FOCUS LEARNING ACADEMY

Focus will Host OSU Social Work Interns

Nick — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:15:06 +0000

Focus is excited to pair with the Ohio State University to offer local college students in the social work field the chance to intern at the Academies. They will work closely with our current Social Workers, helping Focus students and gaining hands on experience in the profession. Focus is in the process of interviewing potential interns and hopes to have one or two MSW (Master’s in Social Work) level college students in the schools by January. In addition to being a great learning experience for the interns, the program will offer Focus the ability to request volunteers from the social work department for events or activities, get social work fee waivers, participate in community networking with agencies and schools and take advantage of opportunities to teach or be a guest lecturer at OSU.

Miss Black Ohio Visits Focus Southwest, Blogs About Her Experience

Nick — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:14:20 +0000

Miss Black Ohio 2010, Ashley Miller, is a Cincinnati native and graduate of the University of Louisville and Berea College. She currently works as a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner as the leading clinician at a Planned Parenthood location in Cincinnati. Her platform is HIV/AIDS Awareness, Prevention and Education. She wrote:

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Today I had to opportunity to speak at the Focus Learning Academy in Columbus, Ohio. I spoke to a group of students that ranged in age from 16 to 22. I began my talk by finding out what all the students knew about pageants, we discussed what all goes into the preparation and stage show! I spent the majority of my time with them talking to them about my platform, HIV/AIDS awareness! I talked with them about what HIV/AIDS stands for, how it can be contracted, how to prevent it, and the importance of testing. I really tried to get across to them the importance getting tested and encouraging their friends and family members to be tested as well! Lastly, we talked about the importance of education and why everyone should finish their high school education and continue to the college level. I encouraged them to set goals for themselves and to dream big! It was great to hear all of their aspirations for the future and I just really wanted to portray to them that you can do anything you set your mind to, so don’t let anyone or anything stand in your way! I had a really good experience at this appearance and pray that I was able to touch some of the kids with my words!

To learn more, read her blog at:
missblackohiousa2010.blogspot.com

Focus Students and Staff Rally to Support Charter Schools

Nick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:01:53 +0000

On Wednesday, May 13, several students and staff, armed with signs and enthusiasm, traveled downtown to participate in the My School My Choice Rally at the Statehouse. The rally drew over 4,000 charter school and online school supporters from around the state! The immense turnout was in response to Governor Strickland’s budget proposal that would severely cut public charter school funding by 26 percent and e-school funding by 74 percent.

Rally participants gathered at Veterans Memorial before marching together up Broad Street to the Statehouse lawn chanting “My school, my choice!” Once there, the crowd heard remarks from key supporters. The speakers included State Senate President Bill Harris, Senate Education Committee Chair Gary Cates, Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools President Bill Simms and Black Alliance for Educational Options State Director Tracie Craft. Several times the speakers urged the crowd to turn to the Statehouse and yell “Save our school!” in an effort to show the Governor that charter schools are an important option for students to have. Currently, 80,000 students attend charter or online schools in Ohio. Please help Focus continue giving students a safe and enriching schooling alternative by telling others the importance of supporting charter schools and opposing Governor Strickland’s educational budget proposal!

CBI Students Visit Power 107.5

Nick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:01:16 +0000

On Thursday, May 7, CBI students had the opportunity to visit Power 107.5 and spend time with DJ City. In order to qualify, students had to write an essay on why they should be given the opportunity, have two staff recommendations and have no more than one discipline referral. Staff members from each school evaluated students’ essays and those with the highest scores were selected. The winners were Dexter Green from North, David Rodgers from Southwest, and Gracia Carpenter and Leondro Reyes from East.

During the visit, students had lunch with City and got to meet the station’s general manager, as well as one of the other radio personalities, Konata. Students talked with City about real-life issues and why they were determined to do well in school. Students also learned about the behind the scenes operations at the radio station and were allowed to record “shout outs” that aired on City’s show later that night.

Speaker Jam a Hit with Students

Nick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:00:36 +0000

The scholars at Focus East gained a newfound perspective for their future on Tuesday, April 28. Local celebrities and community leaders came and spoke to the students at the first ever Speaker Jam. The students heard from Misty Jordan, from the 107.5 Power Morning Crew; City, from the 107.5 City Show; Mike Thornton, educator and basketball coach; Leon Rodgers, professional basketball player in China; and Jerome DeCarlo, from the Huckleberry House.

The overall theme each speaker shared was that we all have a chance to make our own decisions and to guide our future and destiny in the right direction! Students were able to hear from each speaker for about 20 minutes. The speakers shared their personal stories of triumph and failure. They proved that no one is perfect—you just have to be determined to be the best at whatever you do!

