New America School Success Report 2020

The New America School

Success2020 Report

MESSAGE

from the Superintendent:

NAS Board members

As

we all know 2020 was an School Closure Plan and required their incredibly trying time for teaching and support staff to develop the entire New America their own individualized work plans School Community. Our students well in advance of mid-March. When and their families were the announcement especially hard hit by the came to shut down COVID-19 crisis. Hispanic onsite schooling on students, low-income Friday, March 13, the students, and English New America School language learners—that is was prepared to shift to the New America School remote instruction. student body—were Moreover, the among the students most NAS Professional impacted by the collateral Development Director, damage that accompanied Tracey McCormick, the pandemic. Our immediately began families had to deal to implement a farwith job insecurity, food reaching teacher insecurity and stress over training program the potential loss of living Daniel McMinimee designed to help Superintendent accommodations. Our teachers deliver students were faced with quality instruction to the need to care for siblings, work to students despite the changed teaching support their families, and often lacked environment. NAS began offering the basic technology required of the workshops such as Google Classroom, move to online instruction. On behalf creating YouTube Instructional Videos, of the New America School Board of NearPod and supporting English Directors, administration, and staff Language Learners in an online space.

I cannot tell you how proud I am of Often these workshops were led by the way our students persevered and NAS teachers with expertise in the area remain committed to their education at stake. during this time, when so much else NAS was supported in our efforts was at the forefront of their concerns. by the State of Colorado and NAS To every one of you; I cannot Founder, Governor Jared Polis, who commend you highly enough for your made significant resources available to efforts and perseverance.

Colorado schools through the CARES The New America School’s (CRF) act. The NAS development dedicated staff also deserve the highest office was able to supplement these commendation. Under the guidance funds by securing several competitive of their principals—Jon Berninzoni, state grants, such as the RISE, Remote Santiago Lopez and Dr. Cynthia Learning, and Safe Schools Reopening Trinidad-Sheahan—all three schools grants, all designed to respond to the were able to make the transition to immediate needs that our schools remote instruction without sacrificing encountered related to COVID-19 and the quality of our students’ education. to assist schools serving low-income, In anticipation of the state mandated minority, and English language closure to their school, and in an effort learning students. to ensure the continuity of NAS student While NAS staff was working services, each principal prepared a diligently to continue to serve our [continued on page 3]

• Deborah Brackney (Chair), Community Volunteer • Tomãs Mejia (Vice Chair), State Director, Migrant Education Program, Colorado Department of Education • David Conde, PhD (Treasurer), President, North America, Chamber of the Americas • Louise El Yaafouri (Secretary), Author/Independent Consultant in Refugee and Newcomer Education • Polly Baca, former State Senator and Community Leader • Rebecca Bernstein, Manager and Pathways Advisor, Lowry Student Services, Community College of Aurora • Tim Flynn, Director of Programs & Education, Lincoln Hills Cares • Carlos Leos, Actor/Author/Enrollment Counselor, Colorado Christian University • Samantha Jacobson, Vice President of Strategy/Business Development, Oracle • Gina Nocera, Vice President of Community Impact, Mile High United Way • Paul Wisor, Attorney, Garfield & Hecht, P.C. • Dan McMinimee, Superintendent, non-voting

Mission

The mission of The New America School is to empower new immigrants, English Language Learners and academically underserved students with the educational tools and support they need to maximize their potential, succeed, and live the American dream. [continued on page 2]

New America School Administrative Office

NAS Contacts

925 S. Niagara St., Ste. 140 Denver, CO 80224 (303) 800-0058 Fax: (303) 243-5841 info@newamericaschool.org

NAS-Lakewood 5806 W. Alameda Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226 (303) 894-3171 Nas-lakewood-info@ newamericaschool.org

NAS-Lowry

9125 E. 7th Pl. Bldg. 905 Denver, CO 80230 (303) 320-9854 nas-lowry-info@newamericaschool.org

NAS-Thornton

8978 Washington St. Thornton, CO 80229 (303) 991-0130 nas-thornton-info@newamericaschool.org

www.newamericaschool.org

SERVING

the Community:

Superintendent [continued from page 1]

Lowry Students Make Masks for the Homeless

students in this time of crisis, our students were striving to serve our community’s least fortunate citizens.

