FOCUS LEARNING ACADEMY

Power 107.5 DJ City Speaks to Students at Focus North

Nick — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:57:50 +0000

Power 107.5 DJ, City, visited Focus North on October 23 to speak to students. City told the story of his own life, from growing up in Columbus, to becoming a nationally recognized DJ. He was an open book, telling students how he sold drugs in college and made a lot of bad decisions—and in the end saw most of his friends killed or locked up. He told how he turned his life around and became a Science teacher, teaching locally for several years before accepting a job as a radio DJ. City’s message to students was to not get caught up in the streets and to take just a few seconds to think before acting—that is all it takes to keep from making dangerous or bad decisions. He asked that students set a positive example for other young adults by respecting and supporting one another. He also urged every student to get serious about school—reminding them that they chose to come to Focus, so make the most of the opportunity being given.

Students Hear the Hard Truth about Life on the Streets

Nick — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:53:47 +0000

Students and Staff at Focus East heard the first hand stories of a man and woman who have experienced homelessness. Many people in the room were tearful after hearing their stories. Students took away the important lesson that their education is the one thing no one can take from them.

Michelle, a recovering drug addict and former homeless mother shared that it was getting an education that allowed her to turn her life around. She now has her Associates Degree and tours Columbus speaking to young men and women about life choices.

CJ, a homeless man, stressed the importance of making the right decisions. After being released from prison, CJ was forced to live on the streets because no one would hire him with a felony record. He spoke about his struggle to provide for himself and his family because of the wrong decisions he made in life. He encouraged the students to take school very seriously, because without it, life is very hard.

Allison, the Homeless Advocate for Capitol Crossroads, shared her stories of helping those who are homeless in the Columbus Area. She also shared that statistically, minorities have a much higher risk of being homeless and that many tell her that they wish they took life more seriously and had stayed in school because life would be easier with an education. Allison even offered for the students at Focus East to volunteer at an annual holiday dinner for the homeless in December.

Students Hone Debate Skills for Presidential Face-off

Nick — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:52:49 +0000

The North school conducted its first Presidential Debate on October 15. The debate’s focus was to inform students about the upcoming presidential election and the two primary candidates running for office. Students arguing for Democrat Barack Obama were Matthew Pitts (team captain), Katrina Clark, Tequisiana Flowe, Raisa Land and Tiara Fields. Republican John McCain was represented by Kenithia Hill (team captain), Dystaney Land, TJ Steed, Dimund Britton and Ashley Smith. It was also a great opportunity to introduce students the methods behind conducting debates and the benefits of being able to effectively debate. It is a way for students to learn problem solving skills, critical thinking, teamwork and the ability to respond quickly with intelligent responses. The judge’s panel consisted of Mr. Hollstein (moderator), Mrs. Harper, Ms. Kramer, Ms. Seemiler and Mr. Morton. They provided questions the students had to answer on behalf of their respective presidential candidate. Both teams did an incredible job and all of their hard work was obvious! At the debate’s conclusion, the student audience voted on which team best represented their candidate. It was a very close call, but the Obama team was better prepared.

Class of 2008 Graduates

Nick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:15:46 +0000

Congratulations to our 2008 graduates.

North
Thomas Lee Allen Allman
Bryan J. Bowman
Ebony Monique Brown
Nicolaas Ray Burchwell
Andre L. Cammon
Amy Caserta
Charles Roger Davis, Jr.
Angela Kristen Eyerman
Kimberly Louise Lahrmer
Michael Keith Shelton
Amber Marie Snyder
Nicole Renee Starr
Benjamin Alexander Steed
Renekah Nicole Swann
Krystal Lane Tyler

East
Marvin Clayborne Bozeman
Abraham Nehemie Camara
Anthony Christopher Carpenter
Charyl Patrice Black Clay
Aaron Christopher Collymore
Sam S. Goddard
Darrah Denelle Griles
William Kye Hall
Janay Marie Latham
Travis Lee Paige
Cierra Lynee Philon*
Maria Alyce Ragland
Jonathan Elijah Thompson
Latesha Monique Webb
Renee Leigh Ann Whatley
Neil Allen Zwilling

Southwest
Halima A. Abdulkadir
Grace Lindsey Borders
Carlesa Rena Coleman
Jaquece Shawnta McLellan
Lesley Ray Ann Preece
Rhonda Lynn Redd

