L.E.S. Teens

Les Teens Reunion and Closing Ceremony

2009-07-12T17:24:00.003-04:00

LES Teens BBQ get together and Reunion followed by an awards ceremony. We wish everyone the very best. We will miss you and hope your future brings all that you dream of. You have our contact information for a rainy day. It has been a pleasure to know all of you...now go change the world :-)

November 2nd Fright Night Trip!!!

2008-11-26T13:13:00.003-05:00

LES Teens Reunion

2008-10-04T13:30:00.005-04:00

Most of the old staff came down to visit LES Teens and attend a nice dinner hosted by Dana! It was so wonderful to see everyone and we hope to visit again soon! Many of you are becoming young adults and heading into a great future! Don't forget, even though you don't see the staff everyday, Dana has all of our contact information so please keep in touch and fill us in on any news!

New Beginnings and New Adventures

2008-09-01T16:15:00.003-04:00

Our LES Teens have all grown up, so many of us are moving on to new adventures and to help more young adults. We will always be family though! If you need to contact a staff member, pop in or call Dana or Thanh and they have ALL of our information at the Beacon! We are always here for you and we hope you have a wonderful future in all that you do! Keep in touch...love the LES Staff [ dana, jim, lisa, shaheeda, alan, michelle, misani, jennifer, JK, isa, samantha, istiaq, noa, mahfuza, lizzi ]

We all felt very lucky to know you! Even though we may not be working in the same building, you are always in our thoughts and we are a phone call or an email away! We will always believe in you!

Congratulations Seniors!

2008-06-26T12:36:00.004-04:00

Unfortunately we couldn't make it to everyone's graduation, but we have been thinking about all of you all week! We are so proud of you! Here's to your future! The doors are wide open!

Everyone, please stop by the office and pick up the staff contact list. If you need us, we are only an email or a phone call away!

SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 9TH

Graduating LES Teens 2008!

2008-06-18T22:33:00.006-04:00

Wednesday evening we all attended a special dinner for our LES Teens 2008 Graduating Seniors!

Congratulations to ALL our LES Teens Graduates this year! You are incredible and we are very proud of you! You have a wonderful future waiting for you out there! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!! We'll be rooting for you! (you were missed Danny!)

Thank you to Three of Cups for hosting our special dinner and Dr. Carrera for your donation!

And...Happy Sweet 16 Danasia!

Skateboard Event Success

2008-06-17T11:18:00.007-04:00

Thank you to ALL the sponsors and ALL the LES TEENS employees and Masani! We had a very successful fundraiser at the all day skateboard event on the rooftop of New Design High School Saturday!! Though it was hot, hundreds of skaters turned out and it was a lot of fun! Our team also put in the hours and the effort on a hot day...

DON'T FORGET:
WEDS (18th): LES Teens Graduating Senior Dinner 6pm
THURS (19th): Grand Street Youth Services Party in Marta Valle school yard 5pm-8pm
FRI (20th): Youth Services Showcase and Fashion Show with Shaheeda at the Beacon 5pm-8pm

(more photos in our albums on the left)

:: LES Teens Awards Dinner ::

2008-06-11T13:30:00.004-04:00

We were glad many of you could come to the awards dinner! We were so happy to honor you in this small way. Many of those awards do not begin to capture the many qualities we see in you, but it's a small expression of love. We wish you success, friendship and happiness for your future! Summer is almost here but KEEP up your school work. Every grade counts!

DONT' FORGET:
* Skate Event this Saturday 11am to 6pm
* Graduating Seniors Dinner this Wednesday

Events

2008-06-06T12:53:00.003-04:00

Even P Diddy needed to be reminded about
LES TEENS END OF YEAR PARTY & GOING AWAY DINNER
Tuesday June 10th 4PM

And also this event below:

LES TEENS GRADUATION DINNER (2008 graduates only)

2008-06-04T13:37:00.003-04:00

Thank you to Anthony and Staff for offering to host our LES TEENS Graduation Dinner at Three of Cups Italian Restaurant!

June 18th WEDNESDAY 6:00PM

And here are our graduates:

LES TEENS IMPORTANT NEWS

2008-06-03T14:36:00.004-04:00

We really wanted everyone (new and old) at our family forum on May 29 last week because we have really important announcemnets. This blog post will fill you in so please read if you missed the meeting...

#1 LES TEENS: will have our "End of the Year"/"Going Away Party" on June 10th. Please come.

#2 LES TEENS GRADUATES ONLY: special dinner June 18th (wednesday) 6:00PM hosted at Three of Cups (Jasmine, Efia, Donald, Danny, Destiny, Deja, Marcos, Tionna)

#3 Due to funding cutbacks, LES Teens will be ending its after school program June 2009; however, many staff will be leaving this June. The following staff will be moving on to new adventures so please wish them well: Lisa, Michelle, Istiaq, Noa, Alan, Mafuza, Samantha, JK, Isa.