Inspired by senior Roshalay Wallace, a group of Lowry students created and distributed protective masks to the area’s homeless population (see accompanying article).

In the end, NAS was able to continue to provide quality education through the end of the year and then offer a full summer school program.

And, most importantly, our schools were able to graduate 128 students— with our commencement ceremony symbolizing the New America School response to the special needs created by the pandemic. Instead of holding the celebration in a crowded auditorium, NAS invited family and friends to drive to the Denver Drive-In Mart and witness the celebration on the big screen from the safety of their cars.

Students in a they tested positive with Denver charter COVID-19 and were school near the discharged from an area Aurora border hospital or are at risk of are cranking out succumbing to the virus protective masks if exposed in a shelter. for occupants of The hotel has 122 an undisclosed rooms. Residents can hotel-turnedkeep to themselves in NAS-Lowry students Dayana Herrada Muñoz quarantine their room and receive and Alix Camil Bautista demonstrate the New space mainly America School’s commitment to safe schooling food and services from for homeless Comitis Crisis Center residents staff, who are running the impacted by COVID-19. hotel operation.

Seniors and underclassmen at the The Denver charter school said New America School’s Lowry Campus students are planning to make and have already made about 120 masks in donate more masks to help limit viral one week. The school plans to donate spread inside the quarantine hotel. the masks to the Aurora Emergency “I make these masks because I found Respite Center, the city-run quarantine it useful right now,” said senior Guomalo hotel for homeless and housingDiallo. “Sewing is something I like, it’s like insecure people. a culture for me, it’s something I like and Currently, about 40 homeless people I did it, I hope it will be useful.” ............. are staying in private hotel rooms rented by the City of Aurora either because Excerpted from the Sentinel Virus Update

Daniel McMinimee Superintendent New America School

128 Graduates!

67% PERCENTILE

70th

Nationally in Reading Growth of PERCENTILE High-Risk Students

96% HIGH RISK

50%

78%

of Graduates Returned from Break in Education

92%

Nationally in Math Growth of High-Risk Students

Minority Enrollment

of Students Free and Reduced Lunch Program Eligible

37 countries, speaking 53% from 29 native languages.

Immigrants, coming

50%

English Language Learners

FINANCIALS

June 30, 2020 and 2019

Assets 2020 2019 CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and Cash Equivalents $2,163,800 $2,990,748 Accounts Receivable 843,081 543,640 Prepaid Items 13,134 66,399 Deposits 4,850 4,850

Total Current Assets 3,024,865 3,605,637

NONCURRENT ASSETS

Capital Assets, Net Of Accumulated Depreciation 9,481,396 5,992,973 Deferred Outflows Related To Pensions And Opeb 1,413,417 3,948,366

Total Noncurrent Assets 10,894,813 9,941,339

Total Assets $13,919,678 $13,546,976

Liabilities and Net Assets CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable $111,986 $78,288 Accrued Expenses 480,146 499,657 Deferred Grant Revenues 227,204 154,297 Current Portion Of Long Term Debt 148,992 141,084

Total Current Liabilities 968,328 873,326

Long-Term Liabilities Compensated Absences 6,266 25,795 Bonds Payable 5,758,454 59,055,865 Net Pension And Opeb Liability 10,016,422 13,640,349 Deferred Inflows Related To Pensions And Ope 9,000,949 10,941,261

Total Long-Term Liabilities 24,782,091 30,513,270

Total Liabilities 25,750,419 31,386,596

NET ASSETS Net Investment In Capital Assets Emergency Reserve With Donor Restrictions Without Donor Restrictions Total Net Assets

3,761,702 220,192 100,744 (15,913,379)

5,829,795 233,517 24,884 (23,927,816)

11,830,741

(17,839,620)

