Phoenix Rising

Varsity Boys Basketball Update

2010-01-10T12:38:00.001-05:00

The boys varsity basketball team battled hard in their 54-38 loss to Pine Valley last Thursday night. Playing in front of a sold out audience featuring such faculty stars as Lauren Baier, Rob Boccaccio, Bev Wedmore, Tammy Boucher, and Sarah Komoroske, the boys put forth their most complete effort of the season. Quick ball movement, aggressive defense, and consistent hustle highlighted the second and third quarters and nearly led the Phoenix back from an early deficit. The young men look to bounce back next week as they play three games against Buffalo Academy of Science (Monday at home), Maritime (Thursday at home), and Barker (Friday on the road). Thank you to all of you who supported the program. We look forward to a raucous crowd next week.

Please Join Me in Albany for Advocacy Day!

2010-01-01T10:00:00.001-05:00

In the December newsletter, I wrote about the local climate surrounding charter schools which turned colder with the Buffalo Board of Education's vote to request a moratorium on new charters in the city and region. We need our parents and community members to become our partners in advocacy!

Here are additional facts that support our message that charter schools are doing good work here in the city of Buffalo and will continue to provide important choice for the city's families:

Currently, there are 16 charter schools in Western New York serving over 6000 students.
Nearly 20% of Buffalo's students are enrolled in charter schools.
All of Buffalo's charter schools have waiting lists. These waiting lists represent hundreds of the city's students whose parents are seeking choice in education.
Charter schools in New York state receive approximately 70% of the funding allocated to district schools. For example, in 2007-08, the Buffalo district received $16,120 in per-pupil funding whereas the Buffalo charter schools received $9,567 per pupil.
In 2009, the aggregate performance of all charter schools in the Buffalo area was significantly stronger than our traditional district peers.

As you can see from the chart on the right, Oracle's Regents exam performance significantly outpaced the district's. We outperformed some of Buffalo's top high schools and outpaced the state average for student performance on the English and Math Regents exams.

Already, our second graduating class is on track to meet or exceed the high bar established by the class of 2009. We are proud of our students' accomplishments, and we would like your help in spreading the good word!

Each year, powerful lobby interests and the state legislature propose bills that would negatively impact charter schools, especially our funding. Ultimately, these bills challenge our very existence. As parents of students in charter schools or as charter school supporters in the broader community, it is important that we speak up and work to educate the community and our legislators about the value of charter school choice.

As I have written in both the November and December newsletters, February 2 is Charter School Advocacy Day in Albany. Each year, parents, teachers and students from charter schools throughout New York State join together to make the one day journey to our state capitol to learn about both positive and negative legislation that could affect charter schools and meet with our elected officials.

It is very important that those in Albany hear from our Buffalo charter schools. I invite you to join me and some of our staff and students on the one day trip to Albany this year. If you can't make the trip but want to help us with local advocacy efforts, please let me know. With parent support, we can organize a letter writing campaign or help to set up meetings with local politicians.

Plan Ahead to Attend the Scholarship Fair

2010-01-01T08:00:00.001-05:00

Community Action Organization of Erie County - Education Task Force

What: Scholarship Fair
When: Tuesday, January 12th
Where: U.B. South Campus - 101 Allen Hall/Main Street
Time: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

The CAO Education Task Force extend this invitation to all high school juniors and seniors. The focus of this event is to assist students with the identification of as many scholarship opportunities that they can take advantage of. Vendors will be present representing various organizations that give out scholarships and discuss the application process. There will be several workshops to assist students with developing techniques in writing successful essays . There will be prizes and drawings for all participates. Any questions…call Yvonne Hairston at 881-5150 extension 4402.

Encourage Your Student to Read over Winter Break!

2009-12-23T10:53:00.006-05:00

EducationNews.org - A Leading Global News Source - Why doesn’t reading more make us better readers?

According to this article, originally published in the Washington Post, Americans now are reading more than we did in 1980, but our nation's reading scores haven't improved since the 1970s.