#4 Beginning in SEPT 2008 TO JUNE 2009, you will still have support through our remaining amazing staff: DANA, JENNIFER, MASANI, AND JIM.

We are all so sad about this news, but we also know that you are all heading into adulthood anyway so we are confident that you are ready to take on the world. ALL of our staff members will be available to you via phone, email and whatever else you need even though they are not in program. We are your extended family and we will be here when you need us! You can also reach us through the LES Teens Myspace account: LES Teens Myspace Page

A new chapter is beginning in our lives --which you will learn happens a lot in adulthood. You get to meet new people, explore more avenues, and create your own life! We are proud of you all and the home we have made together! We will always be family.

With love, The LES TEENS Staff

Summer Youth Employment Rally 2008

2008-05-28T23:27:00.005-04:00

REMINDER: THURSDAY: SURVEY, IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTs, GREAT ADVENTURE RAFFLE!!

( more photos in our flickr album )

New York City has cut funds for Summer Youth Employment Programs which will affect many of our participants. We attended a rally in favor of more funding for youth employment!

And in The End, There Could Only be One Winner

2008-05-28T23:23:00.001-04:00

The Uno Tournament

UP COMING LES TEENS EVENTS

2008-05-23T15:13:00.008-04:00

MAY 29th:
RAFFLING OFF 20 FREE GREAT ADVENTURE TICKETS!!

May 28th WEDS --SYEP Rally with LES Teens at 4:00pm

May 29th THURS --3:30pm LES Family Forum and Participant Survey (Important ANNOUNCEMENTS, so PLEASE be HERE)

June 10th TUES --LES Teens awards and dinner gathering celebration for ALL our LES Teens Participants

June 19th THURS --Grand Street Youth Services Party in Marta Valle school yard

June 20th FRI --Youth Services Showcase and Fashion Show with Shaheeda at the Beacon

(LES STAFF ONLY: June 13th FRI: Grand St Staff Development Day & LES Staff Get Together 9am to 6pm)

TBA: LES Teens SkateBoard Contest
TBA: LES Teens College Bound Dinner Get Together

Dana's Birthday and LES in the Spring

2008-05-18T16:59:00.003-04:00

(more photos in our flickr album)

LES TEENS GRADUATION SHOUT OUT

2008-05-13T14:38:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to our seniors!!!

Tionna, Millennium High School --heading to Howard University
Deja, Manhattan Center High School
Destiny, Norman Thomas High School --heading to Lehman College
Marcos, Sattelite High School --applying to college
Danny, Frederick Douglas High School --heading to Syracuse University
Efia, Marta Valle High School --heading to Queensburough or Kingsburough
Jasmine, Marta Valle High School --heading to Wood Tobe Coburn College
Donald, Lowell School High School

LES Teens & Broadway!

2008-05-11T16:45:00.008-04:00

Thank you to Stew and Kim for tickets to the show. We all thought the show was incredible and we had a really great experience! Thank you so much!

"Epiphanies become fair-weather friends"

"Slaves have options to rebel, die, escape. Cowards have consequences."

"I realize now that the life I'm living is based on my decisions as a teenager."

We also got to see Samuel L Jackson sitting a few rows ahead of us! And Stew spent some time with him after the show...

Our Photos:

Academic Games:

LES TEENS & Broadway!

2008-05-08T10:37:00.006-04:00

Stew is the creator of Passing Strange, a new hit Broadway musical. Stew is also the nice guy (along with his partner Kim) who has donated tickets for some of our LES Teens participants to come see the show! Thank you Stew & Kim. We'll be attending this Saturday.

About Passing Strange:
A young black musician travels on a picaresque journey to rebel against his mother and his upbringing in a church-going, middle-class, South Central Los Angeles neighborhood. He finds new experiences in Amsterdam, and artistic, chaotic, political Berlin, where he struggles with ethics and integrity when he misrepresents his background as poor to get ahead. Along with his "passing" from place to place and from lover to lover, the young musician moves through a number of musical styles from a background of gospel to punk, and then blues, jazz, and rock. He finally returns home!!

Les Teens Spring Time

2008-04-12T19:41:00.002-04:00

::: LES Spring Break Plans! :::

2008-04-03T13:11:00.004-04:00

If you're not on a tropical island, then come hang with us!

April 22: Monday: NO PROGRAM
April 23: Tuesday: Bowling Trip

April 23 & 24th: Overnight College Trip to Pennsylvania for Juniors and Sophomores: Congrats to the following for their acceptance to the trip: Alyssa, Charlotte, Lizbeth, Tatyanna, Kareem, Aaron, Danasia and Arianna!

April 24 & April 25th: Wednesday & Thursday: Uno Tournament

April 26: Friday: Universoul Circus

April 28: Monday: Regular Programming Schedule Continues

:::: Congratulations News!!