Students Work with Local Audubon Center to Map Non-Native Plant Species

Nick — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:59:19 +0000

This spring Focus East students were able to participate in a unique pilot program sponsored by the Grange Insurance Audubon Center within the Scioto Audubon Metro Park. Three students participated in this program, Matt Pathammavong, Sydatris Thompson and Elizabeth Valdez. The goal of the pilot study was to collect data about non-native or invasive species of plants present in the park. Each student was taught to use Trimble GPS units to target the species in the field and create maps of the area, highlighting areas where invasive species were most densely populated. The students earned a half credit of Environmental Technology for their tremendous efforts. The Scioto Metro Park will be using the students’ data to make resource management and ecosystem conservation decisions throughout the year.

Focus North Hosts Community Luncheon

Nick — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:12:41 +0000

On Wednesday, January 14, Focus North hosted its first annual Community Luncheon, inviting community leaders to learn firsthand the great things that are happening at the school. The lunch was the perfect opportunity for Focus staff and student to build new ties to the community and create awareness of the program. The guest included Don B. Heard, Executive Director of Juvenile Justice Program, Gail Brown, Director of the Boys & Girls Club and several Franklin County Juvenile Probation Officers.

Several of the student council members spoke at the luncheon and the guests received a tour of the school. It was a great opportunity to showcase the school’s hardworking students and their efforts. Focus North plans to make this an annual event so they can continue to encourage community involvement and show off their students’ accomplishments.

Have you heard about Project Nurture?

Nick — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:12:19 +0000

Project Nurture is a new initiative of Focus Learning Academy to help our students who are young parents or pregnant teens. The commitment to help these students is the result of interacting first hand with them on a daily basis. They are attending our schools with the passion and desire to better themselves and create a better life for their children. They work hard balance the new responsibilities of parenthood, financial freedom and the importance of getting an education. It’s because of this spirit we want give them every opportunity in our power to succeed.

Everyday, many of our students face the difficulty of getting even the most basic necessities for their children like diapers, baby shampoo and clothing. The goal of Project Nurture is to obtain these types of items for our students in need.

If you are a student that needs the help of Project Nurture, want to donate new and unused baby items or know someone who might, contact Mr. Godfrey or email info@projectnurture.com.

Visit the Project Nurture Website

Cold Weather but Warm Hearts at Winter Graduation

Nick — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:10:15 +0000

On January 30, Focus Learning Academy held its annual Winter Graduation Ceremony at the Lighthouse Ministries on South High Street in Columbus. Eighteen graduates were celebrated at the event with an audience of several hundred friends, family and staff. The ceremony included graduate speakers Ashley Ballard, Jarmel Reynolds and Megan Grego, who all reflected on their time at Focus and offered some advice to their peers. A special commencement address was given from Ohio State Representative Tracy Maxwell Heard, who urged the graduates to not let fear get in the way of reaching for their dreams. Kathy Williams then announced the Gold Star Award to the graduate who exemplified “rising above the madness.” Timothy Pata was the worthy recipient. After the ceremony closed with the graduates turning their tassels, cake and refreshments in the hallway provided time for congratulations, goodbyes and good lucks.

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2009!

East
Robert Dawayne Blakely
Terrance Jumaane Ellis
Megan Jean Grego
George Jessup
Shayli Nicole Mayer
Feihua Zeng

North
Sharonda Monique Rogers
Keith LeMarc Smith, Jr.

Southwest
Ashley Marie Ballard
Jonathan Lawrence Dawson
Alona Ann Handy
Christian Maria Hummel
Yasmin Abdi Jama
Timothy Richard Pata
Jarmel L. Reynolds
Jalisa Marie Smith
Amber Nichole Spatt
Ashley Olivia Walker

Focus Students Celebrate Historic Inauguration of President Obama

Nick — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 22:07:53 +0000

All three Focus locations were excited to watch history in the making on January 17, as our first African American President was inaugurated into office. Focus Learning Academy East celebrated by watching the inauguration in the new Multi-Purpose Room. Students were able to watch the historical moment on the big screen and enjoy snacks and drinks, which included cupcakes made by Mrs. Lavelle. Ms. Penn and Mrs. Lavelle even decorated for the event, turning the room into a patriotic red, white and blue viewing area. Focus Southwest students received their lunches early so they could watch the inauguration on television. During the week prior, Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Coffey taught students about the inauguration process.

Two Focus staff members had the chance to experience the inauguration in person. Mr. Holliman, East Director and Mr. Watson, East Director of Student Affairs, witnessed the event, along with millions of others, from the National Mall west of the U.S. Capitol. Mr. Holliman woke up at 4 am to catch the Metro and stood outside for 9 hours in the 30-degree weather! He says, “I was amazed at how everyone was so happy and excited and weren’t complaining at all! It was definitely an experience that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I am so glad to be able to tell my son I witnessed history with my own eyes.” Mr. Watson watched the inauguration sitting on top of a port-a-potty to get a better view! The night before he had the honor of attending the South Carolina State Society’s Inaugural Ball at the Smithsonian Museum. He said, “I was about to leave and come back to Columbus Tuesday morning, but I could not pass up the opportunity to stay and witness history.”