WITHOUT DONOR WITH DONOR

RESTRICTIONS RESTRICTIONS TOTAL REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT State Per Pupil Funding Mill Levy Override Grants and Contributions Management Income Other Net Assets Released from Restrictions

$6,383,863

$6,383,863

908,979

908,979

4,862,404

115,000

4,977,404

1,309

1,309

842,073

842,073

39,140

(39,140)

TOTAL REVENUES, GAINS AND OTHER SUPPORT 13,037,768 75,860 13,113,628

EXPENSES Instruction

1,515,012

Support 5,589,737

TOTAL EXPENSES 7,104,749

1,515,012 5,589,737 7,104,749

Change In Net Assets 5,933,019 75,860 6,008,879

NET ASSETS, Beginning (17,864,504) 24,884 (17,839,620)

NET ASSETS, Ending ($11,931,485) $100,744 ($11,830,741)

58.36% 23.80% 17.84%

Instruction And Student Services Administration Occupancy

STAFF Profiles:

Fernando Martinez has been the Attendance Coordinator at the New America Fernando Martinez School-Thornton Attendance Coordinator campus for the NAS-Thornton past four years.

In this capacity, Fernando works closely with students and their families to help them overcome any obstacle that may be standing in the way of the student’s engagement with the school.

Originally from Guatemala, Fernando moved to the United States in 2007. He explains what drives his performance at NAS, “As an English Language Learner I always knew that I wanted to work for an organization that supported the immigrant community. I wanted to find a place where I could use my strong people and organizational skills to support others in their journey toward reaching their full potential. The New America School is that place!”

One of Fernando’s biggest accomplishments has been the development of NAS-Thornton’s parent and community “Coffee Talks.” These meetings are hosted once a month.

Parents and community members are invited to learn about themes such as immigration, Restorative Practice, Love & Logic, Mental Health, Substance Use & Abuse, and high school graduation requirements.

In his time at NAS Fernando has touched the entire NAS community. As NAS-Thornton principal Santiago Lopez relates, “Fernando is an integral part of our staff. He brings humor and joy to his work with staff, students, and families.”

Salima Chavez Vega is the true embodiment of the New America School fulfilling its mission to Salima Chavez empower new Office Manager immigrants, NAS-Lakewood English language learners and academically underserved students with the educational tools and support to maximize their potential and live the American dream. Born in Mexico, Salima immigrated to the U.S. in 2006. She enrolled at a different Denver-area high school and when she became pregnant, Salima was “encouraged” to leave the school.

Undaunted, Salima enrolled at the New America School Lakewood campus, where she earned her high school diploma in 2008 and was shortly thereafter hired to be a part-time secretary at the school. A few years later she was promoted to office manager and is currently in her eleventh year at NAS-Lakewood.

Salima became a U.S. citizen in 2018 and exercised her right to vote for the first time in 2020. She is the proud mother of two Jeffco students and her husband Jesus, is also employed at NAS Lakewood, serving as the school’s Facility Manager.

“Ms. Chavez Vega is the heart and soul of the New America School Lakewood campus,” states principal Jon Berninzoni. “She always has a smile and cheerful demeanor. She plays the role of liaison between staff, students and community, sponsors the everpopular nail club, and can be counted on to help out with just about any other school need.”

Salima is looking forward to the celebration of her daughter’s quinceneara, and dancing cumbias with her whole family.

Sam Anderson, the New America School-Lowry Behavior and Attendance Interventionist, Sam Anderson has been Behavior & Attendance a team Interventionist member for NAS-Lowry two years. As the Behavior and Attendance Interventionist Sam supports students and their families and helps them create the schedule that will best enable the students to graduate.

Being bilingual in Fante and English helps him with this task.

In addition, Sam has taken NASLowry to new levels with technology programs and platforms that have made teaching and learning easy for students and staff. He was also the creator of the New America School’s graduation video and manages the NAS-Lowry web site.

Jennifer Turnbull has been the NAS Senior Research and Assessment Analyst for Jennifer Turnbull the past six Senior Research & years. In this Assessment Analyst capacity, Jen NAS-Nonprofit provides NAS with information to inform researchbased practices for assessing our school’s quality and to develop and utilize sound performance measures for internal and external school accountability.