2008-03-20T10:23:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to:

* Lorenzo for making an academic come back!
* Norma for a successful art show --thank you to LES Teens who went to the ritzy party to support Norma!
* Danny for his acceptance into Syracuse University & his NBA Scholarship!
* Congratulations to Tionna for her acceptance into Tuskegee University. Howard and Tuskegee! How do you choose?
* Musu for getting an A on her science report!
* Happy Birthday to Arianna who made it to 17 and received a treat out with lisa :-)

YMCA Fridays

2008-03-08T14:26:00.004-05:00

even though it was a rainy day, we still managed to work it out at the gym!

Sankofa Celebration!

2008-02-28T12:02:00.004-05:00

LES Teens attended the CAS Sankofa black heritage celebration where several of our participants blessed the stage with poetry and film. We watched some great performances and ate amazing food!!

Great job and thank you to those who came in support and those who contributed!

Announcements!

2008-02-06T10:25:00.000-05:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Tionna who was accepted to Howard University and to Efia who was also accepted to a college here in New York! Great accomplishment!

CONGRATULATIONS to Desiree and Lizbeth who tied in our European Geography Contest in Academics! And again to Desiree who won the rematch and an H&M gift certificate.

CONGRATULATIONS to Angel who begins his first semester at City Tech College.

CONGRATULATIONS to Donald for receiving high work praises in his current job working for school maintenance! That's going to be great for your resume!

WINTER RECESS: Feb 15 to Feb 24th

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, SANKOFA CELEBRATION Trip 10AM to 2PM
Other trips over winter recess: ice skating, bowling, green house!

LES Teens Produces Martin Luther King Celebration!

2008-01-26T09:57:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful evening celebrating and honoring Martin Luther King Jr., a great man who saw a better future for everyone and inspired all of us to be the change we want to see in the world. Please watch our TWO YouTube videos linked here and celebrate with us!

Thank you to ALL the LES Teens who helped out with stage production and to those who performed in Dr. King's honor!

Performances:

Photo History:

CONGRATULATIONS to Shaheeda on her new position at Grand ST (even though we'll still see her, she will be missed!):

THANK YOU TO OUR LEST HELPERS WHO CREATED THE STAGE DESIGN:

Lots To Celebrate!!

2008-01-09T23:30:00.000-05:00

January 25th, 4:30pm to 6:00pm: Bring your spirit and celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr., with us at LES Teens!!
Performances, singers, dancers, spoken word, poetry, rap, photographs and more to celebrate the hopes and dreams of MLK! Watch last year's march and performances HERE on our Youtube page...

YOU MUST BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE!

We're Back!

2008-01-05T18:36:00.001-05:00

School is back in session and we're here to help you start off your new year in 2008!
* Use our help in academics!
* Come to Job Club back in session with Masani!
* Come to the Martin Luther King Celebration January 25th and invite your family!

LES Holiday Get Together & Gifts

2007-12-24T15:45:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a nice holiday!
Set your New Year Goals NOW!
See ya when we return!

LES Teens Trip To MoMa Art Show

2007-12-20T13:33:00.000-05:00

We attended a great art opening featuring artwork from teenagers around New York City. We had a great time and saw a lot of art for inspiration....see more photos in our photo albums...

Any participants interested in joining the MoMa's Spring Art sessions once a week, please let Lisa or Jim know and we'll get you started!! They offer: photography, sculpture, sketch art, etc.

Happy Holidays!!!

Congratulations!!

2007-12-14T09:59:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to LES participants who are Marta Valle students and received awards yesterday: Rhana, Ramon, Dipa, Musu, Momo, Kurnita, Khepera, Josie, Cathalana, Ainun, Kareem, Jenna, and Desiree.

Congratulations to Danny who is a semi-finalist for the prestigious New York Times Scholarship! We are all rooting for you!

Please wish William well as he creates his next documentary. Wish Jasmine and Josie well on their performance friday.

Also, congratulations to all of you who passed all your classes and are doing well, and who also use program time to your advantage!

December 14, Friday: Grand St Winter Party
December 21, Friday: LES Teens Holiday Party
December 22 to January 3: Winter Break
December 27th & December 28th: Modified Program with Field Trips

Thursdays & Fridays --LES Teens

2007-12-13T11:30:00.000-05:00

Thursdays in Academics: Documentary Film Enrichment
Explore other cultures, controversies, issues facing teens, etc, EVERY thursday as we watch & discuss interesting documentaries that open our minds and change our perspective of the world, helping us to be critical thinkers.

Viewed so far: Rize (crunk dancing in LA), AfroPunk (african americans in the punk music scene), Paradise Lost Part 1&2 (murder case involving young teenagers)

Coming Soon!!!: The Devil's Playground (amish teen drug use), Follow My Voice (gay teens in new york), Spellbound (teens in spelling bees), Born Into Brothels (teens in india learning photography), Emmanuel's Gift (cyclist in africa), Jesus Camp (teens & religion in america), Muderball (quadriplegics rugby)

Fridays: YMCA Work Out With Lisa 4:00pm to 6:00pm

Academic Contests!

