Partnership Academy graduation

The first-ever graduation ceremony for Partnership Academy was a beautiful, moving experience; the media center at A.L. Stanback Middle School was packed with people supporting the five students who walked in those majestic purple robes at the ceremony.

Here are some pictures from the event.

Pet Pals celebrates one year expanded service

No one can deny the immediate connection between humans and dogs. Wendy Stewart, school social worker at Hillsborough Elementary School and Partnership Academy, capitalized on that bond a few years ago when she first certified her pooch, Ella, as a therapy dog and began bringing her into Partnership. This spring, Wendy's program—dubbed Pet Pals—celebrated its first year using community volunteers (instead of just Wendy's dogs). About 15 volunteers visit five different Orange County schools, watching their canines help children of various ages read and practice social behavior.

For more information, see the Wednesday, June 15, edition of the News of Orange.

SIP: Partnership Academy

So, here's the next School Improvement Plan, for Partnership Academy, though for them the first option is not needs but the local ABC options:

1. (ABC option:) To improve students' grades.// (target:) Sixty-three percent of students enrolled will increase their percentage of passing grades at PA when compared with their percentage of passing grades while attending their most recent school, as evidenced in report card grades.// (strategies:) a) Using Mind Ladder Learning Guides, evaluate the intellective and non-intellective knowledge construction functions each child possesses, determining strengths and areas to be further developed. Mediate the learning gap using the adviser program and the dynamic assessment tool kit; b) All permanent full-time certified staff for core academic areas (English, math, science and social studies) will evaluate NovaNET and choose supplemental materials and lessons to enhance online instructions in the areas of the NCSCOS that are not covered; c) All permanent full-time certified staff for core academic areas (English, math, science and social studies) will provide direct instruction to students and will assist students in preparation for End of Court tests and the NC Writing Tests using printed and Internet resources, as well as materials provided on NovaNET.

2. (ABC option:) To increase parent involvement.// (target:) Eighty-five percent of PA families will take an active role in their children's education by participating in at least three planned school activities per semester in which their student is enrolled at PA during the 2009-10 school year, as evidenced in meeting minutes, sing in logs and STEP plans.// (strategies: a) Host two or more parent events that involved a parent networking opportunity and educational component; b) Assess family strengths and needs through the Mind Ladder Assessment and Family Interview and provide information and resource referrals as indicated; c) Publish a monthly student produced newsletter.

3. (ABC options:) To increase community involvement.// (target:) a) Collaborate with community members to facilitate two or more parent events that involve a parent networking opportunity and educational component; b) Invite community members to be guest speakers in the Personal Development Course; c) Update school Web site to include school activity information, school newsletter, and links to relevant resources for students and parents.

Budget info: Total of $7,298.11.