Dream Cities | Baltimore, MD
1409 North Collington Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21213
Phone: 410-396-9198
Fax: 410-396-8632
Learning Center DirectorYvonne McNairymcnair  usdreamacademy [dot] org | Mentor CoordinatorDaron Reiddreid usdreamacademy [dot] org |
Feature Story
It has been 87 years since Emily Post penned Etiquette, the best-selling book that serves as the gold standard for proper manners and behavior. The staff at the Dream Academy Learning Center in Baltimore however, believe the principles are as relevant now as they were in 1922. Each year Baltimore DreamKids learn about proper manners and etiquette and get to demonstrate all that they have learned at the year-end Black and White Ball. Principles such as how to conduct yourself at a proper dinner, and how to dress for a formal event are taught by Dream Academy Staff and mentors throughout the year in preparation for this much anticipated event.
"Our etiquette dinner is part of our Character Building curriculum”, says Mentor Coordinator Daron Reid. “Not only does it provide our kids skills that will serve them later in life, but it provides the mentors and mentees something to work on together.”
This year the Black and White Ball was held at Vellaggia’s Restaurant in Little Italy. In addition to an amazing dinner, the evening included year-end awards for the most outstanding mentors and culminated in a waltz performed by the DreamKids. “The event was a great success,’ said Garry Ogden, U.S. Dream Academy National Program Director who was invited as a guest to the event. “Many of these kids have never had the opportunity to have an evening like this and it was obvious that they had a great time.”
Our History in Baltimore
The Dream Academy Learning Center in Baltimore was one of the organizations earliest centers. Opened in 2002, the Learning Center at Collington Square Elementary School serves approximately 500 student in grades Pre-K – eight, most of whose families live below the poverty line. The two-square block Collington Square neighborhood is referred to as an “island of stability” by the Johns Hopkins Institute for Policy Studies, a designation where houses have an above average median value and no sales since 1999 as well as strong community leadership and involvement. The Learning Center at Collington Square earned the “Center of the Year” honor in 2006.
About Our Staff
Learning Center DirectorYvonne McNair joins the U.S. Dream Academy team as Center Director in Baltimore. Ms. Mc Nair brings a wealth of experience working with nonprofits having directed after school programs for both elementary and middle school students with several community based organizations before joining U.S. Dream Academy. Ms. McNair earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from The City College of New York and a Master of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Phoenix. Ms. McNair received her elementary school teacher certification from the State of New York. | Mentor CoordinatorDaron Reid serves the Collington Square Learning Center as Mentor Coordinator. Mr. Reid, a native of Baltimore spent much of his youth in California. Mr. Reid attended Western Connecticut State University where he played and coached football while earning his Bachelors degree in Justice and Law Administration with a concentration in Community Based Corrections. Upon graduation, Mr. Reid returned to Baltimore working as a teacher for the Baltimore County Public School System. Mr. Reid was introduced to the U.S. Dream Academy through a co-worker and as a true believer in the organization's mission and its great accomplishments has enjoyed serving in this capacity. |
Our Baltimore Partners in the Dream
International Medalist Association
Morgan Mentors, Morgan State University
Community and Public Affairs Johns Hopkins University
Upcoming Events
There are no upcoming events scheduled for this learning center at this time. Please check back later.
