Horizon Happenings
April 2023
Kindergarten Senior Walk: Celebrating Milestones and Looking Ahead
Kindergarten is a magical time in a child's life, filled with discovery, growth, and unforgettable memories. It marks the beginning of their educational journey and lays the foundation for their future academic pursuits. As the school year drew to a close, our kindergartners participated in a heartwarming tradition known as the "Kindergarten-Senior Walk," a celebration of their accomplishments and a glimpse into the exciting adventures that lie ahead.
For the graduating seniors, the Senior Walk is a poignant moment of reflection and transition. It signifies the end of their high school journey and the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. They bid farewell to familiar classrooms and beloved teachers, cherishing the memories they have made while eagerly anticipating the adventures that await them beyond graduation.
The Kindergarten-Senior Walk is a special event that brings together the entire school community, including teachers, staff, parents, and senior students. On this momentous day, the kindergarten graduates don their miniature caps and gowns, radiating with joy and excitement, while the soon to be graduating class of 2023 do the same. They take a symbolic stroll through the hallways, paired together and cheered on by their teachers, peers, and parents.
It is a heartwarming sight to witness the enthusiasm and support pouring in from everyone. The Kindergarten-Senior Walk not only recognizes the achievements of these kindergartners but also serves as an inspiration for them to continue their educational journey with determination and enthusiasm. Beyond its sentimental value, the Kindergarten-Senior Walk holds deeper significance. It represents the collective efforts of teachers, staff, and the entire school community in nurturing and guiding these students throughout their educational journey. It highlights the transformative power of education and the enduring impact of relationships forged within the school walls.
CYSP Holds Awards Banquet
As the academic year wrapped up, so did another year of our CYSP. CYSP is Concept Schools Young Scholars Program, a mentoring program created by Concept Schools. The mission of the Concept Young Scholars Program (CYSP) is to improve the students’ academic success, prepare them for college, develop strong character, nurture and empower students through Personal Development, Community Service, Physical Activities and Educational Adventures.
This year more than 90 students participated in the program here at Horizon Science Academy of Lorain. In honor of their hard work and achievements, the CYSP Banquet was held. This prestigious banquet serves as a platform to honor and applaud the remarkable accomplishments of young scholars who successfully participated in the program this year. This year 21 students reached Gold Plus, 62 students reached Gold, 12 reached Silver, and 2 reached Bronze.
CYSP is open for grades 5-12. If your student is interested in joining this Fall, please contact our CYSP Coordinator, Mrs. Dewey.
Middle School End the Year with Field Day
As the school year draws to a close, middle school students eagerly anticipate the annual Field Day—an event filled with fun, laughter, and a sense of camaraderie. This special day is a celebration of their accomplishments and a well-deserved break from the rigors of academics. This year's field day included several activities such as kickball, sidewalk chalk art, a shaved ice truck, movies, and much more. Laughter filled the air as friendships were strengthened and memories were created.
Student Council's Heartwarming Surprise: An Assembly of Appreciation for Staff
In schools, it's often the teachers and staff who tirelessly work behind the scenes to create a nurturing and empowering environment for students. Recognizing their dedication and wanting to show their gratitude, our Student Council body took it upon themselves to organize a heartwarming surprise staff appreciation assembly. This thoughtful gesture not only celebrated the remarkable efforts of the school's faculty and staff but also demonstrated the strong bond between students and educators.
The assembly was carefully planned and executed by the student council, who worked diligently to ensure that every staff member felt valued and recognized for their contributions. With excitement buzzing in the air, students eagerly gathered in the school auditorium to present staff members with gift bags and words of appreciation.
One by one, students from various grade levels stepped forward, sharing heartfelt speeches and personal anecdotes about the impact that specific staff members had made on their lives. The atmosphere was electric with emotion as the room filled with applause, cheers, and tears of joy. The student-led assembly became a platform to express admiration and gratitude for the dedication, patience, and support demonstrated by the staff members each day.
To further demonstrate their appreciation, the student council presented each staff member with a personalized note of thanks, acknowledging their unique qualities and highlighting the positive influence they had on the school community.
The surprise staff appreciation assembly organized by the student council not only uplifted the spirits of the staff members but also served as a powerful reminder of the strong bond between educators and students. It reinforced the notion that a supportive and nurturing school environment is a result of the collective efforts of the entire community.
