How did students qualify to participate in the Festival?

The Festival will be held for students in Montgomery County Public Schools registered as African American who met the following criteria:

 
Elementary School

• Student in grades 3 through 5 or 3 through 6
• A combined grade average of 3.0 (B) or above in subjects receiving letter grades of A-E for the first and second grading periods of the 2008-2009 school year.  Students must be performing on or above grade level in both Reading and Math.

For schools using the Standards-Based Report Card for Grade 3 this school year, the following criteria were used to determine eligibility:

• The average student mark for reading, mathematics, writing, science, and social studies should be 3.0 or higher for the first and second marking periods.
• Students must be on or above grade level in both reading and mathematics.  On or above grade level in reading is defined as those students who are “meeting target” or are “exceeding target.”  On or above grade level in mathematics is determined by those students who are enrolled in a grade level or above mathematics class. 

Middle School

• Student in grades 6-8
• A combined grade average of B or above for the first and second grading periods of the 2008-2009 school year (semester average).

 High School

• Student in grades 9-12
• A cumulative unweighted Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or above or a cumulative weighted GPA of 3.2 or above for all combined high school years through the first semester of the current school year. 

How do I know if my child will participate in the Festival?

By May 15^th all principals and an awards coordinator at each school with students who met the criteria will have received a list of the students who completed their form and submitted it on time.  Names have been verified by Montgomery County Public Schools.

What will my child do once we arrive?

Students being honored should arrive and go to the restroom first.  They should be seated 20 minutes prior to the start of the program on the lower level with other students from their school.  Parents are to sit close by in the upper area designated for their child’s school level. 

How will my child be announced?

Each child will stand at their seat when their school name is called. 

How will guests who have physical needs be seated?

Guests with crutches may sit in the upper level seating area.  Guests in wheelchairs may sit in special areas marked for wheelchairs on the upper level.

How long will my child remain seated on the lower level?

We are requesting that all students remain throughout the program.  This is showing respect for other students in attendance and proper etiquette.  Please do not remove your child prior to the end of the program.

Who can attend the Festival?

Parents, family members, friends, and neighbors are welcome to attend the Festival.  There is no set number of guests.  The program is free.  Please arrive a little early so that students being awarded can sit in the designated area on the lower level of the building 15 minutes prior to the start of the program.

Is there a charge for parking?

No, parking is free.  Please respect the handicapped parking spaces.

How should my child dress?

Because this is a special occasion, we are asking students to dress in their best (no jeans or t-shirts please). 

Will anyone take my child’s picture?

A professional photographer will be available to take individual or family pictures for a fee.

What type of award has my child qualified to receive?

Elementary, middle, and high school students have qualified to receive a certificate.  Some higher achieving high school students will also receive a medal.  You must be present to receive the medal.  Some students who have applied to and been accepted by Montgomery College or the University of Maryland will receive a scholarship from the college.

What happens if my child’s name is in the program book but does not receive a certificate?

Please contact the school’s awards coordinator and the individual will contact AAFAE.

What happens if I returned by child’s form and he/she does not receive a certificate?

Contact the school’s awards coordinator and let him/her contact AAFAE.

When should I contact the awards coordinator about my child’s certificate?

If your child has not received his/her certificate by June 11, please contact the awards coordinator at the school.

What happens if my child’s name is misspelled on the certificate?

Inform the awards coordinator at your child’s school and they will contact AAFAE requesting a corrected one.

Will food be available?

Yes, food vendors will be available for food purchase.  Food is not allowed on the floor area where students are seated.

What other kinds of vendors will be present?

AAFAE will have t-shirts for sale.  There will be various other vendors present.

Who sponsors this event?

The Festival is brought to you by a committee of about 15 community volunteers who work throughout the year to plan the event.  On the day of the event, other community volunteers join us to make the day a success.

How do you pay for the event?

We are a 501 (c) (3) organization.  Funds are solicited from individuals, corporations, organizations, etc.

How are the funds raised used?

Funds are used to pay for the:  certificates, program books, medals, flyers, insurance, rental of the building, police officers, sound equipment and electrician, rental of the stage, chairs, maintenance, ambulance services, housekeeping services, event administrator, fire marshall, host/hostesses, stage, floor tarp and administrative fees.

How can I support the organization?

You can become a member, help with fundraisers, volunteer on the day of the Festival, or make a contribution.  We need your help.

How do I become a member?

Join us on the second Thursday of the month at Kennedy High School , 1901 Randolph Road in Silver Spring . As we get closer to the Festival, we meet more frequently.

How can I help with fundraisers?

You can ask your employer or a community business to make a donation or provide a service, sell tickets to activities, or become a sponsor.

As a volunteer, what can I do on the day of the Festival?

You can pass out program books, help seat adults and children, blow up balloons, help decorate, or help clean up.

Where do I send my contribution?

Mail your contribution to AAFAE, Post Office Box 6219, Silver Spring, MD  20916-6219