New Academy Charter School
December 2022 Edition
So, here we are again… the end of another year approaches…2023 is just around the corner…and all remains well here at the New Academy Charter School I hope you too are all well, and are enjoying any preparations for the holidays ahead!
We've had an awesome time prepping for the holidays ourselves. Between the Hall decorating contest and the Pajama breakfast with donuts and hot chocolate, I think we are all in the mood to get cozy and relax for a few days. We know that with this break our students will have some down time; we want to remind everyone to be safe and to be kind. We know that social media is in the hands of all our students on a daily basis, let's remind them to use it for good.
When we come back from break we will be finishing up the second quarter and preparing for the second semester. This is a huge milestone for our Seniors, as the finish line will certainly be on the horizon. Let's support those Seniors and try to prevent any Senioritis from setting in too early. They still have a lot of work to do to be ready to take on the world after graduation!
Winter Keystone’s have been completed and we appreciate the responsibility of the students, and the support of the parents to ensure that the students show up, attend and complete their scheduled exams to the best of their ability.
Alright, enough of the rambling, the bell has rung....we made it to winter break!!
Best wishes for you all, happy holidays and we will see you all in 2023!
Talk Soon,
Jamie Hopkins
Parent Access
Please email Cherisha Thomas at Thomasc@theacademyschools.com to register for your PowerSchool Parent Login information. When you have a PowerSchool Parent account you will be able to access your students grades, schedule, attendance and their teachers!
Special Education
The special education department would like to wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Prosperous New Year. It is so hard to believe the 2022 portion of the school year is coming to an end. We have completed many IEP meetings, behavior plans, progress monitoring and learning accommodations to make sure all of our students are reaching their full potential to learn and succeed. As we come into this long, much needed winter break please continue to encourage your child to read and reflect on what goals and improvements they would like to make in the upcoming school year of 2023. Also, take the time to rest, relax and rejuvenate enjoying every moment of the time off. Please keep in mind if there is any way we can continue to help and assist you and your student please feel free to contact the school and let us know
Math
The Math Department is continuing to focus on strengthening students’ math fluency with Math Facts Friday. The students’ response continues to be mostly positive. They are also being challenged to remember and strengthen basic skills and concepts. Miss Mervosh and Mr. McCullough continue to work through the curriculum in their classes. Miss Mervoshs' students worked on a Holiday Project that involved reviewing concepts they already learned. Mr. McCullough’s students read an article on why it is important to learn math in school. Stay tuned for more exciting things happening in The Math Department as this academic year progresses
Science
Biology is finishing up the biochemistry unit learning the structures and functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids to living systems. Chemistry classes are learning about the periodic table of elements. Psychology classes are learning about perception of senses of smell, sight, hearing, touch and taste. Mr. Holderbaum, Mr. Wilson and Ms. Herriott would like to extend best wishes to all our students and their families for a safe and happy holiday break!! See you all next year!!
English
The English department is continuing its hard work on the school-wide writing agenda while exploring different types of literature. In 12th grade, the seniors are using the R.A.P.S. (Restate, Answer, Prove, Summarize) writing process to complete a book review. This book review is complementing their novel study they have just finished. The 11th graders are boosting their vocabulary and paraphrasing skills by analyzing their favorite song lyrics and rewriting them. The 10th grade students have been tirelessly studying and writing on themes in literature through the analysis of characterization, setting and plot. The 8th and 9th graders are focusing their efforts on paragraph development through the study of graphic novels, short stories, and daily writing prompts.
Social Studies
It’s hard to believe that the Holiday break is upon us and 2022 is coming to an end. With the holidays approaching the Social Studies department thought it would be fitting to explore some of the customs and traditions that people celebrate and observe around the world. Mr. P’s U.S. History class has been learning about how Christmas was celebrated in Revolutionary America, Mr. Zarko’s World Cultures class has been reading about different customs and traditions that others observe around the world, and in Mr. Shamitko’s Civics class, they have been learning the effects of Christmas on the economy. Students and staff have had a great first half of the 2nd 9 weeks and are looking forward to keeping the momentum in 2023! We wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season!!