Students Spend Lunch at Power 107.5 Studio with DJ City

Nick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:11:40 +0000

On May 28, Focus students Miguel Bowers, Steven Craig and Shawn McCree had the opportunity to spend their lunch with Power 107.5 DJ City at the radio station’s downtown studio. These lucky students were rewarded with this exciting opportunity because they earned the most credits at their school this year. Along with Mr. Godfrey, they took a tour of the station headquarters, met other DJs, saw how the studios work, ate pizza and got goodie bags full of CDs. They also had the chance to sit and talk to City in an intimate setting. City talked about growing up in the street and getting to where he is now—one of the top DJs in the country. The students saw what hard work, a positive mind and getting out of the street life can achieve. They of course talked about all of the celebrities City had met as well! City said, out of all the celebrities he as met over the years (and it’s a lot!), he was most star struck to meet Michael Jackson.

One of the highlights of the visit was that each student got to record their own shout-out and watch City mix it to music. That night on his radio show, City talked about Focus Learning Academy and played Miguel, Steven and Shawn’s shout-outs to Focus, friends and family!

Another “Resource” for Focus Learning Academy

Nick — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:49:15 +0000

Focus Learning Academy is making every effort to offer students the best total educational experience. To accomplish this, Focus has hired a School Resource Officer at each of the three Academies.

“Respecting ourselves and everyone around us at the Academy is our number one goal,” explained Focus Executive Director, Ms. Williams. “Having self-respect and teaching students to respect themselves opens the door to love of self, tolerance of our differences and a compassion for those who may be in crisis. Respect allows a student to learn new ways of coping with anger in times of confusion. Our Resource Officers are now here to reinforce the need for respect on a daily basis.”

Working closely with the Focus Directors, the Resource Officers are instrumental in proactively working with students to raise the level of respect throughout the school. Their presence at the Academies offers another positive role model for the students. With a hands on approach, they are able to diffuse potential problems that detract from the learning environment.
Parents and students should feel free to contact their Academy’s Resource Officer with any concerns about school security or individual student needs.

Focus Southwest Commended by State Board of Education

Nick — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 15:45:21 +0000

Focus Southwest recently received a certificate of commendation from the State Board of Education, recognizing their exemplary performance during the 2006-07 school year. Focus Southwest improved by an impressive 10 points on the Local Report Card. The Academy and its Director, Mr. Ater were further praised in the a letter from the President of the State Board of Education, Jennifer Sheets, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Ohio Department of Education, Susan Tave Zemlan. They wrote, “You should be proud of your school’s achievement, which contributed to the overall improvement of Ohio’s schools this past year. This certificate represents your success as your school’s leader as well as the outstanding achievements of your teachers, staff and students. Advancing high achievement for all students will ensure that Ohio remains a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.” Congratulations to Focus Southwest for all of their hard work and positive results!

Congratulations to the following 2007 Focus Learning Academy graduates!

Nick — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:26:06 +0000

A traditional ceremony was held Thursday, June 14, to honor those seniors who earned high school diplomas. The ceremony was at Lighthouse Ministries in Columbus and was highlighted by an inspirational speech from State Representative Josh Mandel. Parents and friends cheered and clapped as the students walked across stage to receive their diplomas. Focus Learning Academy couldn’t be prouder of it’s inaugural graduating class!

EAST
Sarah Ellen Ice
Teiyana Michelle Jefferson
Andrea Sharae Johnson
Tina Leitwein
Bethany Jeanne Stofac

NORTH
Kevin Maurice Bolling
Joshua D. Markvart
Holiday E. Morales
Daniel L. Payne
Danielle Nicole Ricketts
Veronica Lynn Six
Heather Danielle Stein

SOUTHWEST
Abigial Lynn Gabalski
Christina Marie Hatton
Tiffany Renee Horn
Davon Cortney Lunsford
Corey Lee Moeller
Destiny Marie Sharples

Sony Music Creation Software Gets Attention of High School Students

Nick — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 17:15:21 +0000

Leveraging excitement over learning how to create, record and produce music with Sound Forge and ACID Music Studio software is helping improve attendance and interest at Focus Learning Academy East in Columbus, Ohio. The state-funded charter school is designed to give high school students, teens and young adults an opportunity to earn their high school diploma while preparing for the workforce. Now, the extracurricular “Hip Hop Club” featuring Sony Creative Software products gives an extra incentive for kids to perform in class so that they can have the privilege of participating.

