ACES Keeps Students Connected
SCHOOL NEWS
BY BEVERLY PERKINS
A
ventura City of Excellence School (ACES) is committed to preparing their students with the skills necessary to succeed in a truly global and connected world. Students must be equipped to meet the needs of an uncertain job market with endless possibilities of currently unknown careers. Because of this commitment they will be implementing many technologybased opportunities to their student body in the upcoming school year. They will continue as a “Google for Education” school, to provide their students with avenues for development in collaboration, critical thinking, curation, communication and creativity. They will also be implementing the cutting-edge technology offered by Nearpod to students in fourth through eighth grades. These programs will allow students to engage in blending learning opportunities that extend well beyond the traditional classroom. Students are offered a variety of online activities ranging from participating in virtual reality field trips to receiving real time feedback from their teachers. “We are very excited that this year our fifth-grade students will pilot a 1:1 program using Dell Chromebooks. Each fifth grader will be assigned a specific Chromebook to use during the school day allowing teachers to enrich and infuse their lessons with technology and amplify student voice and choice,” says Ms. Matamoros, ACES Middle School US History Teacher. “Our goal is for the 1:1 pro-
gram to not only increase engagement but encourage our students to become increasingly active learners.” This year ACES has invested in a full live production studio with a dedicated green screen room to be used for the new Digital Communications program. The elective class will be offered to middle school students. “Through this innovative program, students will be prepared to take on new opportunities that are just starting to emerge in the business world, as well as give them the critical thinking skills necessary for the jobs that don’t exist yet,” says Frida Lapidot, ACES Digital Communications Teacher. “Using all of the latest in digital communications technology and methodology, we will form meaningful connections between our staff, students, parents and our community.” Elizabeth Cooper, ACES Fifth Grade Reading & Language Arts Teacher, sums it up by saying, “As educators, it gives us the opportunity to engage our students in new and innovative ways. The students are so excited and the best part is, we’re learning to use these program applications together, which makes it a collaborative effort between teachers and students.” To learn more about ACES, please visit their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/aventuracharter.
Scheck Hillel Graduate Honored by the National Center for Women & Information Technology BY BEVERLY PERKINS
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atalie Broide, a Scheck Hillel Community School 2017 graduate, was honored by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) for the second consecutive year. Natalie won the 2016 “South Florida Regional Aspirations in Computing Award” and earned a 2017 Honorable Mention. She recently graduated from Scheck Hillel in May and is currently attending the University of Florida. Throughout her high school career, Natalie has shown a deep interest in technology. She has participated in organizations such as Girls Who Code, a Natalie Broide prestigious national program designed to inspire, educate and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities. She has also been invited to participate in technology conferences such as TECHNOLOchicas and CODeLLA, and two years ago she built a real computer as part of her school’s IB Project.
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OCTOBER 2017 | OUR CITY AVENTURA
“Natalie is a phenomenal student and the perfect example of the amazing impact an individualized education can have on students,” said Nancy Penchev, Scheck Hillel’s I Lab instructor and Natalie’s advisor and supporter through this journey. “As an educator, I really encourage my students to go further.” Scheck Hillel is guided by this personalized approach to education. “At Scheck Hillel, we shift the traditional question from, ‘What do I want to do when I grow up’ to ask, ‘Who do I want to be,’” said Dr. Ezra Levy, Head of School. “Every student is unique, and our job as a school is to nurture the strengths of each child. Natalie’s accomplishments demonstrate the results of this philosophy. We are very proud of her achievements.” “Receiving this award has not only motivated me to continue toward a degree in computer engineering, but it has also allowed me to influence younger girls to get involved in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) fields as well,” said Natalie. “After winning the award, CODeLLA invited me to speak to a room of hundreds of young girls about my experiences building a computer and as a woman in technology. Doing so was immensely fulfilling, and I hope to continue inspiring others to do what they are passionate about.” Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by STEM and design, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a new 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with additional expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world’s largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For information, please visit eHillel.org.