Why? Well, it all comes down to the kinds of reading we're doing. Although we're reading more, we're reading web sites like Facebook, we're reading text messages, and we're reading how-to information on our favorite video games.

The key to improving reading skills is to read more books, magazines, and newspaper articles! According to the author, Daniel Willingham, whose article is linked above, "Practice in reading lightweight material won’t improve your reading much. Reading content-rich material will."

So... please help our Oracle students make a commitment to content-rich reading over the Winter Break. We've even put together some book suggestions from Mrs. Behr:

Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins - From School Library Journal: "In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch."
The Book Thief, Markus Zusak - This book, set during World War II and narrated by Death himself, is ultimately a story about the power of words and friendship.
The Lovely Bones, Alice Sebold - From Amazon: When we first meet the narrator of this novel, she is already in heaven, looking on as her family copes with their grief and searches for her killer. This novel is both suspenseful and touching, and is ultimately a story about the power of memory and understanding.
We Were Here, Matt de la Pena - From Amazon: "When it happened, Miguel was sent to Juvi. The judge gave him a year in a group home—said he had to write in a journal so some counselor could try to figure out how he thinks. The judge had no idea that he actually did Miguel a favor..."
Half-Broken Horses: A True Life Novel, Jeanette Walls - From Publishers Weekly: "For the first 10 years of her life, Lily Casey Smith, the narrator of this true-life novel by her granddaughter, Walls, lived in a dirt dugout in west Texas. Walls ... writes in what she recalls as Lily's plainspoken voice, whose recital provides plenty of drama and suspense as she ricochets from one challenge to another."
Catching Fire, Suzanne Collins - If you finish Hunger Games and want more...this is the second book in the series.

Better People, Better Students, Better Athletes...

2009-12-19T12:37:00.010-05:00

The first day of basketball practice this year closed with the players reflecting on the following quotation:

“I have a standard, and it is a high standard. If you aim for perfection, you’ll reach greatness. If you strive for greatness, you’ll reach good. If you aim for good, you’ll reach average. Don’t lower that standard.” - Lou Holtz

to which Dresean L., a Varsity guard whose willingness to learn and work is unparalleled in our program, said, “You only become great if you demand a lot of yourself.”

The coaches followed with:

“Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” - Conrad Hilton

to which Keyon M., a senior who, though unable to play this year, is still a part of the team and harbors a very realistic chance of playing in college due to his work ethic, attitude, and skill, said, “You can’t ever stop. You just have to keep coming – especially when things are hard.”

Which has most recently led to:

“What is to give light must endure burning.” - Viktor Frankl

to which Andre S., a Junior Varsity point guard with a quick first step and a non-stop mouth, reflected, “I think it means that if you’re going to be really good at something, you have to work really hard.”

Clearly what we are developing at Oracle is a different kind of basketball program. Through basketball and the camaraderie it offers, we believe that we can teach the young men in our program the principles of what it means to be accountable, honest, and hard-working student leaders who open up doors for their futures and enliven those around them. And when the wins on the court start pouring in, we will look at them as a product -- not the product -- of our time and work together.

JV Basketball Update

2009-12-18T08:22:00.001-05:00

The Boys JV basketball team competed in back to back games this week.

On Wednesday, the Phoenix battled against BACS in a nail biting game. The game had 5 lead changes in the last 2 minutes, with OCS pulling the victory out on a buzzer beater by A. Sanders. Once again J. Edwards led the defense with 4 blocks and M. Darby led the team with a season high 18 points.

On the very next day, OCS extended their winning streak to 3 with a convincing win over a skilled Silver Creek team. L. Collins was the team leader emotionally with a never-quit attitude, physically with 110% effort and in points with 13. J. Nyagot had a strong offensive game with great ball movement and G. Bibbs stepped up to a new level, playing great team defense and scoring 5 huge points in the 4th quarter. The game's MVP went to L. Johnson who scored his first points of the season, coming up with 4 steals and countless defensive rebounds.

The next game for the 4 and 2 Phoenix is Monday December 28 when the boys compete in the Cassadaga Valley tournament.