2007-12-13T10:56:00.000-05:00

In academics we've been holding small contests for prizes to inspire you and boost your knowledge a little. More contests to come.

Recent winners:
* South American Countries: no official winner ($50 -ha!)
* Speed Multiplication Table: Ricky & Khepera (movie tickets)
* Historical Timeline: Tionna B (movie tickets)
* Spelling Bee #1: Kareem R (Barnes & Noble Gift Ctf)

Quote to think about: In America, education seems to be the only commodity of which the customer tries to get as little he can for his money. --Max Forman

December Around LES

2007-12-10T22:16:00.000-05:00

Lower East Side Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T12:44:00.000-05:00

Failure is Not Trying

2007-11-19T14:06:00.001-05:00

Thanks to ABC-NO-RIO for offering their space for our dance. It seems the elements were against us. We did not have as big a turn out as we hoped to raise money for the program.......BUT we tried ya'll!!!

Thanks to all the staff who made a contribution and for those LES Teens who came out and showed their support!

Have a nice thanksgiving holiday and hopefully while giving thanks, you'll include your program: LES Teens :-)

Creating Scarves For Sale

2007-11-14T14:18:00.000-05:00

Around LES Teens

2007-11-13T12:01:00.000-05:00

Friday November 16th :: LES Teens Sponsored Party

2007-11-09T09:31:00.000-05:00

Invite your friends!!!

Visitor

2007-11-07T10:09:00.000-05:00

Program Fund Raising

2007-11-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

What's up folks?

Just wanted to say that "we need continued help from ALL PARTICIPANTS" during our fund Raisers. Our halloween party wasn't as successful as it could have been. Big ups, to all that supported our program leading up to and during that event. Our next event will be our Supreme Teen Dance on Friday November 16th.
Together we can make this event successful as well as profitable.

Together we can make it if we TRY!!!

Dana

Halloween

2007-11-01T10:44:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a fun halloween and good karma will come to those who took out their little brothers and sisters for trick or treating! Thanks to those who helped set up the LES Teens Haunted Lounge for the 80 Pitt Dance on friday night!!

Come to program...use your time...think about your future!

COMING SOON:
* LES Dance Night Productions! A fundraiser dance sponsored by LES Teens.
* LES Teens Spelling Bee in academics!
* Thursdays: continuing our documentary program
* Fridays: YMCA Crew work out

OCTOBER AROUND LES TEENS

2007-10-26T10:28:00.001-04:00

BAD report card? No Worries! It's easy to turn things around! Bring your homework and use academic time and you will see a change... Get motivated now!

Friday, TONIGHT, Grand St Settlement's Halloween Party & Dance
Haunted House (produced by LES Teens)
6pm to 10pm

A special thank you to Timothy Haskell, creator of Haunted House NYC, for his generosity!!

October 24th Wednesday SURPRISE

2007-10-21T11:05:00.001-04:00

For those of you participating well in program this year and helping out,
we have an exciting surprise for you on WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 24th!!
It's a little Thank You from the LES Teens Staff!

Be here before 4:30pm on Wednesday and you shall see.......

Academic Mini Contests

2007-10-12T10:15:00.000-04:00

This week's winners for the Speed Multiplication Table: ricky, anthony and khepera
Last week's winner for the South American Countries Geography: no official winner ( lisa gets to keep her $50)

Keep an eye out for weekly surprise Academic Contests!

More At LES in the Fall

2007-10-09T09:17:00.000-04:00

Tuesdays: Laptops
Thursdays: we continue the documentary series!
Fridays: we are working it out!

more photos in our albums...

The Fall

2007-10-01T18:13:00.000-04:00

You guys are doing a great job taking your academics seriously and participating! Keep it up!
Thursdays: Academics Films
Fridays: YMCA Work Out Crew

Recently in the Program

2007-09-24T13:49:00.000-04:00

Get motivated and stay motivated for the school year!
September 28: Birthday Bash
YMCA workout crew beginning soon!

* more photos in our albums *

welcome back to school and program

2007-09-11T20:25:00.000-04:00

Back To School

2007-08-29T17:26:00.000-04:00

Welcome Back!

Sept 7th Friday
Back to School Family Forum Meeting 3pm

Sept 10th Monday
Back to School Cook Out 3pm

Sept 11th Tuesday
No Program

Sept 12th Wednesday
No Program

Sept 13/14 Thurs/Fri
Holidays
Friday Meet Outside Marta Valle at 3:30pm for MOVIE TRIP

Sept 17 Monday
Regular Program Begins!!!

Grand St Settlement End of Summer Youth Day Video

2007-08-22T17:19:00.000-04:00

End of Summer Already!

