Attention 3rd grade and 8th grade parents: Next Steps Information Night set for January 14

On Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at 6:00 p.m., the Academy will host a parent meeting, “Next Steps Information Night.” These meetings will present some very valuable information for 3rd and 8th grade parents and students. We ask you to make every effort to attend.

For 3rd Grade: 

Third grade parents and students will learn about academic assessments and testing standards associated with 3rd grade, particularly the Read to Achieve Act (RTAA). This session will cover important offerings such as the Common Core standards, NC EOG Reading Test for 3rd grade, and the RTA 3rd grade student reading portfolio. The purpose of this event is to inform parents of the standards and requirements of 3rd grade and the importance of reading.

For 8th Grade: 

Eighth grade parents and students will learn about the importance of being prepared for high school. Moving up to high school is a major milestone in a student’s education path. We want our students and parents to be prepared to meet this challenge successfully. This session will cover high school programs of study, high school expectations, and high school athletics. Joining us will be Mrs. Chandra Clay, Assistant Principal at Riverside High School and Coach Bob Hill, Athletic Director at Hillside High School. Eighth grade parents will also have the opportunity to apply on-line to magnet/specialty high schools using the Academy’s computers.

22 students inducted into Promoting Leaders of Tomorrow

Healthy Start Academy inducted 22 middle school students into the Promoting Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT) organization. 

This organization is designed to equip youth with skills needed to become leaders, learn the roles of community leaders, and develop the desire to become community leaders. PLOT also assists youth in accepting ambiguity and diversity of community life.

Congratulations to our Teacher and Student of the Month for December!

Congratulations, Ms. Aveni Patel

Ms. Aveni Patel is in her second year of teaching at Healthy Start Academy. Ms. Patel is a Teach for America Corps Member and currently teaches 1st grade. Ms. Patel is from Virginia and attended the University of Virginia graduating with a bachelor’s in Psychology. Ms. Patel has traveled abroad and in her spare time loves to travel, play tennis and run. We might add, Ms. Patel is an awesome baker!

Congratulations, Andre Evans Jr.

Andre Evans Jr. is a very caring, special and understanding young man. Andre has made a great deal of growth since starting kindergarten. He has started coming out of his shell by going around the school to meet teachers/staff, run errands, and being very helpful. In the classroom, Andre participates in all activities and appears to enjoy all the lessons taught.

Third Grade Team Presents The First Thanksgiving

Healthy Start Academy’s 3rd grade team invites parents and friends to see their presentation of The First Thanksgiving at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 26 in the school’s auditorium. 

The 3rd grade team asks each person to bring a non-perishable food item for the school’s canned food drive.

Smile! Friday, November 15 is Fall Picture Day

Photographers will be at Healthy Start Academy Friday, November 15 to take classroom, athletic group, and individual portraits. Students are to wear school uniforms on picture day. 

No money will be accepted on picture day. Payments were due yesterday. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Johnson at 956-5599 ext. 1022.

Congratulations To Our Teacher & Students Of The Month!

Ms. Lindsay Richards

Healthy Start Academy’s November teacher of the month is Ms. Lindsay Richards, 3rd grade teacher. Ms. Richards joined the Academy’s teaching faculty in August 2012 and has been a great asset to our school community. Ms. Richards holds a Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Maine and hails from Skowhegan, Maine. Ms. Richards has a passion for teaching and the movement to provide an excellent education to every student no matter their race, background or zip code. In addition to being a classroom teacher, Ms. Richards also assists with the athletic department of the school. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, photography, event planning, scrapbooking and all aspects of fitness. Congratulations, Ms. Richards!

Jesús Cruz

Jesús Cruz is the Academy’s elementary student of the month. Jesus is a 3rd grade student. Jesus is a magnificent student. He not only exemplifies what it means to be kind and friendly, but he also goes above and beyond what is expected in the classroom. Jesús is consistently paying attention in class and contributing in lessons. He is excited about learning and his excitement is contagious for all of the other students and his teacher. Jesús completes homework daily and is always ready to discuss what he learns. He gets along well with others. He loves to share. Jesús favorite subject is science. In his spare time, he does his own scientific research on questions and observations he has come up with during the school day. He consistently asks for science experiments he can run while he is at home. Ms. Richards states, “It is such a pleasure to teach Jesús because he always tries his best and is eager to learn.”

Ángel Castillo

Ángel Castillo is the Academy’s middle school student of the month. Ángel is a model 8th grade student. He works hard academically and takes initiative. Ángel shows a keen interest in technology. He is very inquisitive about the world around him. Not only does Ángel serve as a model student but he encourages his peers to do the same. Ángel gets along and works well with others in cooperative learning groups. He truly exhibits what it means to strive for academic excellence.

Community Resources for the HSA Family

Today’s economy clearly challenges us.  If we have a job, we’re still struggling or know someone who has lost a job or is facing costs that simply overwhelm their family budget.