While at NAS, Jen has also worked directly with NWEA and the Colorado Department of Education to develop a better understanding of growth norms for alternative student populations and she was appointed by the Colorado Commissioner of Education to the 2015 Alternative Education Campus Accountability Work Group, which advanced the redesign of alternative accountability throughout Colorado.

“Jen has not only been a great resource for NAS,” David Rein, NAS Director of Development, explains, “but she has been an invaluable asset to the entire Colorado educational community.”

SCHOLARSHIP Recepients: Jennifer Victoriano is the 2020 NAS-Lakewood Colorado Educational Opportunity Scholarship recipient. She plans to use Jennifer Victoriano her award to first attend Red Rocks Community College and earn a bachelor’s degree in business and then continue her education with the goal of becoming a medical malpractice lawyer. She has chosen this path due to a personal mission to change people’s lives and to contribute to society in a positive way.

Jennifer credits the New America School with helping prepare her this career. She posits that NAS has taught her that with consistent effort you can accomplish any goal that you put your mind to. She points to the school’s community service requirement as being integral to her education; community service, Jennifer argues, not only taught her basic life skills, but it opened up her mind to helping others make their community a better place. Community service taught Jennifer Victoriano that teamwork and communication are needed for all of us to make the best out of any situation.

2020 Colorado Educational Opportunity Scholarship Recipients

NAS-Lowry Colorado Educational Opportunity Scholarship recipient Oh Ma Ra Be is graduating a year early from school while earning Oh Ma Ra Be a straight A, 4.0 Grade Point Average. Oh Be was born in Thailand and moved to the United States when she was seven years old.

She is the first in her family to graduate high school and will be the first to attend college.

She plans to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Metropolitan State University of Denver and become a registered nurse. She’s wanted to be a nurse since childhood, stating that, “To me, stepping into someone’s life at the worst moments and making a difference to their experience is a great thing. It gives me inner peace and makes me happy that I was able to help somebody and to make them healthier.”

When not studying while attending NAS-Lowry Oh Be spent time volunteering at Downtown Aurora Visual Arts, helping children make clay creations, showing them how to draw and paint and helping them make jewelry.

Coming from an immigrant family and being a first generation American, growing up Juan Rodriguez faced overwhelming oppression; but Juan Rodriguez as a result he deeply internalized the belief that hard work and dedication are the only ways to survive in a harsh political climate.

It took Juan some time to come to this realization. He dropped out of high school at 17 during his Junior year; then he developed a drug habit and experienced bouts of severe depression. Then Juan began the healing process, finding that music was his healthy outlet; exploring and making music and art helped Juan stay mentally healthy and focused on his future. Slowly, day by day, Juan overcame his drug habit. He enrolled in NAS-Thornton and over the next two years earned A’s and B’s and became a classroom leader. After graduating in June, Juan will enroll at Front Range Community College and begin pursuit of his dream: to become a professional artist.

THANKS to our donors: “Picture with me a summer graduation is significant due to their evening. It is light even work and diligence. Since 2004, though it is 7:00 PM. There New America Schools have held this is a buzz in the air, the rustle graduation. 2020 was a little different of synthetic fiber, the smell of as graduation took place in a Drive-In hair products, people laughing, theater rather than the Denver Center and a few babies crying, then for the Performing Arts; but as in each silence, as the notes of Pomp year, the celebration and excitement and Circumstances fills the air were the same. So much goes into and 150 New America School graduation. Students work hard, often graduates get ready for their through challenges and adversity to be Deborah Dale Brackney graduation procession. The ready to graduate as do the systems of cheering for these graduates is like thunder support for students. I am in awe of the work and energizing. These are students whose of our students and in appreciation of all who

CONTRIBUTIONS: Public, Private and Individual Gifts Foster NAS Students’ Success The Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation renewed its funding of ¡Cuídate!, a teen pregnancy and HIV prevention curriculum at NAS-Lakewood.

2020 marked the second year of the twoyear $61,000 grant.

