LEARNING SNAPSHOTS

Over the next 2-3 weeks, Amana Academy will administer an assessment program that will allow our teachers to have much more specific information on each child's level of ability. The MAP assessment, Measure of Academic Progress, will test K-8th grade students on Reading, English Language Arts, and Math in a computer-adaptive test.

MAP assessments are created by a respected non-profit educational organization and administered both nationally and internationally. As a member of the MAP network, we can compare our students with national standards, have access to state-of-the-art computer-adaptive tests, and receive a variety of high-quality results reports which will inform instruction in a much more pro-active, targeted manner. Our staff is excited to have this feedback in a very teacher-friendly format for use during our planning sessions.

You will find out your child's exact schedule from his/her classroom teacher. There is no special preparation needed on parents' part, other than the usual advice on early bedtimes and a healthy breakfast. You should receive a paper report of your child's results on all three tests in February. If your child took part in MAP testing in the past with Amana, you'll have a summary of the progress your child has made over time on the same report. Please contact Jelena Naim with any questions.  

RECONITIONS

State DOE Leaders Pay a Visit to Amana  

On January 5th during teacher pre-planing days, our Middle School Science/Math teachers presented their students' showcase walls to some very special guests from the Georgia Department of Education. The guests pictured below were Gilda Lyon, STEM Coordinator; Sandi Woodall, Math Program Coordinator; and Dr. John Pritchett, Coordinator, Middle School Curriculum. Ms. Lyons praised our teachers saying, "We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. You have an exceptional staff and their enthusiasm for teaching is infectious." Yes, that about sums it up.

Mrs. Roth, 6th Grade STEM Teacher showcases student work to DOE visitors and Mr. Craig Dean, 1st Grade parent and STEM Crew member.

Amana  Academy's New Inductees Into the National Honor Society  

On December 6th, 2011, Amana Academy inducted 17 middle and 13 elementary students into the National Honor Society (NHS).

The new inductees include: (NEHS) - Benjamin Engel, Faith Flaveney, Malik Jaafar, Zanee Jackson, Noor Jaleel, Yusra Khan, Zoeya Mahmood, Yahya Merchant, Faria Panwala, Muhammad Pardesi, and Safi Salem, Matthew St. Martin and Duaa Tariq. (NJHS) - Amaris Anderson, Aurielle Barnett, Dana Diab, Rotimi Flaveney, Hadiyah Khan, Hamzah Khan, Haniyyah Mahood, Ayla McGinnis, Abir Odeh, Brianna Okebalama, Jenhem Ouanzin, Arneeb Panwala, Mahvish Qureshi, Nooruddeen Salem, Hasan Tauha, Adam Uddin, and Maria Zulfigar.

More than just an honor roll, the National Junior and Elementary Honor Society serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character and Citizenship. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.

It is estimated that more than one million students participate in activities of the NEHS/NJHS.  NHS chapters are found in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, many U.S. Territories, and Canada. Amana chapter membership not only recognizes students for their outstanding academic achievements, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities, leadership and community service. Congratulations to all our 2011-2012 inductees!

Josh Burr is Awarded Volunteer of the Month!   

Amana Academy congratulates alumni Josh Burr on being named the December 2011 Volunteer of the Month. Josh was nominated by an overwhelming majority of parents, faculty and staff members for his service on campus these past four months.  

Because of the flexibility of his schedule and in line with the long-standing tradition of his mother, Tracie Burr (another past Volunteer of the Month!), Josh averages close to 40 hours a month in support of the media center, PE department, and various other departments throughout the school. Particularly noteworthy is Josh's willingness to help outside in carpool every afternoon. Directing traffic with a smile, no matter the weather conditions, is a natural for Josh. His friendly, generous spirit gives everyone a boost!  

Amana Academy's Partners in Education (PIE) recently presented Josh with a certificate and a gift in appreciation of his service. Alumni like Josh tell us the legacy of community service and civic involvement at Amana is one their most cherished attributes and we are extremely proud of students like Josh and many other alumni like Eman Afani, Asiya Jaleel, Asma Hajaj, Kamela Jaafar, Noha Hamied, and many, many others who routinely come back to Amana to volunteer.  We are delighted to give Josh's effort recognition - to encourage more people to get involved and make an impact in our community both far and wide. THANK YOU Josh for you ongoing dedication and service to our school! 

ANNOUNCEMENTS / REMINDERS

Advertise in the Amana Academy Yearbook

Do you have a home-based business? Do you operate a store or restaurant? Are you a realtor, doctor, lawyer, or accountant? Do you provide a service that Amana families need to know about? If so, consider advertising in the Amana Yearbook! CLICK HERE for more information.  

All ad payments are due no later than January 30th, with the ad copy due no later than February 15th. For more information, please contact our PIE Yearbook Coordinator, Tracie Burr at amanayearbook@amanaacademy.org.  

