE. Additional details on American Graduate Week's upcoming programming can be found here.

Break a Guinness World Record to Benefit America SCORES

2012-09-18T11:49:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, September 29th, ten America SCORES cities are joining forces to break the Guinness World Record of soccer dribbling; in total, we need over 2,069 participants to break the record set by the United Nations. America SCORES Chicago needs your support to make it happen! The first 150 Chicago registrants will receive a free event t-shirt and soccer ball to use during the dribble. After the event, participants are welcome to stay for family-friendly games and activities before the UIC Men’s soccer game at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: UIC Flames Soccer Field (Maxwell and Morgan St.)

WHEN: Saturday, September 29th
3:30pm to 4:30pm- Check In
5:00pm to 5:10pm - World Record Breaking Dribble
5:30pm to 6:30pm - Family/ Friendly Activities
7:00pm UIC Flames vs. Valparaiso

COST: $25 per person, or $50 for a family/friends package.
All proceeds will benefit America SCORES’s after-school program.

HOW: For more information and to register visit: soccerdribble.kintera.org/chicago

America SCORES Chicago Seeks Funding from the Illinois State Board of Education

2012-09-13T14:26:00.001-05:00

In line with its goal to enable healthy minds, grow healthy bodies, and build healthy communities America SCORES Chicago will submit a proposal for the Illinois State Board of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center RFP.

America SCORES has determined three partner schools to serve as host sites for the grant: Pilsen Elementary Community Academy, Nathaniel Pope Elementary, and Matthew A. Henson Elementary. If selected, funds from this grant will provide additional out-of-school time programming for elementary students attending these schools, as well as additional parent/community programming for families in the area.

4 Attend July Foudy Camp

2012-07-17T11:58:00.000-05:00

Four stellar middle school poet-athletes from America SCORES Chicago were awarded scholarships to attend The Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy that began on July 15th. The Julie Foudy Sports Leadership Academy is six-day soccer and leadership residential academy for girls ages 12-18. The camp’s aim is to give students the best of both worlds: they learn soccer from some of the best women's players in the world, and they are exposed to a multitude of leadership concepts they can cultivate for life.

The camp was founded with one idea in mind: How do we help give girls the tools to unlock their potential for greatness, both on the field and in life? They use soccer as the conduit, but also a lot of laughter, energy, and leadership skills training.

Coach Stacey held a private training session last week for Jamirria and Lynnitanne (Chalmers School) and Carla and Lissette (Castellanos School) to help prepare them for the amazing week ahead. Coach Stacey could sense their enthusiasm:

"They were extremely excited, looking forward to the opportunity to both improve their soccer skills (with thoughts of playing in high school on their minds), make new friends, and learn from world-class players."

Tiara H., a SCORES participant from Chalmers School, was the sole recipient of the scholarship last summer. Here is a brief excerpt from her Soccer Camp memoir:

“…One week later, I had to get dressed for the big tournament. It was raining, but I was ready to play. I’d put too much effort into practicing. Our team won against this other team, called Japan, and continued on to win the whole tournament. I was so glad, smiling harder than a three-year-old with a cookie. We went to a ceremony and I got a medal. I had the best time ever.

There were some embarrassing times, and some great times, but what made me smile were the times that I shared with my new friends. Thomas Edison once said that you haven’t failed a thousand times, but have found a thousand ways that embarrassed you. Trust me, I have found those times.”

SCORES CUP 2012

2012-07-02T11:43:00.000-05:00

The illustrious SCORES Cup (Chicago’s largest corporate soccer tournament for charity) is right around the corner. Held once more at the Chicago Fire’s Toyota Park complex on July 14th, this tournament brings together Chicago’s preeminent corporations as they do battle on the field rather than the boardrooms; instead of boasting about EBITDAs and stock prices, companies pass, kick, tackle and shoot to see who is crowned SCORES Cup champion and has bragging rights for the year to come.

After two penalty shootouts Deloitte came away with the Cup in 2011

For all participants, SCORES Cup includes a day of competition and team building along with an afternoon of tailgating and tickets to the Chicago Fire game in the evening. More importantly, each team plays with the satisfaction of knowing that they are directly contributing to the sustainability of the SCORES programming for the deserving youth we serve.

