RISING Annual Report 2020
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rising to the Challenge ..................................................4 Rising to High School....................................................6 Rising Together ............................................................11 Rising for Equity ...........................................................14 Rising to Honor ............................................................16
Introduction The quality of your life depends on the seeds you water. If you plant tomato seeds in your gardens, tomatoes will grow. Just so, if you water a seed of peace in your mind, peace will grow…The seeds that are watered frequently are those that will grow strong. – Thích Nhất Hạnh At Alma we often use the word “cultivate” when we talk about the work we do with our scholars, families and community. We cultivate the habits of thoughtful leadership in our scholars. We cultivate community amongst our families. Inherent in this language is the idea that each of our scholars comes to us with the seeds of brilliance, that our families possess seeds of resilience and wisdom that is both hard won and the legacy of their ancestors and that, given the right conditions, these seeds will grow, flower and bear fruit. In this Annual Report you won’t find our usual colorful charts showing our scholars’ excellent state test results. As you likely know, our state tests were canceled this past Spring amidst the pandemic. Instead, you’ll see in these pages two school communities where young people and the adults who care about them have been watering the right seeds. Seeds of knowledge, of responsibility, of resilience and of compassion. You’ll see how, from these seeds, our scholars, families and school community have risen to face the challenge of the pandemic alongside the challenge of ongoing racial and societal inequity . Last Fall, Alma parent Marie Tavares spearheaded Families Helping Families, a new initiative aimed at watering the seeds of connection and mutual aid among our families. As she cultivated relationships and leadership among our families, Marie had no idea the size of the storm on the horizon. But when the pandemic hit and our schools were forced to close, Marie and our families rose to the
occasion, coordinating with our teachers and staff to provide meals, essentials and other vital services to our families in need. Marie is one of the many leaders at Alma who have watered the right seeds and helped our community to rise to this occasion. After reading these pages, I hope you will share our excitement about watching how our scholars and the loving community that surrounds them will come through the trials of this time stronger, wiser and more ready to lead into the future than ever. We thank all of you who help to provide the water, sunlight and soil we need to keep growing. Your support and care for our scholars and staff was felt more than ever last Spring and it is with deep gratitude that we send this report.
Executive Director
Board Chair
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chris Arnold
Bronwen Cunningham
Jan Baptist, Chair
Gail Fortes
Christopher Bator
Lucile (Cile) Hicks
Vanessa Brown
Martha Kay
Alicia Cortez
Maria Rosario
Rising‌ To The Challenge
Our school buildings may have closed due to the global pandemic, but the extraordinary work Alma scholars and staff are known for continued.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for all of us. Alma, along with several other area schools, made the difficult decision to close our doors even before Gov. Baker ordered all schools closed in mid-March. That Friday afternoon, our operations staff quickly put together packets of independent math and literacy work, paired with guided reading books and supplies, for scholars to use for learning at home.
22,000+ books read by K-2 scholars
7,000+
calls, reading conferences, and small group meetings with K-2 scholars
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Our team nimbly retooled our infrastructure and resources to ensure that our scholars received frequent contact with crewmates and caring adults, ongoing education and help with building daily academic habits and vital necessities for their families where needed. Alma teachers prioritized the health and wellbeing of their scholars, while also celebrating every single win, no matter how small. Our goal was to help our scholars experience success daily, knowing that it would motivate them to continue to log on and to try even harder. Teachers and specialists used newly-created YouTube channels to share encouraging messages and conduct read-alouds (while in costume!) Alma’s Art and Physical Education Teachers turned to Instagram to post creative assignments and inspiration for activities. They met our scholars where they were and created safe and inventive spaces for scholars to continue learning. Our ability to pivot to meet the needs of our scholars and families was a natural extension of our high support model. As an organization we were already accustomed to working Annual Report 2020
flexibly to meet the individual needs of scholars and leveraging the power of “crew” to support kids and families. As a result, our scholars stayed invested in their school experience, despite not physically being in school. Our scholars continued to attend daily Crew meetings with their classmates and complete daily assignments. Likewise our families reported feeling well supported. These efforts provided a strong foundation upon which we have now strengthened our remote learning program for the new school year.