Recommitment Forms: Save Your Seat for Next Year 

It's that time of year again! If your child is currently attending Amana Academy, please reserve their seat along with any siblings that will be new to the school. Please CLICK HERE to fill out the Recommitment Form prior to the lottery in order to save your child's seat for next year.

TECH 2012 Annual Fund Reaches $8,165 In Less Than One Month! 

The Amana Academy Annual Fund needs your support. Proceeds from the fund will benefit students with more classroom technology. Please do not forget to share the link with your friends, either; you never know who will donate!  Remember, donations are tax deductible.  

Click on the Donate button to learn more.        

Is Your Child Ready for Kindergarten Next Year?   

Free parenting seminar on Monday morning, January 23, 10:00-11:30.  The seminar will be held at Alpharetta 1st United Methodist Church, 69 N. Main St., and will be presented by Carol Burkhart.  Readiness involves so much more than just being "old enough"!  What are the signs that can tell you whether or not your child is ready to begin the formal educational process?  What skills should a rising kindergartener have?  If your child is not ready to begin school, what are your options?  What is the danger of starting school when the child is truly not yet ready?  This seminar will explore each of these questions, equipping parents with information that will help them make the best decision for their child.

Reservation to attend is required, in order to provide appropriate seating set-up.  Please call 770-475-1876 or email Carol@DiscoveriesTutorial.com to make your reservation to attend.   Child care is provided by Alpharetta 1st UMC in church nursery, with childcare reservation made no later than January 18.  Please indicate name & age of child, if making childcare reservation.

EVENTS / OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteering at Amana: Together We Can Make a Difference

Over the past month, we've seen a HUGE increase in the number of parents logging in their volunteer hours! We're thankful for all you do for both our school and your children. It's important that your children--even Middle Schoolers--see you involved with their education. Volunteering at school is a great way to show them that their education is important to you.

All parents who volunteer on campus at Amana are required to complete a short Volunteer Orientation session. If you would you like to become an "approved" volunteer, please come to an orientation session at Amana Academy this Saturday, January 21, between 10:00am and 10:30 am. If you plan to attend, please CLICK HERE to fill out our RSVP form.   Please note that this form and the information session are for parents who wish to learn how to become an approved volunteer.  

If you are already an approved volunteer, here are the current, top three needs on campus:

1. Media Center Volunteer - either Tuesday or Wednesday from 2:00-3:00PM (volunteers are needed to help with shelving, filing, sorting, and other general tasks) 
2. Crew Parent Day Volunteer on January 28th - (volunteers are needed to help with the set-up and execution of this one-time event)
3. Copy Room Volunteer (***new!***) - hours are completely flexible  (volunteers are needed to stock the copy machines, tidy/organize the copy room and make copies; this is a great opportunity for parents with little children/babies as you can easily have them with you while you work) 

If you would like to sign up for any of the opportunities listed above, or find out about other opportunities to volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Support Coordinator, Lubna Merchant, at lubnamerchant@hotmail.com.  Also, please do not forget to log your volunteer hours by CLICKING HERE.  Thank you for supporting our children's education by volunteering at Amana!    

Alif Institute Offers Arabic Classes and Cultural Activities 

Let's Bowl!  

Your Child Could Be a Junior Ambassador to Japan  

As Georgia's liaison office for the 24th Annual Asian-Pacific Children's Convention (APCC), the JASG is again able to share the culture of Japan with four students (two boys and two girls) and one chaperone from State of Georgia through a fully funded exchange program to Fukuoka, Japan. The JASG is seeking applications from 10-11 year old students (with birthdays between September 1, 2000 and August 31, 2001) and from adults who would like to be considered to be the chaperone to accompany the 2012 delegation from Georgia.      

Ismail Sanchez, Amana teacher Isa Sanchez's son, was selected for this program last year and reported it to be a truly amazing experience. For more information or to have your child apply, CLICK HERE to visit JASG's website.  

Thank Governor Deal 

In his State of the State address, Governor Deal showed very strong support for charter schools. Please consider contacting him to show your appreciation. Last May he issued a proclamation during National Charter Schools Week in which he included Amana Academy (the second time we received this honor). 

CLICK HERE to be directed to his contact form and thank you in advance for being a strong voice of support for charter schools in the state of Georgia.       

If you ever have any questions or concerns, please contact your child's teacher directly, or any one of our Administrative team members.  If your question was not addressed, then feel free to contact our Governing Board.  Amana's main number is (678) 624-0989 and you may also find email contact information for all of our staff by visiting the Amana Staff Directory.

On behalf of the Governing Board, Amana faculty and staff, and the school Administration, thank you for entrusting your child's education to us.  With your continued support, we will continue to mold the very best and brightest global leaders within our community!