The Colorado Department of Education awarded NAS its second Bullying Prevention and Education Grant, providing $75,000 in funding for the next three school years.

The Colorado Department of Education provided two years of funding ($174,432) made possible by a Federal Empowering Action for School Improvement grant for NAS to conduct a Diagnostic Review and Improvement Planning process of each of our three schools.

“I support New America School year after year because I’ve witnessed students thrive and grow, both academically and personally, at New America School.

The teachers, staff and leadership foster inclusion, celebrate diversity, and listen and respond to students’ needs; for many students, it’s eye opening to finally be part of a school that truly sees them and champions their growth.”

– Gina Nocera

The Colorado Department of Education’s Expelled and At-Risk Student Services program granted NAS $138,705 in 2019-20, the third year of a four-year program to implement a tiered system of interventions to remediate low level behavior violations and habitual truancy.

The Expelled and At-Risk Student Services program also awarded NAS a four-year, $743,176 grant ($208,308 in 2019-20) to provide intensive services

SUPPORT

NAS

to our students most at-risk of major behavior and truancy infractions.

This program also received $17,330 in additional funding during the year from CDE. The Colorado Department of Education’s Office of Student Health Services School Health Professionals program provided two multi-year grants to NAS to increase the availability of substance abuse prevention and education services. In total, NAS received $200,000 in 2019-20.

2019-20 marks the second year of a Colorado Department of Education’s Dropout Prevention and Student Reengagement Office three-year, $450,000 per year, 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant (made possible through the U.S. Department of Education), which allows each NAS school to establish a series of out-of-school-time academic and enrichment programs for all NAS students.

The Colorado Department of Education’s Health and Wellness Unit awarded a three-year, $138,000 grant to NAS to support the creation and implementation of a comprehensive Health and Wellness Plan for the three NAS schools, granting NAS $46,000 in 2019-20, the second year of the grant program.

The Colorado Department of Education granted NAS $74,219 in 2019-20 in initiate a system wide effort to develop a strong cadre of NAS faculty through a Retaining Teachers Grant.

2020 marks the second year of a two-year Colorado Health Foundation (CHF) grant of $147,000 to implement the comprehensive, three-school health and wellness plan previously developed by NAS through a 2017-19 CHF grant.

work towards the success of our students. NAS is blessed to have great leadership support in our Superintendent and Principals as well as administrators. Our teachers are mission driven and dedicated to student success. The staff at each school work hard to make the student’s experience a good one. And, our donors provide the extra assistance that makes graduation night possible.”

– Deborah Dale Brackney Chair, New America School Board of Directors

“It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I volunteer and give financially to the New America School. NAS makes it possible for new immigrants and underserved students to achieve success in high school and in our community. With a high school diploma, our students have gone on to make important contributions to our state and our nation.”

– Polly Baca

Colorado Youth for a Change renewed its partnership with NAS by placing an AmeriCorps member at NASLakewood and NAS-Thornton, primarily to promote improved attendance among our students.

Mindwise Innovations provided NAS with licenses to their Suicide Prevention curriculum as an in-kind donation valued at $1,485.

The Polis-Schutz Family Foundation provided financial support for deserving NAS students to carry on their studies after graduation with a donation of $5,000.

The Sheila Fortune Foundation renewed it support of the NAS-Thornton Spoken Word Poetry program with a grant of $5,000.

NAS received $24,018 in funding through the U.S. Schools and Libraries E-Rate program, a federal initiative which helps schools that enroll a high percentage of low-income students pay for telecommunications and internet services.

Youth Service America granted NAS-Lowry $500 to support the school’s Service Learning Program.

NAS received cash contributions of $1,700 from individuals to support the schools’ general operations.

In total, for fiscal-year 2019-2020, the New America School received $1,426,029 in cash and in-kind donations.

Your support will enable the New America School to continue to provide high quality education to English Language Learners and non-traditional students. If you would like to visit our school or hear more about our programs and how your generosity can make a huge difference in the lives of NAS students, contact David Rein, drein@newamericaschool.org, 303.894.3160.