The Explosion of Charter Schools in America

2009-12-10T16:43:00.001-05:00

The Explosion of Charter Schools in America - US News and World Report

I recommend this article from US News and World Report, which is the source of this wonderful graphic showing the expansion of charter schools across the country. When you look at our home state, you will see that Oracle Charter School is one of 144 charter schools currently operating in the state of New York. Currently, state law caps the number of charters that may open at 200 schools.

President Obama's Race to the Top funding initiative, worth billions of dollars for states that enact education reforms, provides a clear mandate to lift charter caps and increase the number of charters operating within each state. New York's charter school law, with its cap at 200 schools, ultimately jeopardizes the state's ability to earn this federal funding. Given the current state budget crisis, access these funds is critical.

Your support for charter school advocacy is important! Let your state legislators and the local school board officials know that your child is educated in a charter school, and that you believe in school choice.

Oracle Students Submit MLK Principals of NonViolence Video

2009-12-10T16:22:00.008-05:00

New York State's Education Department solicited student artwork and essays reflecting Dr. Martin Luther King's principals of nonviolence from around the state.

Student entries will be placed on display for viewing in the Empire State Plaza in Albany during the week before the MLK holiday on Monday, January 18, 2010.

Oracle's Advanced Studio in Art students created the following video with student-created sock puppets. In the spirit of the Twilight series of books, this video features a vampire counseling a werewolf on Dr. King's principals of non-violence. It's wacky fun...sure to stand out as a submission!

Restoration Work begins at Oracle Charter School

2009-12-10T15:44:00.004-05:00

Restoration work has begun on Oracle Charter School's historic facility!

In last year's round of grant funding, Oracle was awarded $111,832 in historic preservation funds through the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation.

We will use this funding for a restoration project on the Charles W. Goodyear mansion portion of our school.

We are excited that this important work has begun. If you have been to Oracle to drop off or pick up your student, you may have noticed that work has begun on the side porch. Posted here are photos from the restoration work which is being conducted by Dan Farrell of Lost Cities Restorations.

AP Environmental Science Class Visits Buffalo Water and Sewage Treatment Facilities

2009-12-10T15:27:00.004-05:00

On December 3, 2009, Mr. Coia’s AP Environmental Science class toured two of Buffalo’s most important public works facilities.

In the first half of the day, students visited the Wastewater Treatment Plant located on Bird Island off West Ferry St. While there, students learned about the processes that clean Buffalo’s sewage and the jobs that people do to make that possible. The class was fascinated by the amount of waste produced by the city and how efficiently the facility manages to eliminate all the contaminants before sending the water back into the Niagara River.

After lunch, Oracle students toured the Colonel Ward Pumping Station/Water Treatment Plant. Students experienced the sequence of pumps, filters and treatments that take water from Lake Erie and turn it into clean, healthy water for the entire city. The highlight of this facility is the sight of the enormous steam pumps that fed the city its water until a few decades ago. This was an experience that the students will remember for a long time.

Many thanks to Oracle Charter School's Operations Manager, Bill Sunderlin, for setting up this field trip!

Oracle Hiking Club Goes Camping in Allegheny

2009-05-23T13:15:00.007-04:00

During the weekend of May 15th, Oracle Charter School's Hiking Club went on its first annual spring camping trip to Allegheny State Park.

After a year of fund raising, we were able to rent two cabins on the Anderson Trail.

Arriving Friday night, the priorities were to enjoy the pizzas we had picked up, start a nice (if smokey…) fire, and for the hikers to engage in a full-fledged water war.

Gathering wood that first evening the campers found several small salamanders. That night, after a few s’mores, the entire group went on a terrifying ride up to the abandoned Stone Tower, got lost on an old logging road, and then, on foot, came nearly face-to-face with the “Abandoned Hiker,” a well-known ghost of the Park. If you have never heard Alysson and Beth scream…keep it that way!

On Saturday, we awoke early to clear skies, and since storms were on the horizon, we quickly rallied for a nearly 7 mile hike through the hills of Allegheny. While large wildlife was not encountered, we caught numerous frogs and salamanders and the birdcalls were wonderful. We finished off the evening with some football, another water fight, and then a full fledged hot-dog roast over a raging fire. All in all, it was a fantastic experience, and I am already looking forward to next year's camping trip!