2007-08-22T16:36:00.001-04:00

* College Immersion Day Thursday August 23
* Dorney Park Field Trip Friday August 24
* PROGRAM RESUMES ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2007

Congratulations to William who premiered his first documentary group film project to an audience Friday night. We are very proud of your efforts William! You did an incredible job.

Splish Splash

2007-08-09T17:55:00.000-04:00

ANNOUNCEMENT:
* Seniors come to College Immersion Day August 23, Thursday! See Shaheeda for details...
* More photos in our album

Congratulations to the Ryan Family!

2007-08-09T13:09:00.000-04:00

As you all know by now It's a GIRL!!! Congrats to those very few people who thought it was going to be a girl!!

Mary Louise Ryan born at 12:30 am on Fri July 27. 8.07 oz, 21 inches.
Healthy chubby baby girl!!

Summer Time Summer Time

2007-07-28T08:39:00.000-04:00

More Photos in Our Albums

Working Class Teens

2007-07-25T22:09:00.000-04:00

Hey, we hope everyone is enjoying their job positions for the summer and we are proud that you are getting the experience. Don't forget, FRIDAY is your day to come into LES TEENS and share your stories, go on a trip, hear what's been going on! Good luck out there. The LES Teens' staff is putting together plans for Fall. Your new school year is approaching! Begin thinking about your goals...

LES TEENS 2006 to 2007 Events RECAP
Back to School BBQ
Great Adventure Halloween Trip
Haunted House Creation & Party
Mask Making
Thanksgiving Community Dinner & Performances
Fall Birthday Celebration
Sean Bell Rally for Justice
MLK Performances Celebration
Law & Order Studio Tour
Jewelry Making & Sale
Brooklyn Empire Roller Skating
Jeopardy Challenge
Photoshoots
BBQs
Universal Soul Circus
Prom Dress Pick Out Party
D.C.T.V. Tour & Party
Friday Movies
Immigration Rally
Clothing Art Designing
Family Gathering and Spring Birthdays Party
Take Back the Night Rally
Flea Market Fundraiser
End of Year Award Ceremony & Party

LES TEENS end of year party

2007-06-29T01:01:00.001-04:00

Thank you to all those parents and participants who came to the end of year party. We had a great time watching the slide show, eating a big meal, watching the LES movie, giving out awards, and guessing in the baby photo contest! Great Great Evening. Thank you to everyone.

SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 9, 2007 12PM TO 5PM EVERYDAY

Best wishes to our Amy and her new life as a mother! Congratulations to Jessica and her new job position. Both of you will be missed!!

LES Teens Year in Review 2006-2007

2007-06-27T09:57:00.000-04:00

View the LES Slide Show HERE on YouTube

OR embedded below:

Congratulations Graduates!!!! Super Proud of YOU!

2007-06-26T14:59:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Angel, Kristene, Alexis and Keesha for graduating today!! Good job and we all hope you have a wonderful future in all that you pursue. We'll still be here for you!

Lolo's Bday & Announcements

2007-06-21T20:01:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Lorenzo!

SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 9, 2007 and will start at NOON
Congrats to everyone with summer jobs! Good JOB!

WEDNESDAY JUNE 27: LES TEENS AWARDS AND PARTY!!!
COME BETWEEN 3PM & 4PM
THURSDAY JUNE 28: CAS OLYMPICS!!!
COME AT 11AM TO LES TEENS OFFICE!

more photos in the photo albums

2007-06-20T10:41:00.001-04:00

Flea Market- Saturday June 9th a Big Day for LES Teens.
Staff and participants came together to work hard, have fun, and raise money for our LES Teens "Special Trips" fund. Thanks to Lizzi for organizing and leading the effort and to all staff and participants who volunteered their time, effort, and talent. A special thanks to Jim who worked behind the scenes hauling the tables to and from 80 Pitt street .

2007-06-20T10:38:00.001-04:00

Rock Stars and pregnant lady.

2007-06-20T10:36:00.001-04:00

Amy's feeling the love!

2007-06-20T10:34:00.001-04:00

Michelle and Jessica volunteering their time to help the cause, and selling some of Michelles photographs too...

2007-06-20T10:33:00.001-04:00

Samantha makes sure the hot dogs are safe to sell.

2007-06-20T10:31:00.001-04:00

Old School LES Teens show up to help!

2007-06-20T10:29:00.000-04:00

What a beautiful tutor!

2007-06-20T10:27:00.001-04:00

Dammond and Angel worked hard - thanks guys!
Dammond took most of the Flea Market pictures too, after fixing my camera for me.

2007-06-20T10:23:00.000-04:00

Lizzi was the master mind behind the flea market, Thanks Lizzi!
Istiaq and Ruma pitched in too...

2007-06-20T10:17:00.000-04:00

Lorenzo and Arlene and John did a great job flipping and selling burgers.

