Dr. Allison’s Newsletter 2012

The 2011-2012 school year passed quickly leaving us with numerous stories of friendship, personal growth, success, and memories to cherish. Our students experienced many positive changes that are the result of consistent efforts, and multiple educational experiences. Allison Academy is proud of each student and their achievements this year as seen in the number of students on the A and B honor rolls.

In addition to pursuing academics, the students have had their curriculum enriched through a variety of field trips arranged and organized by Mr. Milner, guest speakers, and enrichment activities. Our socials, including our traditional Thanksgiving Feast and Halloween Party sponsored by the Student Government under the guidance of Mrs. Skelton and Coach Epstein; Senior Grad Nite and senior activities including the “Pig Out” sponsored by Mr. Vargas; beach party day, IMAX Theater, and the Student Government sponsored Spirit Week with Field Day were all enjoyed! Many students participated in our after school program with the rock/jazz band with Mr. Milner, the art club with Mrs. Milner, and the after school guided study program with Mr. Jorge Vargas and Mrs. Wendy Skelton. Our basketball team had an exciting year with Coach Gilfoy and Coach Nick. Our 2012-13 traditional activities will continue and new activities will be added to further meet our students’ interests and needs!

We are also very proud of our students’ participation in the Fairchild Challenge, a program of Fairchild Tropical Gardens in which students met five challenges including “Environmental Immersion Day”, “Writing Green Inform Your Mind and Change Your Life”, “Environmental Debates”, performing in “Policy, Words, and Movement”, and art design with “Banner: Nature in my Neighborhood”. The projects were under the guidance of Mr. Tom Gilfoy and Mr. Walter Milner. We will definitely continue our participation in the Fairchild Challenge for the 2012-2013 school year to give our students the opportunity to compete with students from other schools in wide variety of projects and activities Our new initiative at Allison Academy this year is the addition of the new 21st Century cutting edge virtual environment of the VSCHOOLZ eLearning solutions including customizable courseware to fully engage our students. All students will work from their netbooks/ laptop computers which will contain their textbooks, workbooks, worksheets, visual aids including instructional videos, experiments, and activities. Teachers will use the digital media as they would an excellent textbook for instructing students in the classroom. When students leave school, (without their heavy backpacks!), they will be able to sign in to their VSCHOOLZ account and continue with their assignments and projects at home. Certain activities, tests, or exams will be presented on paper, but most assignments will be submitted by email to the teachers.

The Allison Academy Parent Teacher Student organization has a new name, The Friends of Allison Academy, which is becoming a 501(C)(3). The group has been very active this year, participating in monthly meetings and programs, and sponsoring special lunches each month, which have been greatly enjoyed by students and teachers! This year our major fund raiser will be the Allison Academy Talent Show in the spring,which will give students a chance to display their talents on stage at the NMB City Hall Auditorium. We are deeply appreciative of the strong support of our Friends!

Allison Academy is proud of our exemplary academic program, extra curricula activities, and student-teacher-parent relationships. I would like to extend my gratitude to the teachers and staff of Allison Academy, without them we would not be able to provide our superior educational program for our students. Our successful programs are the result of our genuine concern for our individual student’s growth and development, our warm, nurturing environment, and our strong sense of FAMILY. Each member of our dedicated staff has freely given time, patience, and diligent efforts to make the days positive and rewarding for all. My special thanks to the students of Allison Academy for their continued growth and participation, and to the parents who offer the necessary support for their students and the school! We are indeed a family working together!!!

Sincerely yours