“The Hip Hop Club takes off from what I have seen with student groups elsewhere that are just about dancing and socializing,” said James Kallergis, lead math instructor and faculty advisor to the club. “This is an opportunity for the students to develop an interest that’s near and dear to them while learning how to work together.”

Focus Learning Academy East is a new school with a new approach that was founded in 2006 alongside two sister schools. All classes are conducted on computers on site at the school, and the instructors assist the students in the classroom instruction. According to Kallergis, the school’s curriculum and computer-based teaching methods offer an alternative to traditional GED programs and provides students the flexibility needed to get their diploma while working. But such flexibility makes it a challenge for students to develop connections with classmates and faculty inside and outside of the classroom. While students are able to take a course in music appreciation as well as music technology, the driving force behind the club is to help develop a sense of community.

“We have to try hard to develop extracurricular activities that can help fill this vacuum, and the opportunity to make music is a powerful draw that also helps bond our students together in a shared love of urban music,” Kallergis said.

For Kallergis, starting the Hip Hop Club was really about sharing a personal interest and ability he has developed from his own high school days working with turntables and a mixer. In the several years since discovering ACID Pro software, the self-taught hobbyist has been able to develop a high degree of mastery working with local rap artists.

“Discovering ACID was a revelation for me, and it is a joy sharing that. It is an amazing tool that unlocks musical creativity. The most incredible part is how easy it is to get started, develop basic composition skills with it, then build on those however far your desire and talent takes you,” Kallergis said.

Bringing this in as an after school extra came easily. Computers are an abundant resource on the campus, and musically-inclined students are typically inseparable from a good set of headphones to plug-in with. The after school program launched in January with about 10 students getting a hands-on experience with ACID Music Studio, ACID Pro and Sound Forge. Teaching the basics has been greatly simplified by using the Seminar Series DVD-based training program for ACID Pro software.

“The DVD does much of the heavy lifting for me, and the students take to it well because of their other computer-based learning. Here, they get connected immediately to the incredible power of working with ACID and so are off and running developing musical concepts fast,” said Kallergis.

Early indications are that the Hip Hop Club is gathering momentum as the students gain skills and focus in on their own musical interests and projects. Kallergis has teamed up with another colleague who works with some students on their singing while he helps with the composition and production. His aim is to help create a full-length album of material created by students.

“This is more than about developing skills. Connecting these students with each other to discover they can make their own music is magic. It gives them an experience that they did not expect to get and that they take to heart,” said Kallergis.

Focus Learning Academy is a state-funded charter school which helps teens and young adults earn their high school diploma while preparing for the workforce. There are three locations in Columbus.

Focus Students and Staff Show Support for Charter Schools

Nick — Thu, 10 May 2007 17:22:30 +0000

Focus Learning Academy could be affected by Governor Strickland’s budget proposal which threatens the future of charter schools. Staff and students at Focus have proudly stood up for their school in a variety of ways over the past few months though. As part of a letter-writing campaign to legislators, many wrote heartfelt letters expressing the difference Focus has made in their lives and the importance of keeping this option available to future students. In turn, legislators were reminded that charter schools are something to fight for, not against. Focus was also represented at a hearing before the Education Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee, where Focus North Director Mr. Butler and Focus East student Janay Latham testified on behalf of the school. Focus Southwest student Stacy Cornette also went to testify in front of the full Finance and Appropriations Committee but time ran out and she didn’t get to speak.

Many legislators made their support of Focus and other charter schools known, including Representative Josh Mandel, who visited Focus East on Thursdsay, April 26. During his visit, he heard presentations about how Focus has changed lives. Presenters included Focus Superintendent Dr. Musick, Executive Director Ms. Williams, Instructor Mr. Thomas and student Janay Latham who read her testimony from the Statehouse hearing. All of the speakers reiterated the idea that Focus offers students a rich opportunity to grow both academically and personally.

Focus also showed its support by attending the “My Choice, My School” rally at the Statehouse on Wednesday, May 9 where charter school advocates from across the state convened to make their voices heard. A special congratulations goes to Focus East’s Janay Latham who was one of only two students to speak at the rally! 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.