We have assembled these resources for families hit by financial stress and economic surprises.  Please feel free to pass these resources to anyone in need of assistance.  

Also, please let us know any resources you find, share with us your ideas for what we can do as a school family, and keep us aware of groups that may be helping families right now.  We’ll update these resources continually, and we’ll post a copy on our web site.

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

•       Durham County Department of Social Services

        Family Crisis Unit - (919) 560-8301 or (919) 560-8302

•       Salvation Army - (919) 688-7306

•       White Rock Baptist Church - (919) 688-8136

•       Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh - (919) 286-1964

•       http://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/north_carolina_assistance_prog.html

via: www.envelopelimited.com

Showdown at the Resource Ranch Presentation Tomorrow

The National Theatre for Children will visit the Academy Friday, November 1 to demonstrate their newest program “Showdown at the Resource Ranch,” sponsored by Duke Energy. Through this program, every family in our school can sign up for a FREE Resource Reward kit from Duke Energy. 

These kits contain several tools to help you save resources and energy at your home and save up to $200 on your energy bill every year! To sign up for kits or view official contest rules and FAQs, visit ResourceReward.org. Kits can also be ordered by filling out a postage-paid form found in Resource Ranch workbooks (sent to students and teachers at school), or by calling 1-855-386-9548.

Parent-Teacher Conference Day - Tuesday, October 29

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held throughout the day October 29, and report cards will be distributed. (There will be no school for students.) Parent-Teacher conferences are a vital tool to promote communication between the school and home. 

Teachers have been sending home additional information regarding conferences along with conference sign-up information. If you have not done so, please schedule your appointment NOW. Call the school at 919-956-5599.

via: www.cms.k12.nc.us

Emily K Center Family Movie Night - Tomorrow, Oct. 18

Tomorrow is Family Movie Night at the Emily K Center! We’ll spend the evening with Michael, Bugs, and all their friends as they "hoop it up" on the big screen in our gymnasium during a special showing of Space Jam.

When: Friday, October 18 | Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. | Movie Starts at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Emily K Center Gymnasium – 904 W. Chapel Hill Street, Durham

Cost: Free The event is open to everyone and admittance is free, so please spread the word and bring others. We’ll provide free popcorn and concessions. You’ll want to bring a blanket or lawn chairs so you can sit comfortably.

HSA to walk in the NCCU Homecoming Parade

Healthy Start Academy will participate in North Carolina Central University’s Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 19. 

The parade begins at 9:00 a.m. at Hillside High School and ends at the intersection of Lawson and Fayetteville Streets. Dr. McCormick, students, and staff will walk in the parade route. A special THANK YOU to board member and PTO President Ms. Claudine Thompson for the use of her truck during the parade.

Congratulations, Teacher & Student of the Month!

October Teacher of the Month

Ms. Alycia Crews is Healthy Start Academy’s October Teacher of the Month. Ms. Crews holds a Masters degree in Education Technology from North Carolina Central University, graduating Summa Cum Laude. Ms. Crews now serves her alma mater as an adjunct professor. Ms. Crews is in her fourth year of teaching at the Academy. Ms. Crews serves the Academy as the Information Technology Specialist and Reading Interventionist. In her spare time, Ms. Crews possesses a willing attitude and is a team player. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Congratulations Ms. Crews, our October Teacher of the Month.

Elementary Student of the Month is James Newton IV

James is in Kindergarten. He comes to school daily prepared to learn, continues to grow in all subject areas, and exemplifies a joyful learner at school. He is able to go around the school independently to run errands to various teachers/staff at school. James displays a great deal of respect for adults and students that he comes into contact with daily. He is focused on getting as much out of his education as possible. James displays the skills of a future leader, and he leads by example. Congratulations James, the Academy’s Elementary Student of the Month.

Working With Your Child’s Teachers

Many teachers say that they often don’t receive information from parents about problems at home. Many parents say that they don’t know what the school expects from their children – or from them.

We at Healthy Start Academy truly love your student. We don’t judge – we want to make life better when he’s struggling.

Here are some guidelines that will help you help your child succeed in school.

When should I talk with my child’s teacher?

• Early and often. Contact your child’s teacher or teachers at the beginning of the year or as soon as you can. Get acquainted and show your interest.

• Tell teachers what they need to know about your child. If he/ she has special needs, make these known from the beginning.

• If you notice a big change in your child’s behavior, school performance or attitude during the school year, contact the teacher immediately.

• Call the teacher if your child doesn’t understand an assignment or if he needs extra help to complete an assignment.

Image: keycurriculum.com

Parent-Teacher Conference Day, October 29

At the end of the first grading period, Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held throughout the day on October 29, and report cards will be distributed. (There will be no school for students.) 

