1st Sponsor Meeting Held
Tonight was the 1st Sponsor Meeting of the new TCS High School. Each student in the school is required to have at least 2 adult sponsors chosen from among family, neighbors, and friends. All of the students attended along with their sponsors. After introductions, Tom explained the importance of sponsors as not only supporters of their own student, but also as part of the adult network for all of the students in the school. The group reviewed the new student handbook, gave their impressions of the first few days of school, and participated in a question and answer period. The sponsors took on the responsibility for celebrating student’s birthdays, helping with the Joe Corbi fundraiser, and some agreed to help with lunch. The group will meet again on October 16th.
All of the students rated their first day of class between an 8 and a 10! The students were so engaged that it was hard to believe they were all so new. Dave Bayer, stopped in to welcome everyone and bring the best wishes of the Trustees. Even former sponsor and long time supporter of the school. Linda McCauley dropped by to introduce herself and meet the new students. New tutor Sarah Krasnik began working and old friend and tutor Noah Saganski came by for a bit. It was a terrific 1st day!
He had no idea his day was going to end on such a happy note, but when Zackary Austin opened his mail everything took a turn. Inside the envelope were the results of his GED exam and he aced the test earning a Maryland Sate High School Diploma! During his time at The Community School, Zack overcame many personal obstacles and challenges to reach this major life milestone and did it all by the age of 16! He has hopes of going to college for a career in cyber security. Way to go Zack!
The neighborhood students in the after school program at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church on Roland Avenue will have the good fortune of having Sierra Martin working with them during their new school year. After 3 years at The Community School, Sierra is well prepared to assist these students with both her academic knowledge and dedicated work habits. Sierra started out as a volunteer in the summer vacation Bible program and so impressed everyone at the church that she was offered a paid position. Her professionalism there in turn led to this new position. We are very proud of her accomplishments.
Today was the 1st day of school for this first class of TCS High School! The students had their first of two days of orientation and testing. These new students are all looking forward for success at TCS after transferring from programs as diverse as Poly, Western, Pikesville and Learning Inc. One of the first activities to get everyone warmed up occurred when students were divided into pairs to interview each other and then introduce themselves to the class. We found out that all of the students like pizza and that they are all looking forward to a great school year!
Another big development arrived at the school today! Through the kindness of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle, we have purchased the Apex Learning System to incorporate into our students learning experience. This self contained accredited computerized curriculum will be used as a supplement to classroom teaching. Students will be able to use the system to learn content and earn credits toward their high school diploma and Tom will use it to enhance learning on teacher taught subjects. Nancy Fiddler, an Apex trainer, flew up from Florida and spent today helping to get the system set up and training Tom on its use and possibilities. If you want to know more about this system Click on the