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News and campus highlights connecting the New Way Academy family. Fall 2016 | Volume 1 | Issue 1
As the temperature cools down, we look forward to seeing you around campus!
Welcome Back! A note from Abbey and Mike New Way Families, We hope you are enjoying the start of the school year! Our classrooms have been buzzing during these early weeks of learning. Students have jumped right into their studies, are developing new friendships and have taken our after school programs by storm. This fall, we have over 70% of our students participating in an after school club or sport. We know firsthand what a positive impact after school programs can make on our students, and we are thrilled to see such a high level of engagement. We are happy to announce that New Way has completed reaccreditation through the AdvancED organization. As a non-profit institution, the AdvancED team conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of Pre-K–12 schools to ensure that all learners realize their full potential. AdvancED has been working in schools for over 100 years and we have enjoyed learning and growing from their expertise over the past several years. Using a systematic
approach combining standards, stakeholder feedback and student performance to measure quality programs, their accreditation process has helped our school make the most of our talents and resources. We scored high marks in all areas of our school assessment and look forward to our continued work with AdvancED. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, October 22nd for our annual Fall Kick-Off event! Our western-themed party is an event you won't want to miss! We'll have a bbq dinner from an award winning Food Network chef, bounce houses, a dunk tank, face painting, our Book Fair, and many other fun events for our students. Mr. Walker and I both look forward to seeing you there, as we prepare for the arrival of our baby boys! Mr. Walker and his wife Denise are due in late October and my husband Jason and I are due one month later, in November. We are keeping our fingers crossed that our boys enjoy each other's company, because they will surely be spending lots of time together! As always, please reach out to us with anything you may need. We love hearing from our parents — you are just as much a part of our New Way family as your children. As the temperature cools down, we look forward to being outside and seeing you around campus! With gratitude and endless Bulldog spirit,
Abbey Ross Executive Director
Michael Walker Head of School
5048 E. Oak Street | Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 602.629.6850 | newwayacademy.org
what’s new on campus New Assistant Head of School We are excited to introduce Hattie Linam as the new Assistant Head of School at New Way Academy! Mrs. Linam has been at New Way in many different capacities; she has served as a teacher, coach, club sponsor, and transition specialist. She most recently served as New Way’s Director of Transition, which allowed her to implement a formalized, studentcentered approach to transition planning for New Way high school students. Her experience in the classroom and formal education from Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University will be instrumental in her role as Assistant Head of School.
Student Leadership is Stepping Up! by Lauren DuBois and Alyssa Johnson
When stepping onto the New Way campus, it becomes instantly apparent that leaders are everywhere. Our students are spirited, passionate about our campus and community, and determined to create a better school life for themselves and their peers. The High School Student Government (Stugo) plans on hosting Homecoming, Mr. New Way, the Fashion Show, and Prom while Junior High Leadership is busy planning an Upper School Dance, Movie Night, a week of service, and a charity donation drive. We added a new group of talented young leaders this year, with our addition of Junior Student Government. They will be partnering with Stugo to create mentorship opportunities as well as planning our first ever Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances. It is sure to be a great year, thanks to our incredible student leaders who consistently demonstrate Bulldog pride!
Welcome New Teachers and Staff! As our student population expands, our needs for teachers and support staff also grows. We are always excited to welcome new faculty and staff to the New Way family. If you happen to see a new face on campus, take a moment to welcome them! Keep your eyes peeled for the Bulldog Bulletin each week as we feature a few members of the staff and allow families to get to know all the amazing people that work with your children. Tate Shimon, Noah Mangus, Mike Trivelli, Laura Morgan, Jared Johnson, Aimee Montoya, Monica Lopez, Elizabeth Pennebaker, and Stacie Bundy. Not pictured: Erin McGuire
Fall Sports Line Up by Kacey Bennett New Way Academy will be competing in the Canyon Athletic Association league this year. Our athletes have already put in several weeks of hard training in preparation for the games! The Bulldog's fall sports lineup is full with a variety of sports to choose from including high school football, junior high flag football, co-ed cross country, upper school and lower school cheer teams, and, our newest sport, Ultimate Frisbee. For complete listings of all sporting events, visit our sports website at www.sportsnewwayacademy.org. We are looking forward to a fun and exciting fall. We hope to see you out there supporting our Bulldogs!
Smooth Transitions by Lauren Casanova
• New Way has a 100% graduation rate. • College Core students can earn up to 6 college credits. • Career Core students work through exploring various career directions that fit their personalities and interests.
Our mission as a transition team is to prepare students for lifelong success after graduation. We believe with thoughtful planning and empowerment, students can flourish. Thus, our services extend across every year of high school. We work diligently to provide guided career exploration, post-secondary education advising, and independent living advice. We aim to help families create realistic, attainable, and exciting plans for the future. This, in conjunction with New Way’s curriculum,prepares students to achieve their highest potential.