LES Teens Flea Market a success!

2007-06-20T10:06:00.000-04:00

Hey LES TEENS!

2007-06-06T17:16:00.000-04:00

It's Lisa writing from California. Hope everyone is well and putting in their last best efforts with school...miss you guys and brag about how great you are out here!

Good luck with the Flea Market! See you soon....

Family Gathering & Spring Birthdays Get Together

2007-05-30T22:04:00.000-04:00

* FLEA MARKET JUNE 9TH SATURDAY -- BE THERE TO HELP 9 TO 5
* ENJOY SUMMER. PROGRAM ENDS JUNE 29TH & SUMMER PROGRAM BEGINS JULY 9TH
* Congratulations to all of our students who will enter job internships this summer!
* Congratulations to Kristene and Alexis who are off to college in the Fall!
[more photos in the album]

May 30th Spring Birthday Celebration!

2007-05-29T21:46:00.000-04:00

LES Spring Birthday Celebration Wednesday May 30th during program!
LES TEENS Flea Market Fundraiser Saturday June 9, 2007
Come SUPPORT your program!

Take Back The Night

2007-05-28T21:07:00.001-04:00

Before memorial day break, we gathered to hear about the importance of respecting and protecting our moms, sisters, daughters, girlfriends, aunts, grandmothers, WOMEN! Be good to the women you know!

Good Luck Jessica!

2007-05-25T18:25:00.000-04:00

Everyone wish our Jessica A. good luck with her small medical procedure. Send her your prayers...

Reminders:
Sign up with Jim for free Summer Art Camp NOW
Flea Market June 9th Marta Valle High School

Flea Market!! JUNE 9th Raise Money for LES

2007-05-22T21:02:00.000-04:00

What are they doing? Designing clothes to sell at our flea market as an LES Fundraiser. PLEASE help out. How can you HELP?

1. Take flyers from Lizzi and put them in your neighborhood or in your building or hand them out!
2. Come on June 9th and help out with the sale!
3. Tell your friends to come by the Flea Market.
4. Find people who want to donate items to you to sell at the Flea Market.
5. ASK Lizzi!

This will be a fun time. Help out the program you LOVE so much!

Alissa's Poem

2007-05-22T20:43:00.000-04:00

Where I'm From

Police sirens day and night
Baby mama drama turning
into girl fights.

Comin out my house and
can't get to school on time
because there's a missing
suspect that the police need to
find.

I love where I'm from, don't get me
wrong. But it is way too much
stuff going on.

Missing mixed faces on the back of milk cartons.
Young males going down, drugs and extortion.
Friday night parties jumpin.
House to house, room to room, DJ equipment bumpin.

Cursin, yellin, smokin, drinkin
Young teens doing things before even thinking.

Girls screaming out their home girls' names from afar.
Ghetto names like Shanquia, Nana and Star.
Bloods and crypts has their separation
But this is where I'm from
this messed up nation

Some Days in May for Our LES Teens Family

2007-05-17T21:35:00.000-04:00

Movie Day

2007-05-11T09:19:00.000-04:00

* Last Friday we all went to see Disturbia!

* CONGRATULATIONS to our Academic Team who won the trivia contest on May 10th, and came in Second Place overall. YOU ARE SUPER TERRIFIC AND WE ARE PROUD OF ALL YOU SMARTYPANTS!!

!!MAY!!

2007-05-03T23:15:00.000-04:00

MAY

All Other Days Regular Component
MAY 9TH --106 N PARK SHOW
MAY 10TH --ACADEMIC CHALLENGE CONTINUES
MAY 16TH --STUDENT SURVEY VISIT
MAY 18TH --NO PROGRAM (Staff Development)
MAY 28TH --NO PROGRAM (Memorial Day)
MAY 31ST --SPRING BIRTHDAY BASH

THE FUTURE: SPRING DANCE PLANNING & LES TEENS FLEA MARKET

ASK FOR OUR HELP...AVOID SUMMER SCHOOL...TURN "C" PAPERS INTO "A" PAPERS

Oh, you'd better be good to me
That's how it's gotta be now
'cause I don't have no use
for what you loosely call the truth
and you'd better be good to me
Yeah, better be good...TO EACH OTHER

Pics below of Immigration Rally some of us went to, Dana's family-talk about all of us being good to each other, and the bbq (more photos in the photo album as always)

UniverSOUL Circus!

2007-04-28T23:40:00.000-04:00

Friday night LES Teens went to the universoul circus. We all had a great time...and you know Old School WON.

SCHOLARSHIPS! EVENTS!

2007-04-26T10:55:00.000-04:00

How to pay for college once you've done the work to get in? Search Websites where you can find a Scholarship that might fit you. Often times, to get money for college, you just have to write an essay about yourself and fill out and application. Everyone in Academics can help you do this. Do some research early (even if you aren't going to college for a couple years). There's lots of money out there to send you to the college you want to go to! These sites will require you to sign in and make an account (with user name and password). Then you will have access to all the scholarships available. Ask for our help if you need it!

