Are you Ready to Run?

Lace up your running shoes, get out your cold weather gear and join us in training for the 5th Annual Colfax Marathon on May 16th, 2010! For the first time ever, America SCORES Denver is putting together a team to race in the Colfax Marathon Charity Partners program. This event is a great opportunity to not only get in shape, have some fun and win cool prizes, but also a chance to support the work of the SCORES program as we look to expand to 10 schools in 2010. If you are interested in participating, please email Kristine at krees@americascores.org and we will send you a registration form. (NOTE: America SCORES Denver will cover your registration fee, so if you wish to run with us do not register yourself on the marathon website.)

To get more information on the Colfax Marathon please visit http://www.coloradocolfaxmarathon.org/. America SCORES Denver will provide each team and individual runner with their own personalized fundraising page for the event.

Marathon and Half Marathon Fundraising Packages:

All-Star- $250
Benefits Include:

• A healthy body and the knowledge that you are supporting SCORES poet athletes!
• Registration fee covered by America SCORES Denver
• America SCORES Denver T-shirt
• Email training tips and updates (Every 2 weeks)
• Participation in SCORES group runs
• SCORES team dinner/celebration after the race

MVP- $500
Benefits Include:

• A healthy body and the knowledge that you are supporting SCORES poet athletes!
• Registration fee covered by America SCORES Denver
• America SCORES Denver t-shirt
• Email training tips and updates (every 2 weeks)
• Participation in SCORES team runs
• SCORES team dinner/celebration after the race
• Rapids tickets for 4
• Discounted running gear
• Starbucks gift card

Golden Boot - $1000
Benefits Include:

• A healthy body and the knowledge that you are supporting SCORES poet athletes!
• Registration fee covered by America SCORES Denver
• America SCORES Denver t-shirt
• Email training tips and updates (every 2 weeks)
• Participation in SCORES team runs
• SCORES team dinner/celebration after the race
• Rapids tickets for 4
• Discounted running gear
• Starbucks gift card
• Sports massage gift certificate
• Dinner for 2 at a local Denver restaurant (TBD)

Marathon Relay Team (5 people):
Raise $1000 as a team and complete the race and each member will receive:

• A healthy body and the knowledge that you are supporting SCORES poet athletes!
• Registration fee covered by America SCORES Denver
• America SCORES Denver t-shirt
• 2 Rapids Tickets
• Starbucks Gift Card
• Discounted Running Gear
• SCORES team dinner/celebration after the race

Race Day Volunteer
Volunteer on race day (May 16th, 2010), and become eligible to fundraise and win prizes at each level - All-Star, MVP, or Golden Boot.

Top Fundraiser will receive a weekend vacation in Summit County.
Top Team prize to be announced.

Announcing the 2010 National Poetry Slam Participants

The competition was rough this year as 22 poet-athletes performed for a spot to participate in the National Poetry Slam in New York on April 19th.  After careful consideration, we are proud to announce our two winners: Daeja R. from Cowell Elementary and Javier O. from Barnum Elementary.  These two students will be representing SCORES Denver on an all expense paid trip to New York where they will perform their poems at the New York Stock Exchange.  This will be a big fundraiser for the National SCORES organization, and a unique experience for these two incredible students.

Left: Students at Auditions; Right: Daeja R.

Calling all Artists!

America SCORES Denver and Think 360 Arts are coming together to bring poetry to life…

We would like to take this opportunity and announce that America SCORES Denver and Think 360 Arts are partnering to bring the Inspired Art Project to Denver!  Modeled off of projects done in Bay Area, California and Chicago, Illinois, the Inspired Art Project enlists local artists to create and donate original works, drawing their inspiration from poetry written by 3rd to 5th grade students of America SCORES Denver’s after school program. All submitted artwork will be auctioned at the Inspired Art Show on April 29th, 2010 with proceeds going to benefit America SCORES Denver and Think 360 Arts.

Through this cycle of inspiration and influence, urban students are able to witness their creativity brought to life, artists are able to build connections with diverse communities around the city, and supporters of America SCORES Denver and Think 360 Arts are able to see the profound impact children’s words can have on others. The creative interpretation that local artists display in their work shows our youth the power and limitless impact of their words and voice.


If you are interested in learning more about the Inspired Art Project, please contact Kristine Rees at 303.832.5879 or krees@americascores.org.  Also, please visit our event webpage at http://inspiredartdenver.wordpress.com/ for further information on how to get involved.

2010: What's Your New Year's Resolution?

We usually make new years resolutions all about ourselves...

We're challenging you to help us change that.

Here's how: Go to http://www.newyear4kids.wordpress.com/ and tell us what you will do for kids this year!

National Poetry Slam Auditions

Yesterday was definitely a nerve racking day for some of our SCORES students.  22 poets from four schools performed at Starbucks yesterday to compete for a spot in the national Poetry Slam scheduled to be held in New York on April 19th.  On January 8th we will announce which boy and girl will have the honor of performing with SCORES students from across the U.S., but for now, here are a few of the poems that were presented yesterday afternoon.  Enjoy!

I come from...

I come from Soccer.  I come from amazing, wow!
I come from smart.  I come from music.
I come from videogames and basketball.
I come from sweet.  I come from kindness.
I come from joyous.  I come from roses and daisies.
I come from weird.  I come from a cuckoo and peaceful life.
Those are the things I come from.

By Janet G.
Cowell Elementary

Candle

Without you candle the world would be dark.
I need your fire, I need your spark.
You're on my birthday cake to remind me how old I am.
Sometimes you smell like chocolate, sometimes you smell like jam.
You're there when the power goes out,
so people don't have to cry and pout.
You're there to sent the air, by the window forever your glare.
People don't have to worry because you, candle, will always be there!

By Daeja R.
Cowell Elementary

Acrostic TEAM

Together we will achieve.
Everywhere we go we will win.
Again we will try.
More we practice, the more we are going to win.

By Luis P
Barnum Elementary

Shell

Shell, you have beautiful colors.
You sound like the ocean.
You say words and I cannot describe them.
Ocean words.
Your words sound so peaceful.
You poke my hand when I hold you.
Swirls on top.
Say Something.
Say your words, the ocean way.
Ocean words.

By Adrianna C.
Cowell Elementary

The Pencil

I've turned into a pencil.  People at Barnum are writing with me.  And it's hurting my head. Ahhhh!  Now he is erasing with my legs.  Hey!  Stop that.  It's hurting my legs.  Please stop swinging me.  Hey!  Something is cutting my head.  Finally I am out.  But where is my head?

By Javier L.
Barnum Elementary

The Soul

The heart. The peace.
The liberty. The brain.
The body just for me.
My soul will tell me what to do.
You can do the same for you.
The fights. The cries.
Just hurt my mind.
Fight for justice, liberty, peace.
We will always find a way to keep you safe.
That's the name.

By Ashley E.
Eagleton Elementary

Can you do this?

In light of the 2010 World Cup Draw which happened last Friday in South Africa, I wanted to share with you all a video that highlights some of the best goals in soccer history.  I invite you take a minute on this freezing cold Colorado day to be entertained by some great soccer.

10 in 2010!

Please help us reach our goal of beginning SCORES programming in two additional schools next Fall.  Your support enables us to continue reaching and inspiring the urban youth of Denver.  Click on the "Donate Now" icon found on the right side of the page, or send us a check to 4900 W 29th Ave, Denver, CO, 80212.  All donations made are tax deductible.  Thank you in advance for your continued support.