For more information about the tournament click here. If you are interested in volunteering or if you think your company may be interested in participating next year please contact Angela Papaleo at apapaleo@americascores.org

Summer Fun: SCORES Camps

2012-07-02T10:32:00.001-05:00

The America SCORES Chicago program fun doesn’t stop just because the last school bell has rung. By the end of the summer, SCORES will have hosted three different summer camps – those at Douglas Park, Henson Elementary School, and Hay Elementary school. In total, SCORES will have had the pleasure of working with over 195 kids from 8 different elementary schools and even a few high school students who are still very much a part of the SCORES family.

Kids recuperate in the shade during a water break at Douglas Park

Regarding the Douglas Park camp, Coach Dean (SCORES Soccer Director) expressed his delight:
“This year represented the widest range of school representation and this was sprinkled with high school SCORES alum. The fact that these kids are dying to come back day after day with parents setting up lawn chairs each day to watch is a testament to our enthusiastic coaches who make it fun for all the kids despite the wide range in skill level."

At the Henson Camp, Devonte and Joshawn show off their first place tower at the close of the tower building competition. (Better luck next time coach Kari...)

Poet-athlete recruited to join US National Team!

2012-05-22T17:36:00.000-05:00

It is with great pleasure that we announce Rigo, an 8^th grader at Castellanos Elementary, has been called up to the under 15 US National Soccer Team. SCORES is proud that Rigo’s hard work and devotion have paid off; no one is more deserving of this accomplishment.

"Ever since he was in 3rd grade he has been the most skilled player on the field; but he is also so humble. He makes everyone around him better." – Coach Dean

Rigo- 2008 Castellanos Elementary Team

I have also been fortunate enough to play with and coach Rigo at numerous intersession and summer camps as well as with the SCORES All-Star Team this year. Yes, he is undoubtedly (literally and figuratively) head and shoulders the best player the SCORES program has had the pleasure of working with, but more importantly, he personifies the SCORES core values of leadership, teamwork and commitment.

Rigo-2011 Castellanos Middle School Team

He is consistently patient with all of his teammates, regardless of their skill (which varies widely, since America SCORES is an all-inclusive program). Always leading by example and helping his teammates in every possible way, I have never heard him utter a negative comment, win or lose. Balancing his time with a Chicago club team, Rigo's dedication is unparalleled; he has attending every single camp America SCORES has offered over the last five years and at Castellanos his attendance has been impeccable.

Rigo clearly has a love for the game that has proven to be insatiable. America SCORES is happy to have played a part in his character development and we are confident he will stay grounded amid the bright future that awaits him. We all congratulate Rigo on his first call up and wish him the best of luck as he heads off to the Netherlands to play with the National Team!

-Coach Brian

All-Star Teams at the NATO Athletic Crossroads Festival

2012-05-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, May 12 the boys and girls All-Star soccer teams had the unique opportunity to compete against excellent teams from all over the City of Chicago. Despite the rain at the NATO Athletic Crossroads Soccer Tournament, the America SCORES poet-athletes were resilient and racked up goals and wins along the way. Unfortunately, the rain cut the tournament short, but we can be sure one of the four SCORES teams would have brought home the championship!

Congruent with the NATO philosophy, The All-Star Team is comprised of select students from six different schools that take part in America SCORES Chicago’s middle school program. 20 boys and 20 girls coming from diverse backgrounds were chosen based not only on their athletic skill, but also by their leadership, commitment and teamwork displayed both on and off the field.

Organized by World Sport Chicago, Chicago NATO Host Committee, City of Chicago, and University of Chicago, the Athletic Crossroads Sports and Cultural Festival was held in recognition of the 25th North Atlantic Treaty Organization Summit being hosted by President Barack Obama. Aside from the soccer, the kids were able to learn about the cultures of over 25 different countries that were represented at the tournament.

SHOUT!