New Way Lower School Presents … by Patrick Watkins & Christina Kjonaas
The Lower School Music Theater students are passionately working to produce Annie Kids! This musical features the redheaded fan favorite, Annie, and popular songs such as Tomorrow, It’s a Hard-Knock Life, and You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile. Cast members will have a chance to shine on the stage and will be practicing hard to learn lines, songs, and stage choreography! Students will learn to work as a team and build long-lasting friendships as they support each other in this fun musical endeavor! Watch for ticket information in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing your smile there! Production Dates: December 2, 6pm December 3, 2pm
Using PBIS at Home by Lauren Brown
Members of the new PBIS Club wait to exchange PBIS reward tickets with fun prizes at the PBIS Store. The club, advised by Ms. McGuire, supports PBIS by helping collect and tally tickets, and by working at the PBIS store each week. To learn more about PBIS, contact Lauren Brown, Director of Support Services at brown@newwayacademy.org.
What is PBIS? At New Way we want to set our students up to be successful, not only in school, but in the community as well. Just as adults need to know job expectations before they start working, our students need to be taught our positive behavioral interventions and support system (PBIS) when they enroll at New Way. We teach our students about our positive expectations and reinforce our students when they are meeting them, which helps us see even more positive interactions on campus. Can it be used at home? PBIS can be used at home and for all ages. Some families create expectations in the home, such as: chores, homework, having a job, etc. If there is a time of day or activity where it feels that families aren’t on the same page, it is always great to break it down to see what everyone expects to happen at that time. For example, are meal time expectations that everyone sits together and cleans their plates? For some families, even posting the expectations can help.
#Bulldogpride Day! New Way families, please join us on Friday, October 28th at 8am as we celebrate #Bulldogpride Day and make the final push to hit our Annual Bulldog Campaign goals! Enjoy food, activities, and a festive spirit assembly with prizes for the most school spirit! Watch your email for more information soon!
student spotlight What activities are you involved in both on and off campus? Sam: “I’m involved in Student Government, football, basketball, and youth group.”
Senior Spotlight Sam Lawrie & Catherine Rowley
We sat down with our Co-Student Body Presidents to see what student life is like on the New Way campus and how they are adjusting to their new leadership roles.
upcoming
events If you would like more information on how you can get involved in our Moms’ or Dads’ Clubs, please contact Carmen at 602-629-6850 or email her at carmen@newwayacademy.org. For complete listings of all sporting events, visit our sports website at www.sportsnewwayacademy.org.
Catherine: “I’m involved in Student Government and soccer at school. Outside of school I babysit, do gymnastics and practice piano.” What is it like to be the president of the student body? Sam: “I like the experience of working with others — different personalities, learning how to lead a large group of people, and talking in front of people.” Catherine: “When I first came to New Way, I had absolutely no confidence and was sad all the time, but then Mrs. DuBois told me I should do Student Government. Now I feel comfortable leading a group, and value what I have to say and can contribute more.”
What would you say is the best part about going to New Way? Sam: “It’s a second home. Everyone is so loving and looks out for me. 10/10 great experience over the last four years. New Way has done so much for me that I will never be able to repay. I can’t thank the faculty enough for everything they’ve done.” Catherine: “I love that my family is here (she has 3 younger siblings who attend New Way) and I enjoy being able to celebrate with them when they get awards. I have accomplished a lot more here than I ever thought I would with the help of teachers and peers!” As you approach graduation, what are some of your post-secondary goals? Sam: “I want to go to an in-state college and either study psychology or sports management.” Catherine: “I plan on going to NAU and becoming an Aesthetics Nurse.”
OCTOBER Monday 10/17–Friday 10/21 Scholastic Book Fair Saturday 10/22 Fall Kick-Off 5:30–8:30pm Friday 10/28 # Bulldogpride Day and Spirit Assembly 8:30–9:30am
NOVEMBER Monday 11/14 Winter Sport Season Begins Friday 11/18 Spirit Assembly 8:30-9:30am Friday 11/18 Muffins with Moms 7:15–8:15am Friday 11/18 Fall Sports Athletic Awards 4pm
DECEMBER Friday 12/2 L ower School Musical, “Annie” dress rehearsal 1:30pm Friday 12/2 L ower School Musical, “Annie” evening performance 6pm Saturday 12/3 L ower School Musical, “Annie” matinee performance 2pm Thursday 12/8 Movie Night 5:30pm Thursday 12/15 C elebration of the Arts, “Holidays Around the World” 5:30–6:30pm
SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, May 6, 2017 | 6pm | New Way Auction & Gala