“We had to drastically change the way we taught, and you had to change the way you learned. Our leaders were asking us to make a big sacrifice for our community and the well being of those that were vulnerable to getting sick. We didn’t get to end our year the way we had expected, but what you showed was that when life changed you were able to adapt. I know it wasn’t easy.” - Mel Overson, Middle School Science Teacher, in keynote speech during Alma’s virtual 8th Grade Graduation
www.almadelmar.org
Ms.Cotugno, a reading specialist and member of Alma’s founding team, recorded daily readalouds of The Tale of Despereaux and posted the videos on YouTube for scholars to follow along all spring.
Ms. Frazer Rego, a visual arts teacher at Alma, used Instagram to engage her middle school scholars with unique arts activities. Scholars then submitted their work to be showcased on her account.
Mr. Jacome, a sixth grade teacher at Alma, produced weekly videos to keep in touch with his scholars. “Just a teacher, trying to find a way to entertain his scholars,” he explained.
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Rising… To High School
Over half of our eighth graders were admitted to at least one selective high school or high school program this past spring. The journey of our first-ever Kindergarten class culminated this past spring as the Class of 2028 graduated from Alma in the midst of a pandemic. These 42 scholars proved time and time again that although their school building was closed, they could still learn, inquire, research and challenge. This cohort of eighth graders presented their Passage Portfolios - an opportunity for the scholars to reflect on their experiences at Alma - during Zoom meetings. Alma’s traditional “Clap Out” celebration was turned into an outdoor, drive-thru parade with Alma staff lining the streets. Their eighth grade graduation ceremony was held virtually as well. While many of this year’s graduates attended Alma for all 10 of their first years of school, all of them have long had their eyes on high school and beyond. Starting in sixth grade, our scholars and their families work with our Secondary Schools Guidance counselor to learn about high school options and chart a path from Alma that will put them on a college track. The most popular option among our scholars remains Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School. Along with allowing our scholars to specialize in trades and technical shops, GNB Voc-Tech is a selective, academically rigorous high school that sends a significant percentage of students on to college. Greater numbers of our scholars have also been admitted and matriculated to New Bedford High School’s Academy of Honors, a rigorous, exam-based program geared towards preparing students for selective undergraduate institutions. 6
Annual Report 2020
ALMA ALUMS
This past year we further developed our support and tracking of Alma alumni at their various secondary schools, ensuring that our scholars remain on a college trajectory even after leaving Alma.
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Bristol County Agricultural High School Apponequet Regional 1 High School
AJ Santos
Class of 2026
Emily Santos Class of 2027
Ryleigh Sylvia
Jae-Lyn Rodriguez
Samantha Goulart
Tatiana Rodriguez
Class of 2027
Class of 2026
Class of 2027
Class of 2028
Jerin Montrond Class of 2026
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Nevaeh Cooper Class of 2026
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School
Jozel Grace
Tabor Academy Old Rochester Regional High School
Class of 2028
1
New Bedford High School
Global Learning Charter School
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Nazarene 1 Christian Academy Bishop Stang High School Friends Academy
Noah Medina Class of 2028
www.almadelmar.org
Dartmouth High School
2
2
MATTAPOISETT
NEW 2 BEDFORD
1
DARTMOUTH 2
1
Stoneleigh Burnham
1
Out of State
GreenďŹ eld, MA (not included in map)
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ALEAH BRACEY
Class of 2028
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As I transitioned from elementary school to middle school at Alma, the biggest change was becoming more open. Before, I was not able to talk in front of crowds but now I find it easier for me after every experience. I was able to allow my voice to be heard by my teachers and friends. I have also learned to become more responsible for my actions and be independent.
also took chances in branching out socially, both making new friendships and strengthening old bonds.
All throughout middle school, I took chances, setting goals, and personal standards that pushed me to work hard and achieve academic success. I
These nine years I have mastered both the habits and commitments by volunteering for my school and teachers.
Starting off in Kindergarten, we were all very young so we weren’t able to make decisions for ourselves. But growing up and moving on, we gained more independence and responsibilities, and are better prepared for our next milestones in life.
Annual Report 2020
STEPHANIE CERRITOS-RIVAS
Class of 2028
www.almadelmar.org
Alma not only taught me academic independence but also how to master emotional vulnerability.
I know my voice can be heard and needs to be heard in a socciety that struggles to listen to minorities.
I learned to focus on myself and the world around me. I learned to use my voice and the color of my skin to pave the way for change. I might appear white but as for my ethnicity, I am Salvadorian and my first language is Spanish. I have to fight for my heritage, for my people, my family, my friends, and the people who are constantly struggling with immigration laws in this country.