2012-05-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

On Friday afternoon, 600 America SCORES poet-athletes made their presence known at the Douglas Park. At the annual SHOUT! Community Service Day, opposing teams from different neighborhoods and schools worked together to clean up the park- throwing away almost 30 big, black garbage bags of trash.

Students meticulously combed the area for plastic bottles, candy bar wrappers, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos bags and napkins, and put them where they belong: in the garbage cans.

When students were not working to clean their park, they were working to get to know one another. Each student was paired with someone from a different team and filled out a Teammate Interview worksheet. SHOUT gives students time to learn about the opposing team and put a name to the faces they see each week. Learning how much you have in common with your “opponents” is a big step in building bridges throughout the community.

After all the trash was thrown away and new friends were made, poet-athletes got to do what they do best: play soccer!

America SCORES at the White House Today!

2012-05-15T11:48:00.001-05:00

Today, thirty-four America SCORES students are getting the opportunity of a lifetime. Students from our affiliates in in DC, St. Louis and Denver are traveling to The White House to participate in the Let’s Move Soccer Clinic with First Lady Michelle Obama and the Major League Soccer (MLS) Champion LA Galaxy.

President Obama will welcome Major League Soccer champions, the LA Galaxy to the White House to honor their 2011 season and their MLS Cup victory. Following the ceremony, LA Galaxy players will join the First Lady to hold a Let’s Move! soccer clinic on the South Lawn for students from across the country. The children will also have the chance to watch the ceremony.

Serena Muhammad, the Executive Director in St. Louis put it well: “The invite to the White House is beyond what we have dreamed for these kids and is an amazing opportunity that they will remember the rest of their lives,”

“We are honored that The White House recognizes the importance of what we do to address childhood obesity. "

Joining us in congratulating our poet athletes from across the country!

Chicago Poet-Athletes Perform at New York's Apollo Theater

2012-04-20T11:40:00.001-05:00

America SCORES celebrates the achievements of its poet-athletes through the National Poetry SLAM in New York City. This year, Tiana from Pilsen Academy and Andres from Castellanos Elementary were chosen to represent the Windy City and perform at the world famous Apollo Theater in Harlem.

Tiana, Andres, and their chaperon Coach Ernie flew to New York City on Friday afternoon (the first time either of the 5th graders had been on a plane). There they joined their new teammates- 28 other poet-athletes from across the country- and got to know one each other through fun games and dinner time.

The next day, the students went through an intensive Poetry Slam Boot Camp, working very hard to learn their lines, blocking and cues. But when they weren't rehearsing, the two CPS students were able to take in the sights of The Big Apple, snap photos in Time Square, and play a soccer scrimmage with fellow poet-athletes in Central Park.

After two whirlwind days of performance workshops and sightseeing, the day of the show had arrived. Check out the photos of Tiana and Andres on stage at the Apollo, alongside the poems they performed.

Brainstorm
There is a storm in my brain
I hear thunder roaring and bursting
Words are falling like little rain drops
Wind is blowing
Words are flying all around me
A tornado of ideas spins destroying everything in its path
Lightning strikes electrifying madness!
It feels like the storm is never going to endIs this a brainstorm?

By Tiana, age 10
Pilsen Academy

Words

As sweet as hot chocolate

I will smell you

I will taste you

Words

Soft as a bunny helping me relax like a day at the spa

Words

Hot as lava consuming my body in flames

Words

Light as a piece of paper floating and landing where they choose

Words

Tart like acid slicing through emotions exposing sadness that’s hidden

Words of praise from my Mom

You are bright as the sun

Words

You are the most magnificent thing in the world

By Andres R., age 10
Castellanos Elementary

Congratulations to Tiana, Andres and all the poet-athletes from across the country on their hard work and wonderful performances.

2012 Spring Season Preview

2012-04-16T12:22:00.001-05:00

Rigorous training sessions are underway, as ten elementary school and six middle school boys and girls teams vie for the prestigious and highly coveted Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards.

The Golden Ball award is America SCORES’ highest team honor, based on our core values of Teamwork, Leadership and Commitment. It is bestowed on the school that collectively most displays these characteristics throughout the season. Similarly, the Golden Boot honors the same values, but highlights the TLC achievements of a single boys or girls team.