Fast Web Scholarship Resource
College Net Scholarship Resource
College Board Scholarship Resource

!!FRIDAY NIGHT!! 7pm to 10pm UNIVERSOUL CIRCUS Field Trip!!

You are acting White, I mean Black, I mean Brown, I mean Yellow.

2007-04-26T10:28:00.000-04:00

Question the meaning behind words! What does it mean to "act" a certain way? I heard an African American girl on tv say that her friends started telling her she was acting white. WHY? --because she is doing better in school? --because she speaks well? There are no white or brown or black or yellow ways to act. You can act hip hop as Dana says, or you can act street, or you can act college, but you can't act a COLOR. We are individuals who make decisions on the way we are in the presence of others and we are all born with the same potential and blood running through our veins. If acting white means to do well in school or to speak in an educated way, then what is it to act black? You are disrespecting African Americans everywhere to associate negative traits with a color of skin. THINK about what you say. Use LOGIC to uncover hidden messages behind what people say. Our behavior is NOT about color, it's about education, wisdom and compassion. It's about choice.

Prom Dress Prep

2007-04-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

Some of our young beautiful women went and picked out prom dresses at the Girl's Club! Even without the make up, hair and shoes, they look cute already. The boys hung out and did all their homework!

Fight! Fight!

2007-04-22T09:16:00.000-04:00

when you allow someone to get you into a place of confrontation and physical fighting (or even to raise your voice), you have given up ALL your power to that person. it's easy to fight and yell, it takes strength and character to not allow yourself to regress into anger. be strong. find ways to let out anger and frustration so your health will be better (anger affects your health!!) and so you can be happy. try: art, journal keeping, running, kickboxing, etc...

Welcome Our New Family Member

2007-04-18T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hey Damond, we're glad you are using our services! Welcome to our crazy family!

SUMMER Need a job or internship?: see Lizzi! Want some hang out time?: ask Dana about Summer Program (July 9 to August 24) Let us know if you are in Summer School (you can come to program after)

Question to Think On

2007-04-16T13:04:00.000-04:00

Where do you start and others begin?

In the way you speak and pick up on trends, in your fashion, in your beliefs, in your morals, in your education: how much of YOU is YOU? a fake person can be reproduced over and over again. a copy cat, an imitator, is cheap. unique individuals are worth millions. you can't re-create those. so how much of YOU is YOU and how much of YOU is a copy of something else? hold onto yourselves. it's the most valueable thing you were given by the creator...don't sell it for cheap or underestimate it!

SPRING BREAK NEWS!!

2007-04-16T12:47:00.000-04:00

* Congratulate WILLIAM: he was accepted into DCTV documentary fellowship program which will send him to a country of his choice to create a film (all expenses paid) and he will receive a college scholarship.

* College Trip: DESTINY, JOHN, MARCOS, TAMEIRA, EFIA, JASMINE, TIONNA, AND OTHERS went on a fun three day college tour in the DC area with Childrens Aid Society. they came back excited about the colleges & the food they ate.

* Academic Decathlon: congratulate our team for coming in 2nd Place in the decathlon. More competition to come!

* Car Show: some braved the rains and attended the NYC International Car Show

* Bowling Trip: two competitive bowling trips took place. LORENZO beat Istiaq & Dana. everyone had a good time!

* Staff Trips: Noa went to Novascotia, Lisa went to Cuba & Dominican Republic, Michelle went to South Africa, Jessica and Amy went to Florida, Shaheeda went on the college trip and Alan went to the Dominican Republic.

* Girls Day: Amy, Lizzi, and Noa held a Girls Day at LES over break. KEISHA, ARLENE, LIZBETH, NORMA, KAJA and DIPA joined. They discussed women's issues over lunch and received facials. GIRLS NEED TO UNITE, not divide, so it was good that the sisters in our family came together in friendship and positivity.

* Girls Day Continued: ARIANNA and lisa went for an afternoon treat.

GOT NEWS? share it with lisa or a staff member...

Spring Time Folks...Feel It!

2007-03-28T21:52:00.000-04:00

Have a great spring break! Have a good trip Juniors and Seniors going on the college trip! Don't forget, April 4th the decathlon continues from 11am to 2pm in the gym. Check in with Dana for other LES Teens Spring Break events. (more photos in the photo album)

!!THE GOOD NEWS REPORT!!

2007-03-22T12:07:00.000-04:00

THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION: you attract what you send out into the world. Congratulate everyone in our family on the good news! Do you have Good News too? Let Lisa know....

Though some of you are taking flight out of the LES Teens nest and we miss you, we're glad to see you getting job experience and life experience out there!