I’m so thankful that Alma taught us not only to have better writing skills, to read with passion, or even speak with a college voice but to be able to use our voice to educate others, to advocate for what we believe in, and for what’s right. I want to remind you all that we are the face of the future and we need to use our voice for the greater good, use our platform to speak on those whose voices are oppressed.
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“My family and I are beyond grateful for the opportunities and kindness that we have received from all.� - Alma parent
42,000 fresh meals served to New Bedford families scholars
400+ Chromebook 10
computers for Alma scholars
Annual Report 2020
Rising... Together Our community experienced so much loss due to the global health crisis and related economic fall out. As soon as the pandemic hit, we shifted our focus to the immediate needs of our scholars and their families, leveraging our Families Helping Families (FHF) initiative and funds to help families who suddenly found themselves facing unemployment, illness, and food insecurity. We distributed tens of thousands of meals to families in need, facilitated virtual calls with service providers, helped people file for unemployment benefits and arranged for Internet access. During the initial weeks of the shutdown, our family volunteers provided families in need with everything from infant formula
www.almadelmar.org
and diapers to paper goods, cleaning supplies, and safe drinking water. They picked up prescription medications for children and delivered it along with fresh foods to homebound families. As our country wrestles with the effects of a pandemic as well as centuries of systemic racism, the work of supporting Alma’s families is more important than ever. Our FHF Director, Marie Tavares, is set to launch a series of family support groups to help all families navigate this unprecedented time while knowing they are not alone. Through our FHF work, Alma will become a model for a school that gets to know families deeply while helping them connect with and become resources to each other.
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Rising... For All The global pandemic only exacerbated inequities in our society and within the public school system. Central to imagining a school day with increased health and safety measures and a flexible in-person to remote model is the creation of a more equitable school for our scholars and families.
The continued crisis of COVID-19 is inextricably linked to racial inequality in our community, and our work moving forward must ensure that we are effectively serving our most marginalized and vulnerable populations. Within our reopening plans, we approached our remote program design with the understanding that a number of scholars have had traumatic experiences due to this crisis in addition to whatever trauma they might have experienced before this. That doesn’t mean we dilute quality or lower the bar for all scholars because of individual challenges; we must provide both equity and quality. 12
SCHOLAR DEMOGRAPHICS 4
13.9 60.2
21.9
Black or African American
White
Latinx
Other (including Asian, Native American, Multi-Race)
First Language not English
46.4
English Language Learners
30.9
Students with Disabilities
17.6
High Needs
77.8
Economically Disadvantaged
59.3 0
10
20
30
40
50
% of Enrollment
60
70
80
Annual Report 2020
“This has been one of the best experiences that my family has ever had. Thank you for always supporting your scholars and their families.” - Alma grandparent
“I just would like to thank all of you for the dedication and the effort you are making to make a bad situation, better.” www.almadelmar.org
- Alma parent
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Rising‌ For Equity
Alma del Mar Charter School strives to be an anti-racist institution. We seek to dismantle racist and white supremacist structures in pursuit of justice and racial equity. We will fight against racism when we encounter it both within and outside of our school community. We will actively work to ensure that all of our community members, including scholars, families, and staff, feel included, celebrated and empowered. By resisting racism and White Supremacy, we will lay the foundation to challenge all forms of oppression. Being an anti-racist organization is inextricably linked to Alma del Mar’s mission. We are working to empower all of our scholars to be bold thinkers and service-minded leaders, prepared to solve complex community issues. We will only achieve that mission by ensuring equitable access to opportunities, providing rigorous academics, strong support, and removing oppressive systems that would limit those opportunities.
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Annual Report 2020
We commit to investing the energy and resources necessary to continue to make Alma an anti-racist institution by:
Engaging in ongoing Anti-Bias Anti-Racist professional development with all of our staff with the goal of equipping all staff members with the resources to resist racist attitudes, people, structures, policies and practices that exist in our school. Examining our hiring and talent practices in order to build a staff that reflects the diversity of New Bedford. Building stronger relationships with and between scholars and families through Crew practices and regular communication. Examining our curriculum and instruction to ensure that they are culturally competent and support our scholars in building critical consciousness. Continuing to hold scholars to high academic standards and providing them the support they need to reach those standards. Providing scholars with opportunities to discuss and analyze racial injustice on the individual level and at the institutional or systemic level while also providing them with opportunities to take action in their community. Empowering and seeking input from families. Addressing racist policies and structures when we find them. Checking in regularly to ensure that scholars, families and staff of all backgrounds are succeeding at Alma.
