ASA Looks Forward to Increased Student Enrollment

Spring/Summer 2015

THE TRIUMPH OF GRADUATION 2015

From the march into the Columbus Park Refectory to the tossing of caps, the graduating class of 2015 celebrated their milestone to the cheers of family and friends. More than 50 students weathered the challenges of senior year to meet their goal of graduation. ASA is proud of its graduates. Delivering messages of inspiration to the graduates were keynote speaker Attorney Mazie Harris, valedictorian Samaria Porter, and salutatorian Jakeemah Cotton.

Visit the photo gallery on our school website and Facebook page for more pictures.

ASA LOOKS FORWARD TO

INCREASED STUDENT ENROLLMENT

Student enrollment at the Academy of Scholastic Achievement is increasing from 184 to 220 for the 2015-2016 school year. ASA has also submitted a proposal to Chicago Public Schools for additional slots. The increased enrollment will mean more opportunities for students on the West Side of Chicago to access a positive, quality education. ASA offers students caring teachers and staff and great facilities, including a state-of-the-arts science lab and a well-equipped collaborative learning environment that integrates technology and learning. All of our resources are utilized to offer a rigorous curriculum rooted in personal and social development, with an emphasis on social and economic justice.

MASS INCARCERATION PROJECT FOCUS OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT PROJECT

ASA students joined their counterparts in Youth Connection Charter Schools this past year in researching the terrible impact of mass incarceration on American society and our local neighborhoods. As part of its project, ASA students worked to help with efforts to restore review of a juvenile court judge before an adolescent's case can be transferred to adult courts. The project included a visit by representatives of the Juvenile Justice Initiative, Julia Sportolari and Kanako Ishida (pictured from left to right in photo below) to speak to students. Students signed a petition to change state laws to restore juvenile court review of cases involving adolescents. ASA student Serenity Stoudemire, who helped present ASA research at a YCCS youth summit, joined YCCS resource coordinator Kimberly Hopson for an interview with George Blaise, host of WCIU's 24 N. Halsted, a public affairs program (see photo above).

Visit the photo gallery on our school website and Facebook page for more pictures.

Alumni News:

FRANKLIN PLANS FOR NAVY CAREER

Albert Franklin (Class of 2014) is enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He'd dreamed of being in the Navy since 7th grade. Albert studied the service branches and decided on the Navy because of the benefits it offers. Albert left in mid-May for 6 weeks of boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Base, to be followed by 12 weeks of training in computers for his career as an Operations Specialist. Following training he will ship out for five years around the globe, stationed in Japan, China, Hawaii and France, as well as New York and Chicago. Albert expects to make a career in the Navy, serving 20 years, then return to Chicago to start a business. He transferred to ASA from North Lawndale College Prep. His advice to students: "keep your street life and school life separate and try to learn as much as you can."

FORMER MVP, HUMPHREY SHARES FOND MEMORIES OF ASA DAYS

Coach Jones and Marcus Humphrey show off uniform for #44.

Marcus Humphrey (class of 2004), valedictorian and "most valuable player" on the Trojans, returned for a visit and reminisced about his days as Number 44. Marcus just returned to Chicago after 9 years in the U.S. Army, where he worked as a diesel mechanic, stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan and South Korea. Marcus came to ASA from Currie where he admits he was constantly in trouble. A friend directed him to ASA where he met Mr. Jones and played on the basketball team. Marcus remembers well what Mr. Jones would say when he was late to class: "You're too late for today and too early for tomorrow." After graduating from ASA, Marcus went to Chicago State University before joining the military. Impressed with the changes he sees at ASA, Marcus advises students to take full advantage of their "good second chance. So, don't give up on what you want to do in life. I think I've made a successful life when things could have gone the other way."

Volume: 7 Issue: 2

In This Issue

Mass Incarceration Project

Alumni News: Albert Franklin and Marcus Humphrey

Second Semester
Honor Roll

Kudos to students on the second semester honor roll:

Jelani Allen

Davon Covington

Jakeemah Cotton

Willisha Dobbs

Sarah Ford

Shaunta Faulkner

Deanna Fox

Serenity-Holman Stoudemire

Kenisha Hoskins

Whitney Jackson

Antranice Johnson

Sharon Johnson

Kesha Lewis

Samaria Porter

Tamera Smith

Demarcus Toliver

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PE DAY: A TIME FOR FOOD AND FUN

This year's PE Day was a chance to have fun, burn off some energy, and show off the triumph of the Class of 2015.

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We Day 2015

ASA students donned the bright blue tee-shirts declaring "Bring Out the Good," and headed out to participate in We Day at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. We Day is a national effort to encourage young people to make a difference in the world through volunteering. The field trip was part of the Mass Incarceration civic engagement project of Youth Connection Charter Schools.

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Parents Learn

Computer Skills

Our parents were our students for a special training to teach basic computer skills. The training took place in the Collaborative Learning Environment (CLE), specially equipped to integrate high-tech and learning.

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The Future Beckons at College Fair

In early March, ASA students met with college representatives at the 2015 College Fair. Students filled out applications and asked questions as they explored their options for life after graduation.

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Provider's Day Offers Array of Services

Service providers offered advice and access to services to students on a variety of topics from parenting to mental health, from employment to mentoring. Among the providers were Get In Chicago, WestCare Illinois, Hartgrove, Rape Victims Advocates, Greenhouse, Illinois Action for Children, and Center for Employment Institute.

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ASA Mission
To accept students where they are academically, socially, and emotionally by educating, supporting, celebrating and empowering students to achieve a higher quality of life.

ASA Vision

To cultivate compassionate, self-sustaining, globally-minded, critical thinkers who can compete and succeed in the world economy.

ASA Core Values

Integrity

Discipline

Compassion

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Academy of Scholastic Achievement

4651 W. Madison Street ~ Chicago, IL 60644
p: 773-921-1315 ~ f: 773-921-1121
www.asaschool.org

A Youth Connection Charter School Campus