These awards are based on a specific set of criteria and benchmarks which are evaluated throughout the season, and are designed to evaluate teamwork, leadership and commitment shown on the field, in the classroom and at special events.

Middle school teams also compete for the SCORES League Championship. The team with the best record once the dust settles at the end of May gets a chance to represent SCORES Chicago in the CPS city wide playoffs (boys in the fall, girls in the spring).

The crisp smell of freshly cut grass, the cacophony of ref's whistles and cheering fans, and the rainbow of SCORES jerseys that swarm Douglas Park every Friday at 4pm, all signify that game days and all the excitement they embody are once again upon us. Stresses of the school week dissolve and melt away: replaced with infectious laughter, smiles and anticipation as the kids diligently begin their pre-game routine in the hopes of victory.

Spring Season Schedule

Where: Douglas Park at 18th & California
When: 4-6pm
Dates: Fridays, April 20th, April 27th, May 4th, May 11th, May 18th & May 25th

Game Day volunteers are always needed to help facilitate the fun! Please contact Marissa (mbhirsh@americascores.org) to find out all the ways you can help make these Fridays special for the kids.

Coach Spotlight: Stacey

2012-03-20T10:45:00.001-05:00

Please give a little about your background and how sports played a role in your life.

As a child, I enjoyed playing sportsduring the majority of my free time. Along with my two sisters andparents, I could always be found playing soccer, basketball, volleyball,softball, track or going to a Chicago Fire game, Bulls game, or even making upmy own sports while hanging out with friends. As I got older, I focused myenergy on my true passion, soccer, and played throughout high-school, collegeclub, and it has now led me to being a soccer coach with America SCORESChicago.

Why SCORES:

I was working in an AmeriCorps role in another non-profit when I first heardabout America SCORES. I had just signed up to run the San Francisco marathonand saw the America SCORES logo with the pencil and soccer ball listed on thecharity partners’ page. I was intrigued and immediately researched furtherinto the organization's mission/vision and program model and knew it would be aperfect fit for me. I was drawn in initially by the writing and soccer(two of my passions) and then felt further connected to SCORES by theirteamwork approach, engaging curriculum, and genuine nature to providing thebest opportunities for Chicago's youth.

Best part about working for SCORES:

The community that SCORES fosters. SCORES is not just a program -- ourstudents, our staff, our coaches, our teachers, parents are all involved inwhat goes on in SCORES and it is such a positive environment. I feelconnected to the schools and the Chicago community in a way I could not ifworking with any other organization. Working with SCORES has given me theopportunity to work with many students, given me the freedom to developdifferent creative and professional skills, and learn each day by working withsuch a diverse group of people. Plus, playing soccer almost everyday is adefinite bonus.

What do you hope to teach the kids you work with?

I hope to teach them to understand their capacity forsuccess, which is dependent on their terms. I want to instill in them theinternal motivation and confidence to set high goals in life and find ways toreach them. I hope to teach them how to be responsible and respectfulcitizens, who are aware of the need for change in this world and have thecourage to act on these needs. Of course, I also hope to teach them to beworld-class soccer players and SLAM poets too :)

What have you learned from the kids you work with?

Overall, I have learned how to look at the world through thekids’ innocent and hopeful lenses. I’ve learned to be fair and to understandtheir diverse needs. I’ve learned to have fun and get excited aboutthings! I am also constantly reminded to understand the complex and uniquestory each child has and brings to program each day and to recognize eachlittle success that is had. I’ve learned that the demands on students aretough, and to listen to what they need, because they are smart! Lastly,I’ve learned to be the best self I can be -- if I want to be successful, I mustmodel the behaviors I want my students to exhibit, and this pushes me to be thebest.

Do have you any positive stories you have working with aparticular kid or group of kids?

This past year was the first year America SCORES began atthe middle school level in the school where I work – Pilsen Elementary. The school is small, with only two 6th grade classes and one 7th grade class. Iwas struggling to find students to be on the team. After talking to her classand with some additional follow-up, Melissa, in 6^th grade, finallydecided to join the team. Since then, she has grown to be one of thestrongest, involved, and dedicated members of the team. She went from having noexperience with the group to stepping up and becoming a team captain, a memberof the all-star team, and a volunteer assistant coach with the Junior SCORESK-2nd grade program. It has been wonderful to watch her take charge andpursue leadership and growth opportunities and be a positive example to therest of the team.