-John Elliott, adviser to the Hiking Club, teaches AP Environmental Science and Earth Science at Oracle Charter School.

Teacher of the Week: Mr. Michael Schroeder

2009-01-20T06:00:00.012-05:00

This week's Teacher of the Week is Mr. Michael Schroeder. Mr. Schroeder, a Social Studies teacher who has been with the Oracle staff for two years, brings quality instruction, engaging projects, a love of history, and a deep dedication to his students and colleagues to his classroom every day. Currently, Mr. Schroeder teaches Global History and Geography II and AP American History and Government.

Mr. Schroeder challenges his students not just to learn history but to make it come alive through project-based learning opportunities and critical discussion. In his Global II classes, students are beginning an underground French Revolutionary newspaper project. In AP American History and Government, students are functioning as Supreme Court Justices in a mock trial simulation that explores the topic of civil liberties versus casino advertising.

Asked what he most enjoys about teaching at Oracle Charter School, Mr. Schroeder responded, "The people. I love the kids and their enthusiasm. I really enjoy the look on their faces when they understand a concept, do well on a test, or really excel on a project. My fellow teachers are just terrific as well. Being in a charter school and seeing the dedication of my colleagues makes me want to work harder." It is this kind of teacher who helps charter schools achieve success with all students!

Ironically, Mr. Schroeder didn't start out wanting to teach. Despite his initial resistance, however, his career choices kept bringing him back to working with children (he has worked as a YMCA recreation director, coach, and program coordinator for an intermediate care facility for children), and he eventually took the next step and combined his love of history with his dedication to working with children and students.

We are proud to have Mr. Michael Schroeder as a dedicated member of our Oracle Charter School teaching staff!

Favorite topics to teach:

Absolute Monarchs (notice the seal of Elizabeth I at the left...this is a stained glass window here at Oracle Charter School);

the World Wars;
the Russian Revolution;
the workings of the Supreme Court;
the relationship between the branches of the U.S. government.

Special knowledge: Mr. Schroeder is extremely knowledgeable about autism and the epidemic of autism spectrum disorders currently being diagnosed in this country. As many of you know, Mr. Schroeder's son is diagnosed with this developmental disability, and he cares deeply about promoting awareness, funding and research to combat this increasingly prevalent diagnosis.

Holiday Food Pantry Donation

2009-01-19T18:30:00.001-05:00

Before Winter Break, Oracle students collected canned goods as 'payment' for their participation in Spirit Week dress-down days. The students at right were busy packing up the food supplies for transport. No, those aren't Oracle uniforms...it was Fashion Disaster Day!

As the result of the students' canned goods collection, Oracle Charter School was able to contribute approximately two weeks worth of food supplies to the food pantry at the Network of Religious Communities on Delaware Ave. in Buffalo.

Thanks to Mrs. Owen and the Student Council for organizing this canned food drive donation. Great work, everyone!

Please remember that we have another food drive in process collecting peanut butter, jelly, and juice. The collection box is in the College Counseling office.

Financial Aid Night: Paying for College

2009-01-13T07:43:00.005-05:00

We are in the middle of the college admissions season here at Oracle Charter School. Applications and transcripts are currently in process for a number of our students, with others putting the finishing touches on essays or lists of activities before mailing or submitting their applications online. Already, some of our Oracle Charter School seniors have been accepted to colleges, both in the Buffalo area and elsewhere!

The month of January marks the point in each school year when financing a college education becomes the focus of our efforts and of many parents concerns. To assist parents with this process, we will be hosting a special evening program called Financial Aid Night: Paying for College. The program will be in the Morning Meeting Room beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 14, 2009.

The meeting will be run by a representative from the Financial Aid Office of Niagara University. The representative will be discussing the financial aide process in general for all colleges...not just Niagara University. Topics will include: how to begin the financial aid application process, where to get information, and how to complete the FAFSA form. We will also provide time for a Question & Answer session for parents.

