Fall Recap
Fall is flying by at Success Preparatory Academy, and the 2011-2012 school year is off to a great start as the first quarter comes to a close. We've made some big changes since last year, the most noticeable of which is the addition of the 5th grade. Our 5th grade class of 2023 continues to lead the way as our school grows, and this year, they have new uniforms that set them apart as our school leaders. This fall we also welcomed the class of 2028, our new kindergarteners, who have made a smooth transition into elementary school and are ready for leadership and lifelong learning.
As our student body grows, our staff grows as well. You can learn more about our staff members, both new and old, through our website on the "Our Team" page. Each edition of our newsletter also provides a more in-depth look at one of our staff members in the Teacher Spotlight. This edition features 2nd grade teacher Noeleen Hay.
Building Literacy at SPA
October marks the beginning of the second year of Prime Time Family Reading Time at Success, a family literacy program through the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities run by our Communities in Schools staff. Students and their families will come together on Thursday nights in October and November for reading, storytelling, and discussion. The program aims to empower families to help their children learn and love to read.
This year Success will also be working with Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR), a children’s literacy program that provides free one-on-one tutoring in reading and language skills to students as well as literacy support to family members. On Tuesdays and Thursdays students will work with volunteer tutors from the community who have been trained by STAIR to use a professionally-designed reading curriculum that supplements SPA's instruction.
1st grader Robert working with STAIR tutors. More photos here.
Supporting Success
While our students were enjoying their summer off, our summer staff was hard at work securing sponsorships for each of our 17 classrooms. Representatives from seventeen different colleges and universities from across the country showed their support for Success by donating $1000 to sponsor one of our homerooms. Many donors have continued their participation in our students' education by volunteering in classrooms and around the school. Later this year, students will also receive college t-shirts to represent their homeroom and their college or university sponsor during our College T-Shirt Ceremony.
Board Member Jack Carey also showed tremendous support for Success this August by running the Lean Horse 100, a 100 mile marathon in South Dakota. Through his fundraising efforts surrounding the marathon, Jack raised over $3,000 to support our students and our mission. He will continue to run for Success and plans to run marathons in all 50 states. You can read more about his fundraising efforts, his goals, and his inspiration on his First Giving page. If you would like more information on how to support Success, visit our website or call us at 504.909.6275.
Teacher Spotlight: Noeleen Hay, 2nd Grade Teacher
Ms. Hay brings over 10 years of teaching experience to our 2nd grade University of Virginia classroom. She joined the Success team in 2009.
Where are you from?
I am from Australia. My hometown is Brisbane, and it is in the state of Queensland.
What drew you to New Orleans?
Teaching drew me to New Orleans. I was looking for more of a challenge in my career, and I knew that New Orleans had been underserved for a long time, so I wanted to come here to teach, and make a difference in the lives the families who choose to send their children to our school.
What appealed to you about teaching at SPA?
I really liked the way nothing was left to chance. Everything is so well thought out, and everything is done so that students will achieve and experience success in their lives. I love that!
What do you like most about your job?
I love the fact that I am making a positive difference in the lives of children every day. It makes me feel good to know that I can help children learn and believe in themselves, and that they can do or be anything they want to when they grow up.
What is your favorite thing about Success students?
My favorite thing about Success Prep students is that they are ready, willing and able to achieve great things. I love the way they never give up, and the way they always want to do better than the day before. |
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We develop college-bound students for leadership and lifelong learning.
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Important Dates
- October 20: Report Card Conferences, Prime Time Family Reading
- October 21: NO SCHOOL, Staff Professional Development Day
- October 27: Prime Time Family Reading
- October 29: Halloween Fest, 10 AM - 12 PM
- November 1-3: Uniform Sale Days
- November 3: Prime Time Family Reading, Board Meeting
- November 10: Prime Time Family Reading
- November 21-25: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Holiday
School supply donors with Mr. Adriaan and Upper School students
Board member Jack Carey giving a thumbs up during the Lean Horse 100
2nd grader Jalen with a globe he made in class
Staff and friends with the 610 Stompers at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk
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