Senior Recognition Day
Senior Recognition Day is an eagerly awaited event at Horizon Science Academy of Lorain, where students from 8th to 11th grades gather together to celebrate the achievements and future plans of the graduating seniors. The atmosphere is one of excitement and inspiration as the seniors take the stage, sharing their college acceptance stories, scholarship offers, and their dreams for the future. With pride in their voices, they impart valuable advice for navigating the high school journey and offer insights on how to make the most of the college application process. The event becomes a platform for the younger students to envision their own bright futures while learning from the experiences and wisdom of those who are about to embark on their next chapter.
Adding to the significance of Senior Recognition Day, alumni return to share their post-high school experiences and offer advice for a successful first year on campus. As these former students step forward, their stories resonate with the audience, showcasing the diverse paths they have taken since leaving high school. They discuss their college choices, the challenges they faced, and the valuable life lessons they learned along the way. The alumni speakers inspire the current students, reassuring them that success comes in different forms and encouraging them to embrace the journey ahead with confidence and resilience. Senior Recognition Day not only celebrates the accomplishments of the graduating class but also fosters a sense of aspiration and determination among the underclassmen, empowering them to chase their own dreams beyond high school.
Mrs. Drda's 4th Grade Science Class: A Fascinating Journey of Incubating and Hatching Chickens
In Mrs. Drda's 4th grade science class students embarked on an extraordinary adventure that brought the wonders of life and biology right into their classroom. The students had the unique opportunity to witness the process of incubating and hatching chickens, transforming their science lessons into a hands-on experience that will leave a lasting impact on their understanding of the natural world.
The journey began with the arrival of fertilized chicken eggs, carefully selected and provided to the class. Under the guidance of Mrs. Drda, the students learned about the importance of maintaining optimal conditions for incubation, including temperature, humidity, and turning the eggs regularly. Each day, the students eagerly monitored the progress.
As days turned into weeks, anticipation filled the air as cracks appeared on the shells, signaling the arrival of new life. The classroom buzzed with excitement as the students witnessed the miraculous process of hatching. With bated breath, they observed as tiny beaks poked through the shells and delicate chicks emerged into the world.
Beyond the wonder and excitement, this unique experience provided invaluable lessons about the life cycle, responsibility, and empathy. The students witnessed firsthand the importance of providing a nurturing environment for living organisms and developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of nature.
The Final Spirit Week: A Memorable End to the Year
As the school year neared its end, students eagerly anticipated the final spirit week—an exhilarating culmination of school pride and camaraderie. This special week was filled with dress-down days, engaging activities, and a contagious sense of excitement that reverberated throughout the hallways. Among the standout highlights were the creative dress-up themes, including the senior class embracing their impending transition into adulthood by dressing up as senior citizens.
The spirit of the week reached its peak during the highly anticipated pep rally. The air was electric with anticipation as students filled the gymnasium, decked out in their class colors and fueled by an intense desire to showcase their enthusiasm and team spirit.
One of the highlights of the pep rally was the series of spirited games that pitted different classes against one another. The freshman, sophomore, juniors, and seniors engaged in friendly competition, showcasing their agility, teamwork, and school pride. The gymnasium reverberated with cheers and applause as students from each grade level fiercely battled it out in various challenges, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.
Adding to the excitement, a staff vs students kickball game was held, further reinforcing the sense of unity and community within the school. Laughter and friendly banter filled the air as teachers and staff members showcased their athletic prowess, and students exhibited their competitive spirit. It was a memorable display of camaraderie and a unique opportunity for students and staff to bond outside of the traditional classroom setting.
CYSP Students Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure at Camp Y-Noah
Our CYSP groups recently embarked on a thrilling weekend getaway to Camp Y-Noah. Nestled amidst the picturesque beauty of nature, this outdoor haven provided the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, camaraderie, and a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.
From the moment the students arrived at Camp Y-Noah, they were greeted with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The action-packed itinerary offered a wide array of activities designed to challenge their limits, foster teamwork, and create lasting memories. Among the highlights was an exhilarating canoeing expedition, where students navigated the serene waters, honing their paddling skills and reveling in the natural splendor surrounding them.
As night fell, the campfire crackled, casting a warm glow that illuminated the faces of the students. Gathered around the flickering flames, they shared stories, laughter, and a sense of togetherness. The crackling fire became the backdrop for the forging of new friendships and the strengthening of existing bonds, as students discovered a sense of community in the heart of nature.