Parents of all seniors should plan to attend this program, especially if this is your fist time going through the college application and financial aid process. If you are a seasoned veteran of the college application process, with older children who have successfully navigated obtaining financial aid, it is still a good event to attend. Things in the world of financial aid change rapidly.

Please contact the school at 362-3188 if you have any questions or concerns.

Food Drive: It's Peanut Butter & Jelly Time

2009-01-10T16:22:00.002-05:00

With the new year, Oracle Charter School will be participating in a food drive to benefit the food pantry of the AIDS Community Services of Western New York.

The goal of the AIDS Community Services of WNY food drive is to stock their food pantry with the amount of peanut butter, jelly, and juice that they will need to feed hungry families in 2009.

Please bring in a jar of peanut butter or jelly or a large can of juice.

These items are very popular in the food pantry and are nutritious as well!

What We're Learning: English 9

2009-01-09T18:06:00.014-05:00

Students in Mrs. Heather Diss's 9th grade English class are currently studying The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding. The novel explores what happens to social order and childhood innocence when a group of British school boys is stranded without adults on a deserted island. Mrs. Diss is using the novel to teach characterization and symbolism and to explore the novel's central ideas through class discussion and writing.

Most recently, Mrs. Diss's students had the opportunity to explore the characterization of the novel's central characters through a RAFT writing assignment. A RAFT assignment allows students to chose thier Role, Audience, Format, and Topic and use what they have read to create a new piece of writing that illustrates their understanding.

Mrs. Diss's students could choose the following:

Role	Audience	Format	Topic
Piggy	Family back home	Poem or Song	The Beast
Ralph	Jack	Letter	What happened to the boy with the mulberry-colored birthmark
Jack	The rest of the world	Speech	Homesickness
Percival	Self	Newspaper Article	Who should be the leader on the island

Visit Oracle Charter School's Student Work page to read some examples of student responses to this assignment!

Holiday Door Decorating Contest

2009-01-07T10:11:00.005-05:00

I apologize that this post was, well, postponed because of the unfortunately timed snow day we had right before the start of Winter Break! But I wanted to be sure to provide you with news and photos from the Spirit Week that preceded Oracle's Winter Break...

As part of Oracle Charter School's Student Council sponsored Spirit Week, students competed in a door decorating contest. Winners of the door decorating contest will be announced at the end of this week!

Mr. Elliott's door to the Earth Science classroom sure does look festive!

Boys Varsity Basketball Wins Tournament

2008-12-03T14:54:00.006-05:00

The boys varsity basketball team won the Stanley G. Falk Tip-Off Tournament on Tues Dec 2. They beat Falk, 37-63, to get into the finals where they faced off against Emerson. They defeated Emerson, 47 - 70, to take the tournament. Terrance Williams was named a 1st team all-star and Kevin Mims was the tournament MVP.

Kids Voting!

2008-11-08T15:20:00.018-05:00

Many thanks to Oracle's technology teacher, Tammy Boucher, who made sure that our students had the opportunity to practice good citizenship, participate in last week's historic presidential election, and have their voices heard! Oracle Charter School became one of many schools that participated in Kids Voting Western New York, sponsored through the University at Buffalo.

Before being given this opportunity, many of our students were not fully aware of what happens during the voting process. Oracle students were excited to be part of a historical, and for some, a very personal event. Our teachers put great effort into making sure our students knew what each candidate stood for, underscoring the importance of making informed choices as citizens.

Of the students from Oracle Charter School who voted in Kids Voting!:

95% voted for Barack Obama / Joe Biden compared with 52% of the nation's popular vote

2% voted for John McCain / Sarah Palin compared with 46.3% of the nation's popular vote

Halloween Spirit Day @ OCS

2008-11-08T15:00:00.010-05:00

TRICK OR TREAT!… This year’s Halloween Spirit Day was a huge success! The festivities kicked off with everyone dressing in their costumes and all of the advisories competing against each other in a couple of fun games. These activities ranged from potato sack races and beanbag tosses, to Halloween bingo and pin the eye on the monster. We even had our own Oracle version of the Clue board game, with some of the murder suspects being Oracle’s own faculty. This was a hit among the students!

