Post by title1parent on Feb 3, 2009 6:19:08 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1410020,2_1_AU03_MAGNET_S1.article
East plans expansion of Magnet Academy
February 3, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
The East Aurora School Board has approved a four-year implementation plan which will lead to a district-wide Magnet Academy by the year 2012.
Piloted this year, the Magnet Academy serves fifth- and eighth-grade students, focusing on core subjects with a special emphasis on math, science and technology. There are 25 fifth-graders and 19 eighth-graders enrolled this year. Classes are at O'Donnell Elementary School for the fifth-graders and at East Aurora's Root Street campus for the eighth-graders.
The interest in the program prompted the district to consider expanding the Magnet Academy services to all students in upcoming years.
"We are excited to know that the Board of Education continues to support educators who are continuously seeking new models and programs that meet the needs of all students," said Marin Gonzalez, assistant superintendent for secondary education.
Students now in third, fourth, fifth and eighth grades will be served by the academy in the 2009-2010 school year. They are invited to fill out applications and ask questions during an open house at 5 p.m. Feb. 10 in the East Aurora High School Freshman Center.
The addition of third, seventh and 10th grades will come in 2010-2011, 11th grade in 2011-2012 and 12th grade in 2012-2013.
"This is a great opportunity for our students," said Denean Adams, East Aurora's director of curriculum.
"Not only are students able to master standards and expectations, this curriculum advances them to the next level. It affords them the opportunity to make real-life connections, incorporate technology and integrate problem-solving tools. ... This program has generated new excitement in District 131."
Contact Charity Singh at (630) 299.5531 or csingh@d131.org or Gloria Salinas (630) 299.5563 or gsalinas@d131.org.
East plans expansion of Magnet Academy
February 3, 2009
By ERIKA WURST ewurst@scn1.com
The East Aurora School Board has approved a four-year implementation plan which will lead to a district-wide Magnet Academy by the year 2012.
Piloted this year, the Magnet Academy serves fifth- and eighth-grade students, focusing on core subjects with a special emphasis on math, science and technology. There are 25 fifth-graders and 19 eighth-graders enrolled this year. Classes are at O'Donnell Elementary School for the fifth-graders and at East Aurora's Root Street campus for the eighth-graders.
The interest in the program prompted the district to consider expanding the Magnet Academy services to all students in upcoming years.
"We are excited to know that the Board of Education continues to support educators who are continuously seeking new models and programs that meet the needs of all students," said Marin Gonzalez, assistant superintendent for secondary education.
Students now in third, fourth, fifth and eighth grades will be served by the academy in the 2009-2010 school year. They are invited to fill out applications and ask questions during an open house at 5 p.m. Feb. 10 in the East Aurora High School Freshman Center.
The addition of third, seventh and 10th grades will come in 2010-2011, 11th grade in 2011-2012 and 12th grade in 2012-2013.
"This is a great opportunity for our students," said Denean Adams, East Aurora's director of curriculum.
"Not only are students able to master standards and expectations, this curriculum advances them to the next level. It affords them the opportunity to make real-life connections, incorporate technology and integrate problem-solving tools. ... This program has generated new excitement in District 131."
Contact Charity Singh at (630) 299.5531 or csingh@d131.org or Gloria Salinas (630) 299.5563 or gsalinas@d131.org.