Week#4 @ Higher Achievement (Ward6)

It’s been two weeks since my last blog update and much has happened…. Scholars have been working hard on their classroom projects, participated in a mock trial, competed in our annual homeroom food challenge, and been working diligently to prepare for our upcoming Olympics of the Mind competition. 

Thank you to all of the parents who have supported us; thank you for arranging for your scholars to come to chant practice, attend the “Mad Ballroom Dancing” movie, and for all of the donations of materials, time and or money to keep Center moving along.  This summer, more than any before it, your support has helped to make Higher Achievement the community that it is.  Thank you!

Week in Review for July 1st-July 5th

We are off to an amazing start… our 5^th graders have entered Center ready to learn and full of positive energy. I am ecstatic at the progress the scholars are making each day, and pleased by their willingness to try new things.  Our 6^th graders are a tight family, and doing a great job of modeling for the other scholars how to positively support each other.  The 7^th graders are emerging as leaders, and respectfully finding their voice at Center.  It is inspiring to see them mature and grow more comfortable with who they are with each passing moment. Our oldest scholar, the 8^th graders continue to learn how to be models and leaders for other.  While many of them have resisted this in the past, they have all approached Center with a renewed spirit, and open minds.  I am proud of all of our scholars and thank them, and you, for the roles you have all played in the success of our program.

Thank you to our new families for your commitment and spirit; your energy is infectious and inspiring.  To our returning families, please continue to stay involved, and rise to the challenge of supporting your scholars through this challenging and rewarding journey.  Thank you Ward 6 families for an inspiring Week#1.

Opportunities Matter

Higher Achievement is founded on the principle that Opportunities Matter; we aspire to close the Achievement gap through providing families with opportunities that inspire and engage our scholars.  As Center gets underway, please make time to utilize the resources made available to you as participants in our program; additionally, encourage scholars take advantages of the various opportunities presented to them.  Opportunities Matter!!  Please don’t let them pass by without strongly considering them. 

Week in Review for July 23July 27th

Last week, the scholars finished up their final projects and their portfolio’s; we had a Science Fair, Mock Trial, and even a Model United Nations meeting. Many of the scholars completed all of their work, and excelled in the process. The week culminated in a huge competition that we have every summer called Olympics of the Mind. The Scholars came together o perform out Center Chant magnificently, and competed well in events throughout the day. You can find the day’s winners below… I hope you can all make it out to Olympics of the mind at some point during your time with Higher Achievement; it is so powerful seeing that many young people in one place to do something positive. You should all be very proud.


Best Chant: Alexandria Achievement Center
Best Banner: Ward 6!!! That’s Us!!
Most Spirit Points: Team Spirit
Winning Team: Team Respect

Week in Review for July 9-13th

This was our 1st full week of Center, and while it had its ups and downs, it provided us all with some of our best moments thus far. During Community Meeting, the scholars worked in their homeroom countries to create exciting food dishes in our annual food competition; the scholars don’t know who won yet, so I have to keep that a secret for now… The 7th and 8th graders (and their teachers) narrowly beat the 5th and 6th graders (and their teachers) in our weekly chant off. Do you know our Ward 6 chant…?

I would like to give a huge shout out to Jordan, Johnnie, Jerra, and Omar for giving an outstanding tour to our visitors last week; they left with a deep appreciation for our work because of the impact you left on them as tour guides. Our work is hard, and our path is a long one… but when you leave an impression on people, it makes your journey, and that of others, easier. Thank you scholars, for helping all of us by leaving an impression on our visitors.

Next week is a new week!! Parents please encourage scholars to keep their hands to themselves, we do not tolerate horse playing at Center. Scholars are having a hard time adjusting to this expectation, which is resulting in a day long suspension for several of them. Please remind them of this. As a final reminder please turn in your paperwork; summer Academy is at its halfway mark, so be on the lookout for paperwork reminders! Thanks to everyone for all of your support, and here’s to a great week#4, and check out the slideshow to see all of our best moments from the summer.

Welcome Back to After School Academy

It has been a good start to the 2011 Fall Academy. The scholars have brought positive team spirit, energy, and lots of homework to Center. Scholars are doing a good job of working diligently to do their homework, but need to do a better job of recording it on agendas. Most of the scholars have adjusted well to expectations; however, you should expect more calls than usual to address some of the issues that are arising at Center.

Much of this week has been about rebuilding our community, and introducing the scholars to the new mentors that will be working with them this year. We have put a lot off time and energy into the culture-building activities at Center, and the scholars and mentors seem to be having a lot of fun. Thank you all for your support in helping us get off to a strong start. I am very much looking forward to having a productive year.

Week in Review for July 18, 2011

Ahh, it’s nice to be back at Center… As I expressed to the scholars on Friday, Center is an inspiring place. I enjoy seeing each of them, being a part of their story, and assisting them as they learn and grow. This week has been particularly impactful. Your scholars are growing by leaps and bounds each day; they represent themselves, you, and our Center extremely well, and I am proud to be the Center Director of this group of scholars. It was indeed a great week.

There are two more weeks of classes left in Center. As we move forward it will be important for you to stay informed about upcoming dates, events, and responsibilities. As we solidify dates for the Science Fair and End of The Term Celebration, I will get them out to you for all that wish to participate. Lastly, be on the look-out for communication about your online 360 evaluation and Confirm Your Spot Form which must be completed for scholars to attend the college trip. There is a lot to look forward to in the coming weeks so please let me know if you have any questions.

Ward 6 Update

Hi families, I hope you all had a great 1st week of Center and an Amazing 4th of July Holiday weekend. In my time at Center last week, it was great to see all of the scholars and feel all of the positive energy. We had a very good 1st week of Center; let’s continue to work together and have a great summer. Lastly, I will continue to be out for the duration of this week recovering from surgery. In the interim, please contact Mr. James at jmorgan@higherachievement.org, or via my cell phone at 202-255-7309.

Week in Review for 9/27-10/1

We have had a great start to center - families dropping in and participating, mentors stepping up, and scholars excited and engaged. This week was a great demonstration of SPARC. Scholars and families have been extremely spirited and collaborative in continuing to make our center a place where scholars can be supported. Thank you for all the efforts you take to make this opportunity an impactful one for our scholars.