It was a day filled with fun and laughter that could be heard throughout the building. However, while there was a ton of fun being had by all, the students couldn’t wait to get to the most important part, …which advisories had won?!? Points were given to advisories throughout the day based on team spirit, sportsmanship, and whether or not they won the activity. One of our three student council advisories took 1st Place with a prize of a large pizza, double wings, and two 2-Liters of Pepsi. Mrs. Morgante’s advisory followed in 2nd, with Mr. Schroeder’s finishing in 3rd.

This Spirit Day would not have been what it was if it wasn’t for Mrs. Owen. She planned and coordinated this event with the help from students on the Spirit Day Committee. So, thank you Mrs. Owen for an amazing day. We can’t wait to see what you are cooking up for the next one!

CONTRIBUTED BY: Laryssa K., 12th Grade Student

College Happenings

2008-10-29T10:34:00.003-04:00

The 2008-2009 school year brings with it our much anticipated, very first, High School Graduation! There is much to do and this Fall is proving to be a busy time for students, parents, and faculty alike.

We started this school year with a visit from the Western New York Consortium consisting of 17 local colleges in a mini-college fair atmosphere. Seniors had the opportunity to meet and talk with college representatives, discover program information and get on college mailing lists.

Shortly after our college fair, Oracle hosted a Fall College Night where Seniors and their families were invited to attend workshops highlighting "how colleges select students", "choosing a college major", "financial aid information", "visiting colleges", and an "overview of the SUNY system". This was a well-attended and informative night. Admission representatives from Niagara University, Buffalo State College, and Erie Community College were here to lend their expertise about the college process. Those who attended left with a better sense of the tasks at hand when planning a successful college transition.

Speaking of the college planning process, it wouldn't be the same without taking the PSAT and SAT. On Saturday (October 18th) the PSAT was administered for 10th and 11th grade students. This event was well attended and our students have commented on how they already feel better prepared for the time when they will take the "real" thing (the SAT!) Our Seniors will have the opportunity to take this important test for the second time on Saturday, November 1st.

I want to personally thank you for your support as your student takes on the challeges of navigating through the college preparatory process. When we work as a team everybody wins! Be sure to look for more information on upcoming events.

Diane Morgante
School Counselor

TerraNova Time!

2008-10-20T14:11:00.003-04:00

Dear Parents,

On November 5th and 6th, 2008, your child will participate in the TerraNova Achievement Test. For those new to this type of assessment, the TerraNova is a standardized test designed to provide schools with the information they need to best help their students.

The areas being assessed will be Reading/Language Arts and Mathematics. The results of these tests will be used to analyze strengths and weaknesses, plan instruction based on results, plan for curriculum development, and to report progress to you, the parents.

To help your child prepare for the TerraNova, please ensure that on November 5th and 6th he or she:
Gets plenty of sleep the night before.
Eats a healthy breakfast.
Comes to school on time.

Thank you for the ongoing support and commitment to your child’s education. We look forward to another successful year of TerraNova testing.

Sincerely,

Joy Labarber
Curriculum Coordinator

What We're Learing: Spanish 1

2008-10-19T10:25:00.010-04:00

We have been busy these months in Spanish building a second language foundation and learning numbers 1-100, adjectives to describe our appearance and surroundings, and facts about where we live...all in Spanish!

In October, using a project-based approach, my classes studied the life and art of Frida Kahlo, the Mexican painter famous for her self-portraits and her heart-felt work. The project began with students learning about the details of Frida’s life and suffering, her marriage to Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, and the politics and government of early 20^th century Mexico.

