Dumbarton Oaks-Hiram Clarke Community

The Dumbarton Oaks Observer - August

Vol. 1.4                                                                                                                      August  2010             

Dowling Middle School is an Apollo 20 Campus

Apollo 20 is a groundbreaking project designed to improve the academic achievement of students in 20 HISD "priority" schools, and to create models for excellent teaching and learning for replication throughout the district. Students at Apollo 20 schools will have a longer school year (5 additional days) and a longer school day (7:30-4:30 Monday – Thursday; 7:30 – 3:30 Friday.) The project will be launched in four high schools and five middle schools at the start of the 2010–2011 school year.

Councilwoman Adams scheduled to speak at civic club meeting

Councilwoman Wanda Adams is scheduled to attend the August 14, 2010 meeting of the Dumbarton Oaks Civic Club. We encourage all residents to be present and on time for this meeting. Due to the limited time that is available for the session please be sure to write your questions for Councilwoman Adams in advance.

School Bell News

August 23, 2010 marks the opening of another school year.

Additionally, parents are reminded of the importance of playing an active role in their child’s education. Attend school meetings, participate in fundraising activities, know the school staff, you will be glad that you did.

Madison High School Announcements

Pre-registration will be held on

August 3 - 5 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. for new students. Families who are new to the area are encouraged to register their children at this time so that they will be ready for the first day of school. The parent and/or guardian must be present with his or her child in order to register and must present proper documentation. If you have questions, please contact the school at 713-433-9801.

Freshmen Orientation and Meet the New Principal Night! The parents of incoming ninth graders and their students are invited to come out as well as all families and community members who would like to meet the new principal and see the benefits of an education at Madison on August 10 at 6:30 p.m.  Students should arrive at school no later than 8:15 a.m. each day.

 Community Pride

Dumbarton Oaks is a small community with a lot of potential. Dumbarton Oaks is a prime location, within minutes of quality shopping facilities, medical care, loop 610, downtown, and beltway 8. As residents, we need to take a moment to examine what is happening around us. When you chose your home what was the reason? As homeowners and renters we need to do everything that we can to maintain a community that shows the pride we take in ourselves and our homes. Are you or your neighbors placing heavy trash at the curb at the wrong time? Has your lawn been cut and edged recently? Is there trash in your yard or on the street in front of your home? Are you contacting the proper city agencies to hold  the city accountable for maintaining their commitment to you as a homeowner or resident? Do you realize that the person living next door to you may be costing you thousands of dollars because they have not taken care of their residence? Take some time today to assess the value that you are adding to your surroundings. Are you an asset or a liability?

Prohibited Front and Side Yard Parking Ordinance

The Dumbarton Oaks Civic Club has voted to request the assistance of the City of Houston through application for the Prohibited Front and Side Yard Parking Ordinance. Once established, violating the Prohibited Yard Parking Requirement Area will be a misdemeanor and violators will receive a fine not to exceed $150 a day

Summer Community Clean Up

Get ready everyone; the Dumbarton Oaks Civic Club is planning to assist you with getting rid of all of those unusable treasures that you have hidden away in the garage/extra bedroom/ and the closet. You know the ones that fit beautifully, ten years ago, the ones that are parts of that project you started but didn’t quite finish the toys from years and years and years ago. So, we are planning to have a dumpster delivered to the neighborhood to facilitate your getting those unusable treasures out of your home and creating more space for you to enjoy. Check our website for more 

YMCA - Operation Backpack

Scheduled Meeting Dates

The Dumbarton Oaks Civic Club meets on the second Saturday of each month at the Townwood Community Center located at 3403 Simsbrook Dr. Below are the remaining dates for this year:

Meetings are held from 12:00- 1:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting. CHALLENGE: Invite 3 neighbors to attend the next meeting. We may just have a prize for the resident who invites the most residents to attend a meeting for the first time.

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