Underneath the starlit sky, the group embarked on a captivating night hike. The night hike provided an opportunity for self-reflection, as well as a chance to appreciate the wonders of the natural world in a new light.
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, tower climbing and archery offered thrilling challenges. Scaling the towering heights of the camp's climbing tower, students faced their fears head-on, supported by their peers and the encouraging guidance of trained instructors. Meanwhile, the archery range provided an opportunity for precision and focus as students honed their aim and technique, hitting bullseyes and reveling in the satisfaction of a well-placed shot.
The trip to Camp Y-Noah provided the CYSP students with a multitude of experiences that transcended the classroom walls. It was an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, to push their boundaries, and to discover new strengths and abilities. Beyond the adventure and excitement, the trip fostered a deep appreciation for the natural world and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
4th Grade Field Trip to Cuyahoga County Metropark's West Creek Reservation
Earlier this month our 4th grade students embarked on an educational and immersive field trip to the scenic West Creek Reservation of Cuyahoga County Metroparks. Despite the rainy weather that prevented the planned creek exploration, the enthusiastic students embraced the opportunity to learn about the water cycle and native animal species, thanks to the resourceful park rangers who brought the activities indoors.
With raindrops gently tapping against the windows, the students gathered inside the visitor center, eagerly awaiting their educational adventure. The park rangers, armed with a wealth of knowledge and creativity, transformed the indoor space into a hub of learning and discovery. Through engaging presentations and hands-on activities, the students delved into the intricacies of the water cycle, understanding the vital role it plays in our ecosystem.
The park rangers captivated the students' attention with interactive demonstrations, showcasing the journey of water from clouds to the earth and back again. Additionally, the students were introduced to the rich biodiversity of the West Creek Reservation, home to a myriad of native animal species. With vivid storytelling and engaging visuals, the park rangers painted a vivid picture of the vibrant wildlife that thrived within the park's boundaries.
Inaugural "Mark the Map Day": Celebrating the Dreams and Achievements of Future Graduates
We were excited to hold our inaugural "Mark the Map Day" on Tuesday, May 2nd. This special event, organized by Ms. Aude and Mr. Simmons. Our senior class had the opportunity to mark their prospective college, trade school, or career location on a USA map using thumbtacks.
It is a symbolic moment that celebrates the dreams and accomplishments of our future graduates.
The idea behind "Mark the Map Day" is to create a visual representation of the remarkable journey our senior class has undertaken. As they stand on the brink of a new chapter in their lives, this event allows them to proudly declare their aspirations and show the world where their dreams will take them. Each thumbtack on the map signifies the dedication, hard work, and determination our students have poured into their education, preparing themselves for the next phase of their academic and professional journeys.
"Mark the Map Day" serves as a powerful reminder that education is not merely a means to an end but a transformative journey. It encapsulates the dreams, aspirations, and limitless potential of our students, showcasing the impact they will have on the world. By visualizing their future paths, our seniors will feel an even deeper sense of purpose and motivation as they embark on their chosen endeavors.
The hope is that "Mark the Map Day" will inspire all students to reflect on their own aspirations, goals, and dreams for the future. As the senior class leaves their mark on the map, the event becomes a shared celebration, with every student recognizing the significance of their own journey and the possibilities that lie ahead.
Class of 2023's Senior Trip to Chicago
During Memorial Day Weekend the Senior Class of 2023 took HSA’s first ever senior trip to Chicago, Illinois. Students fundraised over the course of the year to help with the cost of their trip. 21 students and 4 chaperones attended this trip and had quite an experience! Their visit included The Lincoln Park Zoo, which is one of the 3 major free zoos left in the country. They also rode scooters and played football at Oak Street Beach. Next up was a quick trip to Millennium Park, home of Cloud Gate aka “The Bean”. Other notable tourist destinations include the Field Museum, The John Hancock Building with a 360 view of the city 94 floors up, The Navy Pier, and a speedboat tour of the city’s gorgeous architecture. What trip to Chicago would be complete without the delicious experience of the classic Chicago deep dish pizza from Giordano’s! The Senior trip was a phenomenal way for our students to close out their senior year. Many memories were made and will remain close to their hearts for years to come!
Contact Us
Email: varner@horizonlorain.org
Website: www.horizonlorain.org
Location: 760 Tower Boulevard, Lorain, OH, USA
Phone: 440-282-4277
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HorizonScienceAcademyLorain/
Twitter: @HSALorain