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News and campus highlights connecting the New Way Academy family. Summer 2017 | Volume 1 | Issue 4
Exciting Staff Changes! We are pleased to announce that this summer, teachers Melissa Vallejo and Katie Jillette will transition into new positions that will allow them to continue to work with students and also be instrumental in leadership and support of their peers. Melissa Vallejo will take on the position of Assistant Head of Kindergarten through 8th grade and Katie Jillette will assume the role of Assistant Head of High School. Lauren DuBois will also move into a new role as Director of Engagement. She will continue her work with students through high school student government and our student internship program. Her first charge is to create a parent association, helping to streamline and grow the momentum among our school community. Please share in our congratulations to these three teachers. We could not be more proud of them and their continued journeys at New Way!
Katherine (Katie) Jillette (left) • Master’s degree from ASU • Certified Special Education Teacher • Began teaching in 2008, through Teach for America Melissa Vallejo (center) • Master’s degree from NAU • Certified Special Education Teacher • Nationally Certified STEM Teacher • ASU Teacher Candidate Mentor •N ational Science Teachers’ Association member Lauren DuBois (right) • Bachelor’s degree from ASU in 2014 • Valley Leadership Advance graduate •N ational Council of Teachers of English member • Grand Canyon University Teacher Candidate Mentor
Melissa Vallejo has been a member of the New Way community for over 12 years and is excited about joining the admin team and supporting staff to provide an engaging educational experience. She believes in high expectations that foster student accountability, pride, and success, and feels that the best way we can facilitate our students’ independence is by meeting them at their learning style. One of Melissa’s favorite New Way memories was moving from the old New Way campus to our new school. “The move was daunting and hopeful, and to see our school community come together to ready this campus was nothing short of awesome.” Katie Jillette has spent much of her time at New Way as a high school math teacher, chair of the math department, as well as the MAP data coach. Katie is looking forward to focusing on the unique needs of high school students and teachers as the team
continues to grow. She is passionate about supporting teachers to guide the creative use of active student engagement strategies. One of Katie’s favorite things about New Way is the community formed between students, staff, and families. “It really does feel like a supportive family, and it is a privilege that our students share so much of their lives with us.” In addition to transition focused instruction, Lauren DuBois is passionate about developing young leaders and an engaged campus culture. She is looking forward to enhancing campus engagement through her new role and serving the school community she has grown to love, including our parents, volunteers, and alumni. Lauren’s favorite New Way event is the Mr. New Way pageant. “It showcases our incredible students before they graduate, is unbelievably funny, and gives back to great causes in our community.”
5048 E. Oak Street | Phoenix, AZ 85008 | 602.629.6850 | newwayacademy.org
student spotlight Spotlight on Nick Hilleary, New Way Academy Senior
“The whole community is sad to see Nick graduate, but we are equally excited to see him thrive at GCU.” Mrs. Hattie Linam, Assistant Head of School
Nicholas (Nick) Hilleary learned he was dyslexic in second grade, but even after years of special education services, he completed eighth grade only reading and comprehending at a third grade level.
New Way teachers and coaches describe Nick as a hard-working and dedicated learner, and one of the nicest students they’ve known. Nick’s character and dedication also earned him the Sportsmanship Award for basketball.
Just four years ago, his self-esteem was diminished, he was being bullied by his peers, and he was filled with anger. That is when Nick found New Way. Though apprehensive at first, he was excited to be able to play on the football team.
“Nick is one of the most dedicated students on our campus. He maintains his academic grades, participates in many sports and extracurricular activities, and provides model leadership to the younger students at our school”, says Mrs. Hattie Linam, Assistant Head of School.
Words cannot describe what the New Way sports program did for Nicks’ self-esteem. He finally felt acceptance from his peers and his confidence soared. In addition to playing football, basketball, and soccer, he became a leader in Student Government, community service projects, and started New Way’s first “Hoopcoming”.
New Way Academy is not just a school to Nick. New Way Academy saved his life. Four years ago, Nick never imagined that he would not only graduate from high school, but would also be accepted to Grand Canyon University with a scholarship. Congratulations on your accomplishments, Nick! Your New Way family is eager to see where your talents and work ethic take you!
