Iman W. Student Spotlight
The Teaching Assistant (TA) Program: Empowering Student Leaders
Introducing the TA Program Our High School teachers, alongside Associate Director Stephanie Dandos, have launched an exciting new initiative to incentivize our students: the Teaching Assistant (TA) Program. This program offers students the opportunity to take on leadership roles by supporting younger peers, assisting in classrooms, and helping others. To qualify, students must demonstrate qualities such as responsibility, accountability, safety, and engagement in their own classrooms. Once eligible, they complete an application process that includes filling out forms at home, securing parental consent, writing a resume, dressing professionally, and participating in an interview. Afterward, students are assigned [...]
Getting Creative with Motivation
Innovative Strategies in the Classroom Teachers are becoming more creative in finding ways to motivate students and keep them engaged in their learning. Often, students benefit from having more choices or alternative methods to reach their goals. In Ms. Lucero's class, for example, she turned a simple student request for chips into a valuable learning opportunity. To build grit and language arts skills, she had students verbally spell and write the word "chips" using magnetic letters on a whiteboard. This approach not only supports academic growth [...]
College and Career Fair at the Achieve Academy of Harrisburg
The Achieve Academy of Harrisburg recently hosted its annual College and Career Fair, organized by School Counselor Kristina Ward and Team Lead Tony Ballon. The event brought together local businesses and educational institutions to provide students with insights into a variety of post-secondary paths. Fair Exhibitors and Participants Fair exhibitors included: Barber and Beauty Academy of PA, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Empire Beauty School, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), Harrisburg Bureau of Police/CSA, NAVY recruiters, [...]
Student Activities at High Road School of Windham County
Students at High Road School of Windham County have been busy enjoying a variety of fun and engaging activities! From picking fresh apples during a trip to the local orchard to an exciting round of laser tag, students had plenty of opportunities for adventure and connection. They also visited the Roger Williams Zoo, where smiles were endless as they explored and learned about wildlife. Back at school, students got some fresh air and exercise while having a blast with the parachute outside. These activities not only created lasting memories but also fostered teamwork, curiosity, and joy among students! [...]
Student Spotlight: Laffeyette T.
For Laffeyette T., the road to earning his high school diploma was far from traditional. But his journey – filled with resilience, determination, and a newfound passion for helping others – is one worth celebrating. He graduated from Excel Academy North in February 2024 and today is a role model for youth in Philadelphia, showing what’s possible when you embrace change and persevere through challenges. Overcoming Early Challenges Growing up in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood, Laffeyette, the second youngest of seven siblings, faced significant hurdles in his education. For example, at one academy, he encountered [...]
December 2024 Student Spotlight!
December Student of the Month: Max December Student of the Month: Preston
Sierra Gilbert Students Enjoy a Fun Holiday Shopping Trip
The holiday season is in full swing at Sierra School of Gilbert! Recently, students took a community outing to a local grocery store to gather supplies and gifts for their annual holiday party. The trip was a fantastic opportunity for the students to engage in real-world learning while celebrating the joy of the season. Manny, one of the students, had a big smile on his face as he selected candy bars for the holiday festivities. At the checkout line, Manny showcased his counting skills by helping to tally the items in the cart, turning this outing [...]
Excel Academies of Philadelphia Give Thanks
Students Give Thanks Thanksgiving and the holiday season offer a time to reflect, give back, and foster joy values embraced at Excel Academies in Philadelphia during recent celebrations and initiatives. From baking fun to meaningful community service, the schools offered opportunities for highlighting gratitude, generosity, and togetherness. Excel Academy South began the festivities with a pie-baking competition, showcasing staff’s culinary talents. Ten entries vied for the top spot, with Site Coordinator Jessica McCreary’s strawberries and cream pie earning first place. Steven Griffin, a team leader from Excel Academy Central, served as the judge. The event celebrated Thanksgiving traditions and strengthened [...]
Excel Academies Students Exercise Their Right to Vote
The Excel Academies of Chicago, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, held a voter registration drive earlier this fall, that resulted in in 15 new registered voters. These students proudly cast their first time ballots in the 2024 presidential election, as well as many local races. “At Excel, we believe in empowering our students to make their voices heard,” said Ashanti Brooks, school clerk, Excel Academy of Roseland. “Voter registration and participation are key parts of civic duty and our team worked to ensure that eligible students understood the process and importance of being active [...]