TCS Student Goes On to Help Others!
September 7, 2013
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 
The college students were the guests of honor at a cookout tonight. It was an opportunity for family and friends to let them know how proud we are of their effort and determination. Two of the students, Ryan Gavin and Matt Wendler will be finishing up their Associate’s Degrees this semester before transferring to university. Another student, Ryan McCauley, is entering college for his first semester after just graduating from The Community School. He’s our youngest college student in awhile at just 16! Amanda McCarty will continue in college part time preparing for the nurse’s program while also working full time in a medical office. Also Gary Hunt will be entering his 3rd year at the University of Baltimore. Each of these students is assisted by our College Support Program. All the best to each of our dedicated college students.
Today, Ryan McCauley opened the letter to find that he passed the GED exam and earned his Maryland State High School Diploma! Ryan not only passed the test but scored above the 65% percentile in all of the test subject areas. This means that he did better than nearly 2/3 of all students in the final quarter of 12th grade! His hard work and dedication as a student at The Community School has him going off to college at the age of 16 fully prepared for continuing his success at CCBC.