This vision was created by Alma’s Racial Equity Team, a diverse group of leaders overseeing the longterm transformation of Alma as a truly anti-racist organization. Alma del Mar’s anti-racist work will be daily, ongoing and never ending.
www.almadelmar.org
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Rising… To Honor
Despite the challenges that come with the global pandemic, Alma’s team has worked tirelessly to keep the construction of our new school, the Frederick Douglass Campus, on track. We successfully celebrated the groundbreaking of the two-story, 51,000-square foot building earlier this fall with an outdoors, socially-distanced ceremony to pay tribute to Douglass. When our new school is completed, Alma’s two campuses will serve over 1,000 scholars each year. In the time of a global health crisis, our architects prioritized the health and safety features, ensuring our new campus will mitigate contagious viruses and other environmental risks. The new building will boast a highly-rated ventilation system that draws in 100% outside air alongside strong air filtration. At the same time, the design allows for ample natural light, access to outdoor space and sound insulation to filter out noise pollution. With thousands of future change makers walking Alma’s halls, it was only fitting that we named our new school in honor of Douglass, one of the most prominent abolitionists and civil rights leaders in the struggle for equality in the United States.
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Annual Report 2020
“I have always been taught Douglass lived in New Bedford in the mid-1800s after escaping slavery. His powerful testimony - both spoken and written - is a fixture in Alma’s curriculum, and scholars across grade levels study his work and life each year.
that a hero is someone who helps people,” Alma third grade scholar Trinity Olafikun
Jamiel Tavares, an eighth grade scholar at Alma, honored Douglass during the ceremony by sharing his 1847 speech ‘Farewell to the British People’ with the audience.
told an intimate crowd for our
“I’ve always admired the story of Frederick Douglass and how he fought for others who couldn’t fight for themselves,” Tavares said. “The speech I chose, along with the opening quote, spoke to me as a middle schooler living in our current society when I often have to stand up for my beliefs even if I have to endure being made fun of by my peers or others.”
“Frederick Douglass helped
Compass Project Management, the firm who led on the school’s successful construction project in 2015-2016, is also leading on this project, and construction is expected to be completed by December 2021. Following an extensive process with the state’s Designer Selection Board, Arrowstreet was selected to lead on the architectural design of Alma’s new campus. As a charter public school, Alma does not receive the same state subsidies that district public schools receive to finance their facilities, and as such, Alma must use operating revenues. www.almadelmar.org
ceremonial groundbreaking. so many people. This is how I know Frederick Douglass was a true hero.” Critical details of the building remain unfunded. To learn how you may support this project, contact us at impact@almadelmar.org 17
Our Supporters
We were overwhelmed by the response to the launch of our $6.2 million Impact Campaign last winter, and again when we unexpectedly closed our doors due to the ongoing global health crisis. Whether you donated to our warm winter clothing drive, our emergency COVID-19 fund, or the facility fund to build a new school for our scholars, your generosity has been seen and appreciated. Every gift of every amount made a world of difference this past year. We wish to recognize all of our supporters from Fiscal Year 2020 (July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2020) below, equally. INDIVIDUALS
Jonas Peter Akins & Sarah B. Stapleton Anonymous (3) Chase & Nicole Arnold Chris & Trish Arnold Talbot Baker Jr. Michael & Margie Baldwin Jan Baptist Donna Barnes Charles & Christina Bascom Chris & Colleen Bator Charles & Patricia Bentley Nathaniel & Jewelle Bickford Mary Jean & Bill Blasdale Linda & Sandy Boothby Nan & Bill Braucher Melissa & James Bride Brian C Broderick Vanessa Brown Richard & Jayne Burkhardt Capt. Weston & Barbara Burnett Laura Burnett-Kurie Karyn & Ben Campbell Alvan Carr Gaynor D. Casner Truman S. Casner Elizabeth Chapin James & Ann Conway David & Vicki Croll