As Pilsen Junior SCORES has justconcluded – what was your Favorite Tots moment:

Coaching writing and soccer in the Junior SCORES kindergarten - 2nd gradeprogram has undoubtedly been one of the highlights while working at AmericaSCORES. From the enthusiastic energy they have to the hilarious commentsthey make, each day was a memorable and rewarding experience. Oneparticular moment I have treasured is the day we created a team poem together-- "Yesterday I went to the moon. I ate an apple and it got stuck in myteeth. Then I went to go see the movie, Star Wars and after that Iwent to see Journey 2. Then I ate 300 hot dogs, fries, and pizza and wentto go see Breaking Dawn. Then Pilsen Dynamite went to fly andwe played soccer and respected each other on the field. After thegame we met Spongebob and Patrick!"

Stacey is currently coaching theJunior SCORES writing team at our newest addition - Phoebe A. Hearst Fine Arts Magnet School.When she’s not busy coaching writing and soccer she finds time to dominate onthe field as well:

Stacey (top row) was an integral member of the SCORES team that tookhome the Live to Support Chicago indoor soccer league championship and the $500award to help support SCORES Chicago.

Volunteer Opportunity: Junior SCORES Game Day

2012-02-27T13:30:00.000-06:00

As another successful Junior SCORES (Kindergarten through 2nd grade) winter season comes to a close, the highly anticipated and fiercely competitive game days are fast approaching. These pint size poet-athletes have been learning the rules of the beautiful game while developing their soccer fundamentals and creative writing skills since mid January. Focusing on teamwork, commitment and leadership the Junior SCORES coaches have been preparing their teams for this one, epic season finale – Game Day! Reserve your front-row seat and assist at a game day.

Chalmers vs. Gregory: Friday, March 2nd from 2:45pm - 4:00pm (hosted at the Chalmers gym)
Pilsen vs. Corkery: Monday, March 5th from 8:00-9:30am (hosted at Chitown Futbol)

The stage has been set for the next Chicharito to emerge. What school will form the next SCORES dynasty? Endless possibility and everything to play for as the fledglings look to take flight; many of the tots will be suiting up in their first America SCORES jersey – set to accompany them through elementary and middle school, bringing fond memories, experiences and grass stains with them. We know the jersey size will change with time, but are optimistic the early patterns of exercise, character development and excitement attached to reading and writing established through the tots programming will sustain. As we like to say: from strong roots, greatness grows.

Please contact our wonderful volunteer coordinator, Marissa Hirsh, at mbhirsh@americascores.org or call 312.666.0496 for more information on exciting Game Day volunteer opportunities.

Chicago Representatives Chosen for National Poetry Slam

2012-02-21T14:33:00.004-06:00

Each spring, America SCORES celebrates the achievements of our students with a National Poetry SLAM! Two poets from each of the 15 city locations are selected from over 5,000 America SCORES students to travel to New York. In front of an audience of hundreds, America SCORES poets perform original poetry from the stage of Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater – an unforgettable milestone in our children’s lives. A monumental achievement, our students leave New York understanding the true power of their voice.

On the back of our hugely successful Red Carpet Poetry Slam, America SCORES Chicago has selected two poet-athletes to represent the Windy City in New York on April 16th.

Words

As sweet as hot chocolate

I will smell you

I will taste you

Words

Soft as a bunny helping me relax

like a day at the spa

Words

Hot as lava consuming my body in flames

Words

Light as a piece of paper floating and landing

Where they choose

Words

Tart like acid slicing through my emotions

Exposing sadness that’s hidden

Words of praise from my mom

You are bright as the sun

Words

You are the most magnificent thing in the world

Future academic and current 5th grade poet-athlete at Castellanos School, Andres’s favorite super hero is the Hulk and he enjoys playing soccer with his friends and practicing the guitar in his free time. He likes writing poetry because he gets to express himself.