The next step in our quest to understand Frida Kahlo's work was to create an “autorretrato” or self-portrait, describing characteristics of each student. Each student worked on a two-part writing assignment in Spanish, a drawing or self-portrait, and finally a written piece titled: “Frida Kahlo inspires me because…”

Following are some excerpts from the students' writing:

Frida Kahlo inspires me because she’s not afraid to express herself. All her artwork is based on something. Her artwork comes from the heart and soul. She gives me the energy to get up and try something new, such as self-portraits. Art is a way to relieve and express yourself." - D. Thompson
“Frida Kahlo inspires me because her art work shows how she feels and that is how I draw most of the time.” - D. Clemens
“Frida Kahlo inspires me because she was a strong woman of color. She went through a lot of pain and still managed to move forward in life. She was determined to walk and not be in a wheel chair for the rest of her life.” - L. Love
"Frida Kahlo inspires me because I believe whatever you like doing, you should keep doing it. Frida loved doing her art, and I love playing basketball. A lot of people admire her work because it was good! Even though she was hurt, she still decided to do work that she admired." - M. Williams

On the last day of the “Frida Kahlo” project, students made protest banners, and we marched on the street shouting in Spanish sayings like: “ Long Live the Revolution”; “Down with Imperialism”; “ The Town United, Never to be Defeated"; “Revolution or Death”; “No to Porfirio, Yes To Pancho.” The students' "protest" re-enacted a Mexican revolutionary march to promote community involvement when Mexico was struggling against foreign involvement that took power away from Mexican citizens. The students really enjoyed “taking it to the street!”

Stay tuned for news on the up-coming project for “El Dia de los Muertos” or “The Day of the Dead.” Students will build a cemetery and alters at Oracle!

Sincerely,
Amber Coriale
Spanish Teacher and Foreign Language Department Chair

Oracle Teacher Honored as Educator of the Year by the Western Region PTA!

2008-10-17T00:02:00.003-04:00

At the beginning of this school year, I told our Oracle students that I knew we would have a great year...because we had hired the very best teachers for them. It's pretty rare, however, that any school leader is able to make such a claim and have it backed up!

On Thursday, October 16th, Mrs. Stephanie Owen, Oracle Charter School's Math Department Chair, was honored at an awards dinner as the Western Region PTA Jane Skrzypek Educator of the Year for 2008! Congratulations, Mrs. Owen!

I am honored to have Stephanie Owen as a member of such a talented and dedicated team of teachers. Mrs. Owen is a truly committed teacher who has been with Oracle Charter School since we opened in 2005. In that time, Mrs. Owen has been responsible for consistently outstanding student test scores and has established the kind of classroom that makes students feel challenged, supported, and valued.

As a charter school teacher, Mrs. Owen is called upon to go above and beyond the call of duty that many public school teachers answer. She is called upon routinely to extend her time and focus beyond the classroom. In addition to being a results-oriented teacher, Mrs. Owen coordinates Oracle's student council, leads our school's Spirit Day activities, and administers our school store.

Mrs. Owen dedicates herself to each student's success and opportunity and drives herself to deliver outstanding results. Within a difficult discipline, mathematics, Mrs. Owen engages students to learn, to apply the skills she has taught them, and to trust both her processes and her dedication to their learning. Oracle students are deeply committed to Mrs. Owen as well, proving once again that students feel valued when they are held to high standards and supported to achieve those standards.

Mrs. Owen makes math achievement possible for her students and for our school.

Congratulations! And Thank you, Mrs. Owen!

Currently Teaching	Algebra, Math B, Pre-Calculus
Favorite Topic to Teach	Trigonometry

Gargoyles: A Sculptural Installation at OCS

2008-10-14T13:53:00.009-04:00

Mr. Backes’ 3D Art students began the year with a group project based around large scale gargoyle creation. Students were tasked with forming effective, cooperative groups to design multiple two-dimensional sketches of possible gargoyles they would like to make. The groups were then introduced to small scale modeling clay building, where they transformed their sketch to a 3D model. Finally students used recycled materials from school shipments, including cardboard, Styrofoam, and newspaper to build full size medieval gargoyles.

All gargoyles went through the long process of paper mache then were coated in all sorts of paint jobs. In the end we had almost a dozen detailed gargoyles menacing the art room.

Traditional gargoyles are grotesque figures that were used, especially during the middle ages, as decorative downspouts on buildings. As our first quarter spirit day approaches, the gargoyles have taken positions around the building to both show off my students’ fantastic work and add to the fun of October.