* Angel was accepted into his first college: City Tech
* Kristene was accepted into Temple University with a scholarship and is excited to go off to college
* Musu is excited she passed science and doesn't have to go to summer school
* Donald likes his new job (and getting paid!) working with children
* Lizbeth's math teacher recently told her she's doing better in math
* Ainun has a job interview with New York University to work with social workers: wish her luck!!
* Josie is applying to work as a teen catalog model though she also wants to be a lawyer or medical assistant
* William recently interviewed for a fellowship at DCTV for a documentary film program & he has a 90 in math
* Kareem R. has a 95 average in science
* Dipa is happy her physics grade has gone up
* Alexis & Kristene have a paid internship weekdays with an upscale handbag designer
* Ciera & Tameira both have jobs working with children
* Taslima is excited her country (Bangladesh) beat India at Cricket
* Destiny is happy to see the return of her missing Ipod
* Danny has been accepted into the National Honor Society and also he was accepted into a summer engineering internship

STAFF:
* Michelle is excited to go to South Afirca soon for Spring Break
* Lisa is happy to be going to the Dominican Republic & Cuba over Spring Break
* Amy is making herself her very own teenager! Congratulations on the pregnancy!
* Jessica is happy she got a 92 in her statistics class & is going on a Florida vacation
* Lizzi is thrilled that Amber is performing above grade level in school but she's also flirting too much!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
April 4th: Education Olympiad/Jeopardy Continues 11am to 3pm Everyone can participate!
April 3rd to April 5th: Juniors & Seniors College Trip over Spring Break

Jeopardy, BBQ, New Family Member

2007-03-16T10:35:00.000-04:00

* Thanks to everyone who participated in Jeopardy. You all deserve a round of applause for putting yourselves out there, plus it was a lot of fun. More photos in the photo diary...

* Welcome our new family member from yemen who is here to get a better education!

* Looking forward to more Spring BBQs!

* With Spring comes RENEWAL. Think about what you'd like to renew in yourself. Find a staff member to help you stick to your goals!

Noa is Back From India

2007-03-16T10:18:00.000-04:00

ask her about her trip to the far east!

Academic Contests!

2007-03-08T22:46:00.000-05:00

Academic Jeopardy coming Wednesday March 21st!
Let's Go Teams! Win money for the program & a big
trip together!

Black History Quiz coming end of March for Dollars!

Stay tuned for where & when we're having our BIG
dinner together!

Let's Make this Spring a happy one!

Law & Order visit Part 2

2007-03-05T19:41:00.000-05:00

We learned about the various types of jobs that make a television show possible...watched a scene taping...toured the grounds...and we met a few tv stars!

March Around LES Teens

2007-03-04T01:27:00.000-05:00

William shows us his magic...

LES Teens visits Law & Order and receives a private tour including every detail on how a tv show is produced & what jobs make it happen! Thank you Steve & Lizzi! More Photos in our Photo Album on the left...

Break February 19th to February 25th: Modified Program

2007-02-17T22:50:00.000-05:00

* 2/29 HOLIDAY
* 2/20 Ice Skating Trip
* 2/21 College Trip
* 2/22 Movie Trip / Some to Law & Order taping w/ Lizzy & Lisa 1pm
* 2/23 Law & Order Trip with some participants w/ Lisa & Lizzy 10am

What's Happening Around LES

2007-02-09T13:28:00.000-05:00

Around LES Teens February 07

2007-02-08T12:42:00.000-05:00

Many of you are doing a terrific job with bringing your grades up, asking for help, requesting internships, helping in the kitchen on food days, and overall just being good young people getting ready for adulthood! Don't EVER forget that we're here to help you in any area you may need it!! Use us until we're tired!

Pants!

2007-02-06T10:56:00.000-05:00

COLD weather is here which means some of our female Bengali youth are able to break away from tradition for a little while and wear some warm pants.

February Calendar

2007-02-04T13:37:00.000-05:00

Feb 1: Components || Happy Birthday Rahana ||
Feb 2: Games

Feb 5: Components & Meal
Feb 6: Components
Feb 7: LES TEEN FORUM & Screening of Roots (Black History Month)
Feb 8: Components & Screening of Roots (Black History Month)
Feb 9: Components & Screening of Roots (Black History Month)

Feb 12: Components, Meal & Screening of Roots (Black History Month)
Feb 13: Robinhood Hills Visit & Screening of Roots (Black History Month)
Feb 14: Components, Meal & Screening of Roots (Black History Month)
Feb 15: Components
Feb 16: YSD Valentine Events BHM Panel

Feb 18: || Shaheeda's Birthday ||
Feb 19: Components
Feb 20: Ice Skating Trip
Feb 21: Black Colleges Trip
Feb 22: Movies Trip
Feb 23: Quiz Bowl

Feb 26: Components & Meal
Feb 27: Components
Feb 28: LES TEEN FORUM & Components || Happy Birthday Marcos ||