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Bronwen Cunningham & Robert Booth Leslie & Helen DeGroot Kathryn Dinneen Allan & Priscilla Ditchfield Lisa Dow Matt & Dee Downey David & Jackie Eckert Nancy & Jim Edwards Deborah & William Elfers Arline & Roy Enoksen Annette Ewing Mary & Jim Faughnan Gail Fortes Nicholas & Marjorie Greville Ed & Barbara Haddad Ernest M. Haddad Janet M. Haring Maria & David Harrington Timothy Haydock Benjamin Hicks Brian & Robin Hicks Lucile Pillow Hicks Prentiss & Polly Higgins Frederic & Johanna Hood Jonathan & Elizabeth Howland Felicity & Austin Hoyt Jim & Bess Hughes Heidi & Arthur Huguley Peter G. Huidekoper Mary Myers Kauppila Martha Kay Mike & Martha Keating
Dennis Keefe Lucy Keefe Rusty & Betsy Kellogg Robert & Diane Kramer Stephen Kunian Ted & Nancy Kurtz Edith Lauderdale Barry & Sherry Leiwant Elizabeth Leiwant Matthew Harold Leiwant Carolee Matsumoto & David Gilbertson Alexander Young McFerran Elizabeth McKay Kathy & Derek Melven Mary Ellen Newby Sandria Parsons Robert M. Pennoyer Mark & Alice Rice Perkins Elke Pierre David Prentiss & Lucy Iannotti William Jr. & Suzanne Prescott Patrick and Ute Prevost Iryna Priester John & Lynn Reichenbach Frank & Barbara Resnek Don & Genie Rice Maria Rosario Cecilia & Chris Ross Marie Santos Paul & Tina Schmid Jamey & Laura Shachoy Matey & Jeannie Smith
Stephen K Smith John D. Spooner Robert & Bonnie Stapleton Fredi & Howard Stevenson Paul D & Ulla N Sullivan Beverly Sutton & Gordon Lenci Dr. Carol M. Taylor & John Deknatel Elliott Thrasher Joan Underwood Happy & Henley Webb Sylvia Westphal Pete & Sally Wilde George and Allison Wood
FOUNDATIONS & FUNDS Acushnet Foundation Fund, Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts AmazonSmile Amelia Peabody Foundation Barr Foundation Bristol County Savings Bank Foundation Carney Family Charitable Foundation Charter School Growth Fund Club Madeirense S.S. Sacramento Charitable Foundation
Henry H. Crapo Foundation, Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts Eastern Charitable Foundation Enable Hope Foundation Kenneth & Mildred S Gammons Charitable Foundation George Frederick Jewett Foundation East Leonard & Hilda Kaplan Charitable Foundation The Seymour H. Knox Foundation Ladera Foundation Lofberg Family Foundation Longfield Family Foundation, Inc. Louis Calder Foundation Move The World Foundation Network For Good One8 Foundation Orville W. Forte Charitable Foundation St. Aidan’s Chapel Strategic Grant Partners The Benevity Community Impact Fund The Kathryn I. Matthews Charitable Fund The Therese Matthews Charitable Fund Wellington Management Foundation Annual Report 2020
Advisory Council Members Mary Jean Blasdale* Melissa Bride Chad Brubaker David Cabral* Roger Cabral John Camera Karyn Campbell* Priscilla Ditchfield
Jeanne Eagle* Ed Haddad Eric Hudson Jim Hughes Dennis Keefe Judith Li* Rob Massoud Joseph McDonough
Carolyn Nunez David Prentiss* Mark Rasmussen* Kris Tomlinson* Sandy See Bob Unger* *Former Trustee
Financials July 2019 — June 2020
REVENUE State Funding Federal Funding Private Funding Other TOTAL
$ 8,731,067 $ 913,990 $ 368,487 $ 25,393 $ 10,038,937
EXPENSES Personnel Facilities Other TOTAL
$ $ $ $
NET INCOME
6,132,354 1,076,559 2,440,470 9,649,383
$ 389,554*
*Alma del Mar continues to budget conservatively in order to meet its required debt service covenants. However, the FY20 operating surplus is $337k higher than budgeted due to an increase in revenue from federal and private sources due to COVID19, and a decrease in expenses due to the closure of the school in March.
www.almadelmar.org
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Putting New Bedford children on the path to college and challenging them to be service-minded leaders.
515 Belleville Ave. New Bedford, MA 02746 www.almadelmar.org 774.206.6827 info@almadelmar.org /almadelmarcharterschool @AlmaCharter @AlmaCharter