Introducing 2017–2018 STUGO Officers Student Government (STUGO) is a leadership organization for students in fifth grade through high school. STUGO members serve New Way by hosting events, engaging in and promoting school spirit, and serving as advocates for themselves and their classmates in the community. Throughout, students develop their leadership, executive functioning, and soft skills. After completing the application process, the following students from each level were selected for the 2017–2018 Student Government.
Thank You for Flying With Us! On May 6th, New Way Academy hosted our annual Auction & Gala. Our theme was “Let Your Dreams Take Flight”, and with the support of families and community members, our students are ready to soar! This year’s fundraiser was one for the record books! Over 365 guests came together to raise more than $250,000 to support our students and programs! We’d like to extend a special thank you to the Arizona Education Scholarship Fund (APESF) and the Dube Estate for
Lower School Maritess Helgeson Jovanni Cenerini Yehuda Friedman Henry Bako Hannah Gibbs Zachary LeGrand Nathan VanDyke Kellie Jones Grace Brennan
& TION Y AU C N EW WAY ACAD E M
Middle School Sophia Smith Maddie Sheldon Grace Michael Paul Walsh Christopher Walker Kylie Reimondo Alex LaLoggia Natalie Paynter Alex Stansberry Neil Pandey
High School Sean Raimbeault Britney Waxman Hunter Brice-Nash Georgia McCook Hayden Clawson Dylan Provenzano Griffin Vondy Diego Armendariz Johnny Harrod Milo Brebner
GALA
their generous matching donations. The Dube Estate matched $30,000 for our performing arts programs, while APESF matched over $56,000 to support scholarships for students to attend New Way. This incredible support will help open the door for many more students to attend New Way through financial assistance, as well as help us to grow our performing and fine arts programs! We would also like to extend our gratitude to our host, JetLinx Scottsdale,
Atlasta Catering for their generous support as our Co-Pilot sponsor, Embroidery Unlimited, Inc for creating unique spirit items for the auction, and Karolina Donis, Lori Raimbeault, and Beth Sedlet for their time and dedication to making this year’s event a huge success. Without the time, energy, and financial support of our families, board, and community members, the success of the Auction and Gala would not be possible!
New Way Seniors By the Numbers
23 graduates 73 community college credit hours earned 4 are pursuing professional careers
Congratulations New Way Seniors! It has been a true honor and joy to watch you grow this year. We couldn’t be more proud of the young men and women you have become throughout your time at New Way. Your futures are bright and you have all the skills for success. We look forward to watching you flourish. Please remember we are always here for you! We wish you nothing but the best! Mrs. Keathley and Mrs. Morgan
6 will attend Maricopa Community colleges
3 will attend vocational and trade programs 2 will attend colleges out of state
Senior Men Compete in Mr. New Way The second annual Mr. New Way pageant was the perfect showcase of the extraordinary talent and limitless potential coming out of New Way. Eight of our finest senior men (Nick Hilleary, Sam Lawrie, Ben Viglietta, Ben McCullough, Daniel Fitch, Zachary Brown, Brendan Kane and Julian Norton-Abad) took the stage to support a local charity, Ryan House. Masters of Ceremonies, Britney Waxman and Sean Raimbeault, opened the show by introducing returning Mr. New Way 2016, Jared Johnson (pictured, left). All competitors took the stage for a group dance number that had the crowd in hysterics. Each young man then returned to the stage to share a legacy speech and a hidden talent. The men returned in their evening-wear for interview questions, followed by the crowning. The difficult decision was left in the hands of judges, David Boone, Nate Bodinet, Mike Walker, Jared Johnson, Noah Mangus, and Vanessa Flatness. Ultimately, Zachary Brown (pictured, right) took home the title of Mr. New Way and Brendan Kane was named Mr. Congeniality. After the show, the competitors presented the proceeds to a representative from Ryan House and spent a day volunteering at their facilities. It was a tremendous success and we are extremely proud of each participant in this year’s show.
2 will attend Grand Canyon University 2 will attend Arizona State University 3 will attend Northern Arizona University
New Way Academy would like to congratulate our graduating seniors on the completion of their high school careers, and wish them the best of luck as they embark on the next leg of their journey!
Senior Memories: My greatest accomplishment … Completing the sets for the Annie and the Wizard of Oz plays.
Maintaining a high grade in all my classes.
Jordan Soucie
Graduating, because I worked hard.