Physical Education & Health
At the New Academy Charter School, we believe your health is the greatest wealth. for the month of December the Health and Physical Education department focused on the prevention of the spread of communicable diseases like the common cold, flu and COVID-19. Also, the Physical Education department has focused on improving muscular endurance and muscular strength. we will accomplish this task by performing exercises that address muscular health like push-ups, exercise band activities and circuit weight training activities during fitness club and Workout Wednesdays throughout the next two months.
Crazy to think 2022 is coming to a close and the 2023 graduation year is right around the corner. Our first tour of the new year will be the CCAC South campus on January 11, 2023. We will spend the new year having FAFSA workshops for students who are interested in post-secondary education. The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It can help students determine how much they are eligible to receive towards schooling in grants, work-study and loans. Fun fact: over 112 billion is awarded in federal student aid annually. Students who graduate from the New Academy Charter School are entitled to a $2,000 scholarship to their post-secondary school of choice.
At the New Academy Charter School our goal is to establish a school culture that reinforces positive behavior and academic success. In other words "Catch a kid doing something right" - that's the motto of our school. To promote that motto we have established a reward system of positive incentives. In the month of December, the holiday spirit was on full display at the New Academy Charter School. Our students decked the halls (literally) with decorations to celebrate the holiday season This year we had a non-traditional holiday lunch with pizza and wings. The menu was selected by our Senior students. To close out the holiday season we cozied up with some hot chocolate, donuts and gifts right before the winter break!
For the second year in a row, we were the recipients of the generous donors at Zeds in the South Side. Zeds collected donations of clothes, hats, shoes and so much more for our students, providing our students had the opportunity to 'shop' before the holiday! We were also lucky to receive donations of hygiene products, from Education Partnership, for all of our students to choose from as well!
#ShopZeds
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh
Established in 1965, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh is the region’s premier evidenced-based youth mentoring agency—earning national recognition for program quality and organizational excellence.
Our target population includes children ages 6-18 from single parent families, low-income households, and underperforming schools. In many cases, these children have incarcerated parents, encounter bullying in school, and face other challenging circumstances that increase their susceptibility to negative outcomes.
At BBBSPGH, we make meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”) in Allegheny, Greene, and Washington counties. There are three program options available that are designed to help develop strong one-to-one relationships, and make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young children—Community-Based, Site-Based, and mentor2.0.
Vision Care
Blind and Vision Rehabilitative Services are committed to ensuring ALL patients have access to the highest quality vision care. Everyone should have an annual eye exam. Please call 412-368-4080 to schedule your appointment today. We look forward to meeting all of your eye care needs. Through a collaboration with the Pennsylvania Vision Foundation, we are introducing the Vision Benefits Program to offer free exams and free eye glasses to anyone who is eligible. Click here to learn more about this program
Reading is Fundamental (RIF)
Reading Is Fundamental Pittsburgh addresses this critical need by providing children with access to self-selected books, creating positive environments that motivate children to develop a lifelong love of reading, and engaging families in literacy practices in the home. RIF Pittsburgh is dedicated to reducing the literacy gap in our community and fostering a lifelong love of reading in the children we serve.
CONTACT:READING IS FUNDAMENTAL
(412) 321 - 8022
Local Resources
We recognize families have a variety of needs as they navigate life. Below are resources that address needs such as technology, school options, parenting resources and more.
The New Academy Charter School recognizes the importance of regular attendance in school as a means of helping students achieve academic success. We know your student may have a valid reason for being absent.
Some reasons for an excused absence are: doctor or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours, death of a family member, student illness, religious holidays, or required court attendance.
- Please provide a medical note or written explanation for all absences upon their return to school.
- Submit medical notes/or written excuses within 3 days of the absence to Ms. Melissa Miller email millerm@theacademyschools.com, fax: 412 515-2299
- Phone calls to the school will NOT excuse your child.
- Only 10 parental notes can be accepted each school year. All others must be formal excuses.
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