Brainstorm

There is a storm in my brain

I hear thunder roaring and bursting

Words are falling like little rain drops

Wind is blowing

Words are flying all around me

A tornado of ideas spins,

destroying everything in its path

Lightning strikes electrifying madness!

It feels like the storm is never going to end

Is this a brainstorm?

Future artist and current 5th grade poet-athlete at Pilsen Academy, Tiana enjoys playing soccer in the sun and writing poetry to get her feelings out. She would like to thank Coach Stacy to helping develop her confidence.

Both Tiana and Andres embody our core values of commitment, leadership and teamwork and of course, have an abundance of talent. Now, they will have the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of a national audience in the same theater that launched the careers of artists such as Billie Holiday, Marvin Gaye, James Brown and The Jackson 5.

America SCORES 6th Annual National Poetry SLAM! will be held at Harlem’s World Famous Apollo Theater in New York City on April 16, 2012 – hope to see you there!

Fall Season Wrap-Up

2011-12-01T11:36:00.008-06:00

Greetings, fans!

America SCORES Chicago closed its fall season with the annual Community POETRY SLAM! This year over 300 students performed as a team or as an individual, however, this was the first year our middle school students did not perform. Instead, the 6^th-8^th grade teams debuted original music videos featuring a song they wrote as a team, and recorded with the help of their coaches and America SCORES staff.

You can watch all the videos on our YouTube channel. If you don't have access to YouTube, you can watch them here.

Lights On Afterschool

2011-10-28T12:34:00.008-05:00

On October 21, 2011 America SCORES Chicago was one of five afterschool programs nationwide awarded the MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award. This award recognizes SCORES’ success at providing multiple benefits for middle school students, particularly in the area of supporting literacy.

In conjunction with receiving the grant, America SCORES Chicago coordinated the annualLights On Afterschool event, celebrating the afterschool programs that keep our kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. Poet-athletes, their coaches and families participated in fun activities facilitated by some of America SCORES Chicago's longtime partners: Common Threads, Changing Worlds, The Chicago Fire, and Girls in the Game.

“Our students are already proving themselves to be leaders,” said Amy Vondra Stark, the executive director of America SCORES Chicago, “and it’s fantastic to see that reflected in this recognition by the MetLife Foundation and the Afterschool Alliance. The Afterschool Innovator Award will help us continue to help at-risk students make choices that contribute to their success.”

Inspired Art

2011-08-25T12:29:00.002-05:00

Inspired Art is back! Please join us on September 8, 2011 between 5:30PM and 9:00PM for Opening Night at the South Halsted Gallery, 1825 South Halsted. Artists will be present for a meet and greet opportunity at this special preview evening event. There is a $10 suggested donation, with all proceeds directly benefiting SCORES programming.

Jamboree

2011-06-15T14:50:00.007-05:00

After a disappointing rained-out Jamboree last year, everyone was eagerly anticipating this year's event! The weather held for the entire afternoon and all the schools celebrated their hard work over the past few months. It was a great way for teams to share the service projects they had completed in their communities. Congratulations to Castellanos for winning the Golden Ball!

The Time Has Come Again!

2011-06-13T14:08:00.002-05:00

SCORES Cup is returning on July 16th, 2011 at the Chicago Fire’s TOYOTA PARK complex. The event brings together Chicago area corporations, all competing to become SCORES Cup Champions! For all participants, SCORES Cup includes a day of competition along with an afternoon of tailgating and tickets to a Chicago Fire game. For the company, SCORES Cup offers teambuilding, name recognition on the Chicago Fire Jumbotron, and the option to host a fan-outreach tent to engage nearly 15,000 fans at a Chicago Fire game.

Past Participants Include:

Ariel Capital
Bain & Co.
Baker & McKenzie LLP
CDW
Ernst & Young
Deloitte
Hewitt Associates
Kraft
JPMorgan
Madison Dearborn Partners
McKinsey
Quaker
U.S. Soccer Federation
William Blair

Visit http://www.chicagoscoresevents.org/sign-up-for-the-cup.html for more information!