Getting the ultimate frisbee award on the first year it came out. Alec McCullouch
Michael Macchiaroli
Payton Hammond
Being on the guys basketball team. Julia Ladick
Being the first girl to be Student Government president, making a goal on the soccer team, and being the goalie on the soccer team. Catherine Rowley Becoming president of STUGO and watching it grow. Samuel Lawrie
Getting accepted into my first choice college and being offered a Merit/ Innovator Scholarship without even applying for financial help. Jaclyn Katz
Being able to graduate. I’m also proud of how great I am doing with my art skills so I can make it a career. Christian Mullins
Going through high school and making it all the way. Benedict Viglietta
There’s No Place Like New Way! The New Way Academy Performing Arts Program closed out the year with an incredible performance of The Wizard of Oz. Upper School students shone in their lead roles with Ava Rosenberg as Dorothy, Bryce Knox as the Scarecrow, Sean Raimbeault as the Lion, David Bragelman as the Tinman, Zandra Hill as the Wicked Witch, Matthew Fruchtman as the Wizard of Oz, Maria Thompson as Glinda the Good Witch, and Maggie Noren as Dorthy’s faithful companion, Toto. These lead roles were supported by a remarkable cast of Munchkins, Flying Monkeys, and many other adorable and imaginative creatures. Without the leadership of Director Alyssa Johnson, Musical Director Patrick Watson, and Producer Samantha Lamere, these incredible performances would not have been possible! The entire New Way community came together to create one of the most visually stunning performances to date. Linda Bonnell, Director of the Production Crew, lead both parents and students in bringing the wild and wonderful world of the Wizard of Oz to life. The audience was transported to the Emerald City as they entered the Imagination Theater, thanks to the incredible talents of our parent volunteers Terri Jones, Nathalie Wilda, Jennifer Kesner, Marla Johnson, Samanta Vycital Grant, and Lindsey Jones. The set design team, lead by New Way Senior Jordan Soucie, created convincing backdrops of the land of Oz, while costumes, designed by Susan Kruidenier and Theresa Bartock, and makeup, lead by Bella Castellanos, Susan Kruidenier, and Cheri Deardorff, transformed our actors into character. New Way is incredibly grateful to these parents, students, and staff members, along with the countless others who supported the musical performances this year with their time and talents.
Better Than the Year Before An essay by Britney Waxman, New Way junior Each year I improve myself. It’s not that I do not like who I am, but I am better than I was last year. One of the main reasons that I grow is because of where I go to school. New Way Academy has given me opportunities to feel supported and challenged. My experiences at New Way, a school where I belong and succeed, have made me who I am.
students social. One of New Way’s coolest events is “Mr. New Way,” where the senior men put on a production. Students love laughing with their classmates and creating a family environment. Additionally, the staff is extremely dedicated. One important person who works at New Way is Mrs. DuBois. Her huge heart and compassion make her students feel supported while she challenges them. It is difficult to list all the ways that New Way Academy is different from other schools, but after leaving and returning, I realized that New Way is a special place like no other.
Discovering New Way Academy has been a gift. Before New Way, I was at a public school struggling to survive. In the classrooms, there were no windows and the room was filled with students. I got sick easily and I had a hard time concentrating when feeling claustrophobic. I started at New Way as a young 8-year-old girl struggling to read. Our family has moved twice forcing me to leave New Way. Both times, I missed the family atmosphere and in the end, my family supported my return to New Way, where I have learned to read well and have made many memories.
My academic progress at New Way has helped me achieve my goals. With the exception of one class, I currently have earned all As in my classes. My teachers help and support me to get classwork and homework done to the best of my ability. Earning good grades has influenced my confidence and I know I can tackle anything I put my mind to. Furthermore, Student Government has taught me how to be a great leader. Being given the opportunity to have responsibilities like organizing Mr. New Way has shown me that I am mature enough to lead large tasks. I have also felt like a role model for younger students.
New Way is a unique school inside and out. The campus is a gorgeous place to learn. The prettiest spot on campus is definitely the courtyard. With pretty flowers and smiling faces, the courtyard makes the school feel warm and lively. Students learn best on a campus that is bright and welcoming. Inside the school walls, New Way offers many school events to keep
I am grateful to my mother for sending me to New Way, a school where I belong and succeed. After New Way, I am planning on achieving the goal I have to go to college. New Way has prepared me by giving me life skills. I will give back to New Way by leaving my legacy. Each year of my life, I plan on improving myself to become better than I was the year before.