Fulfilling the Promise of Public Education

2008-10-12T13:38:00.016-04:00

"Education must be increasingly concerned about the fullest development of all children and youth, and it will be the responsibility of the schools to seek learning conditions which will enable each individual to reach the highest level of learning possible." - Benjamin Bloom

Embedded into the language of the charter schools movement, we see references to a sense of "urgency" that should infuse quality education and challenge poor school performance. That sense of urgency is clearly reflected in the quote above from Benjamin Bloom which calls educators to enable the "highest level of learning possible" in order to maximize the growth and potential of all students.

But what does this call to raise the level of learning actually mean? Benjamin Bloom developed a Hierarchy of Learning Objectives, which you can see in the graphic to the right. When students learn, they must begin at the lower levels to acquire new material. This is basic education. Quality education happens when we extend students' learning up this pyramid and invite them to take a risk with their new knowledge, to bring together new ideas with their own experiences ... to become actively engaged critical thinkers and writers.

When students learn in school, their knowledge and comprehension of new material forms the foundation of their learning. Once students are able to recall information and state their understanding, they can move on to higher levels of learning where they apply their knowledge in a new context, analyze information by breaking it down into parts, synthesize information by making connections between ideas, personal experiences, lessons, or content areas, and evaluate information by making judgments based on evaluative criteria.

In my walks through Oracle's classrooms, I have been able to see students:

demonstrate comprehension of chemical and physical changes,
apply their understanding of perspective to original Boom Town drawings,
analyze story structure using plot maps,
synthesize their understanding of the presidential candidates' platforms and political issues through in-character debates,
evaluate character and motive through a mock trial of the Big Bad Wolf.

It is this kind of learning that allows students to deepen and extend their knowledge and comprehension of a topic, and it is this kind of learning that we expect at Oracle Charter School. When we see students engaged in the kind of learning that challenges their thinking, brings them into the conversation about "big ideas," and gives them hands-on opportunities to work with real-world questions and problems, we know that good teaching is happening in the classroom!

Knowing the importance of education that pushes students to use higher-order thinking skills, please talk with your students at home about the kinds of work they are able to do in Oracle classrooms. Use the Bloom's Wheel below to ask about the kinds of activities and the kinds of work products their teachers are assigning, and talk to them about the big ideas that they're exploring in school!

Come Join the Oracle PTA!

2008-10-06T09:08:00.010-04:00

Oracle's PTA hosted its first meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 30th. We're off to a good start, but our start will be stronger with your input and involvement!

We would like to hear from you regarding the timing and organization of PTA meetings. Tell us about the kind of programs that Oracle's PTA can run to help make the Oracle Charter School community, already a first-class learning atmosphere, an even better one.

Please take our survey. You will need to print the survey from your browser window, fill it out, and return your completed form to your child's Advisor!

Earned Early Release

2008-10-05T12:51:00.007-04:00

This year at Oracle Charter School, we have restructured our bell schedules within the hours of our regular school day (8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.) to allow seven regular periods of instruction followed by an 8^th period of academic intervention or enrichment. Students whose current average is over 70% in all core classes and who have satisfactorily completed all of their academic work may earn early release from school at 2:20 p.m.

Students whose current average is below 70% in any core class or who have not satisfactorily completed all of their work will be assigned to flexible groups during 8^th period so Oracle teachers can work to support them and help them to master skills and information. Oracle’s 8^th period will not keep your student in school for a longer school day. Regular release will still be at 3:00 p.m. Students will be assigned to 8^th period groups on a weekly basis so that they and you are able to plan ahead. Please note that if your student earns early release for the following week, you will be notified with an automated IRIS alert phone call. If your student does not earn early release and is assigned to an 8^th period group, you will receive no phone call.

We are excited about the ability to support students’ specific academic needs that this 8^th period / Earned Early Release program brings to our Oracle teaching staff. If you have any questions about Earned Early Release or about your student’s progress reports, please contact the school at 362-3188.