WAMU 88.5FM American University Radio

Ninth Grade Academy

A new school year is underway...and with students across the region adjusting to new classes and still trying to shake that summer state of mind, we begin the show with a look at that first year of high school.

Freshman year - many educators say it's a "make-or-break" moment in a child's education. During this time many kids either decide to drop-out or stay in school. A new program at a DC high school is seeking to help make the transition from middle school to high school as smooth as possible. The plan is to give kids more support as they make their first steps toward adulthood. WAMU's Sarah Hughes joined the students in the "Freshman Academy" during their first week of classes.

Not Much, Just Chillin'

We move from freshman year of high school to the ball of confusion and adolescent angst that is middle school. We're talking about grades 6, 7 and 8 in most area middle schools, that uncomfortable middle ground between childhood and the teenage world of high school.

Author Linda Perlstein did more than conduct a few studies for her book on the subject of middle school - she spent a year living with students at the Wilde Lake middle school in Columbia, Maryland. For many years Linda Perlstine covered education and children for the Washington Post. She joins us to talk about the book "Not Much, Just Chillin' - The Hidden Lives of Middle Schoolers."

Oxford Ferry

Monday was Labor Day, when Americans honor workers and work. When the working years are over most people contemplate a quiet, easy-going retirement. But for one couple on Maryland's Eastern shore, retirement has meant - more work. They’re running a business, a car and passenger ferry that connects the towns of Oxford and Bellevue on the Tred-Avon River. Tom and Judy Bixler are captains of the longest continuous operating ferry service in the United States. A couple years back, WAMU's James Jones took a ferry ride with the Bixlers and produced this profile.

Tom and Judy Bixler are still enjoying retirement aboard the ferry. For an operating schedule check their website.

Perry School Community Services Center

The phrase "social services center" immediately conjures up images of grim architecture and stern-faced, grumpy clerks. But it's an image likely to be wiped from your mind after a visit to the Perry School Community Services Center. Located just off New York Avenue, near the North Capitol Street edge of Northwest DC, the Perry Center wears a lot of hats. The facility came together during the 1990s to address the issues of chronic poverty in the North Capitol Street area. It has become a vibrant, multi-dimensional community center, housing everything from a child care center for homeless preschoolers to a health center run by Providence hospital, a college preparation mentoring program, a dance company, an art studio and a group that teaches non-violence skills to young children.

The Center is the brainchild of co-founder Alverta Munlyn, a longtime resident of the neighborhood. From her busy office she says the wide mix of programs all speak to the Perry Center's mission.

Three Videos, No Waiting - Kim Stanely

From time to time Critic Bari Biern joins us to help pick three videos or DVDs for mini, at-home film festivals. Sometimes they are linked together by a theme or focus on the work of a particular director. Today she has chosen films all featuring an actress many may never have heard of...Kim Stanley.

Commentary by Brenda Barbour - Cape Verdean

Thoughts on Africa, Portugal and the Massachusetts coast from Writer Brenda Barbour.