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Growth Invades Arizona Charter Academy
by Melissa Holdaway
It's slotted for two phases, and phase I is just around the corner. ACA is looking to expand by creating self-contained, enclosed classrooms for grades Kindergarten -8th, which should enhance the learning process and help create a more formal learning environment. "Each room will have its own overhead projector , TV, and VCR," said Mrs. Holdaway. The enclosed classrooms will be ready by the start of school in 2007.
Phase II features additional high school classrooms that will provide more elective classes for students. We will do this by building out the 12,000 square foot office located directly behind the current high school building. The vacant lot directly north of the high school building will become the administrative building to include offices and a parking lot. And saving the best for last, the new state of the art gymnasium that will include a stage should be ready by September, 2008. The current playground equipment will be upgraded and moved to a new location to make room for the new gym. The gym will allow us to hold all of our school functions, basketball games, and future school musicals /plays.
"I'm really excited about ACA's future," replied Mrs. Holdaway. "There are so many possibilities and doors that have opened for us." Please feel free to stop by the school and look at our new plans. We welcome you, and we look forward to seeing your children grow with us.
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AIM(s) to Suceed...
Standardized Tests Around the Corner
AIMS, the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards, will be administered in February and April.
At this time, all sophomores and junior/senior students who have not passed all three tests will be required to take the exams. Seniors must pass the reading, writing, and math portion of the test in order to receive a high school diploma and participate in ACA's graduation.
The sophomore class will also field test the new science portion of the AIMS exam on April 12; however, at this time, the exam is not a requirement for graduation.
In order to meet the state requirements, each school must have 95% attendance for the days the test is given. Currently, ACA is ranked a " performing school."
Second grade and ninth grade students will be administered the Terra-Nova test on April 9th?20th. Exact dates will follow. The AIMS DPA (dual purpose assessment) tests will be administered to the 3rd through 8th grade students on these days as well.
AIMS TESTS DATES:
Writing- February 27
Reading- February 28
Math- April 11
Science- April 12
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Genetically Speaking
Never a Dull Moment in Science Class
"When am I ever going to need this in real life?" This very real and relevant question is heard by Mrs. Grossnickle, aka Ms. G., on a weekly basis.
With a dual B.A. in earth science and geology and a Masters in Geology, our junior high and high school science teacher is well-educated in her subject area.
Effie Grossnickle has taught science at ACA for two and a half years and is a dedicated and committed teacher. "The best parts of ACA are the students, the smaller class size, and it's more personal."
Mrs. G's strategies for fostering innovation are unique and in return, these strategies help to motivate her students. When asked why science, Mrs. G. replied, "At first it was fun and interesting, but now it helps reconfirm my belief in a higher power because I can see how interwoven the natural world can be."
Senior Celeste Stewart said, "In Mrs. G's class we learn about the world around us. That keeps us interested!"
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