Parent-Teacher conferences are a vital tool to promote communication between the school and home. The conferences allow teachers to dedicate one-on-one time with you, the parent, to discuss your child’s academic progress and classroom behavior. The conferences also allow parents to voice any concerns and ask any questions.

To schedule a parent/teacher conference, please call the school at (919) 956-5599.

How To Help With Homework

Let your child know that you think education is important and so homework has to be done. Here are some ways to help your child:

Have a special place for your child to study. The homework area doesn’t have to be fancy. A desk in the bedroom is nice, but the kitchen table or a corner of the living room also works just fine. The area should have good lighting, and it should be fairly quiet. Provide pencils, pens, erasers, writing paper and a dictionary. Other helpful supplies might include a stapler, paper clips, maps, calculator, pencil sharpener, tape, glue, scissors, a ruler, index cards, a thesaurus and an almanac. If you can’t provide your child with all of the supplies he needs, check with her teacher, school counselor or principal about possible sources of assistance.

Set a regular time for homework. Having a regular time to do homework helps children to finish assignments. A good schedule depends in part on your child’s age and specific needs. Work with a young child to develop a schedule, but give your older child the responsibility for making up a schedule independently – although you’ll want to make sure that it’s workable. You may find it helpful to have her write out the schedule and put it in a place where you’ll see it often, such as on the refrigerator.

Remove distractions. Turn off the TV and discourage your child from making and receiving telephone calls, e-mails and texts during homework time. If you live in a small or noisy household, try having all family members take part in a quiet activity during homework time. You may need to take a noisy toddler outside or into another room to play. If you can’t avoid distractions, your child may want to complete assignments in the local library.

One final note: You may be reluctant to monitor your child’s homework because you feel that you don’t know the subject well enough. But helping with homework doesn’t mean doing the homework for him – it’s about supporting him to do his best. Show that you are interested, help him get organized, provide a quiet study place and the materials he needs to work, monitor his work to see that he completes it and praise his efforts. If your child is having an especially difficult time with any subject, please contact the teacher.

Important Annoucements

Collect Box Tops for Education

Healthy Start Academy’s PBIS Team is collecting Box Tops for Education. Box Tops will benefit the Academy with purchases of classroom materials throughout the school year. Box Tops for Education will be a year-long project. A prize will be given to the homeroom that collects the most Box Tops at the end of each grading period.

Reading 3D Pre-Assessment Begins Next Week

Kindergarten through third grade will begin the Reading 3D pre-assessment on Tuesday, September 3. Reading 3D is an ongoing assessment. Reading 3D is a diagnostic and formative assessment intended to be used to inform instruction to meet the needs of young readers.

Girls Volleyball Tryouts Begin September 4

Attention all 6th-7th-8th grade girls! Volleyball tryouts will begin on September 4. If you wish to try out for the team, you must bring your physical form completed by the doctor on or before September 4. For more information, contact Coach Hester at (919) 956-5599, ext 1036.

Student Outerwear During the School Day

As stated in Student/Parent Handbook, page 8, students are not permitted to wear coats or jackets in the classrooms. However, approved Academy outerwear can be pre-ordered in the school’s office. Cardigans are $15.00, and zip-up sweat jackets are $20.00. Money is due at the time of order. For more information, contact Mrs. Hill at (919) 956-5599, ext. 1105.

Printer Cartridge Recycling Campaign

The Academy is collecting empty printer cartridges to help our earth and raise money in the process. Empty cartridges can be given to any office staff member. Thanks for your help!

Getting Off To A Great Start

Welcome back to school! We hope everyone's had a great first week! To ensure a wonderful beginning this year, please review the following important information:

Student/Parent Handbook

Parents, please review the Student/Parent Handbook with your student. The Student/Parent Handbook provides important information regarding the rules and procedures of our school.

Our mission statement emphasizes that we provide all our scholars with a safe and structured environment. The handbook provides us the guidelines in which this is done.

All students will be expected to comply with school rules and procedures, so it will be very important that each student is familiar with the information contained in the handbook.

School Uniforms

Healthy Start Academy, since its inception, has been a uniform school. All students (K-8 grades) are required to wear the approved school uniform every day school is in session. The approved uniform consists of the following:

Grades K-6

• Light blue school shirt

• Solid navy blue uniform pants/skirt/jumper

• Navy blue, dark brown or black belt (if bottoms have belt loops)

• Closed toe and closed heel shoes

Grades 7-8

• Yellow school shirt

• Solid navy blue uniform pants/ skirt/jumper

• Navy blue, dark brown or black belt (if bottoms have belt loops)

• Closed toe and closed heel shoes

If a student reports to school not dressed in the approved uniform, parents will be contacted and asked to bring the student the proper attire. The student will remain out of class until they are in compliance with the school uniform.

Continued violation of the uniform dress code may result in disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal from the Academy.

Please make certain your child reports to school each day in the required school uniform.

Important Upcoming HSA Events

ATTENTION HSA PARENTS: Here are some important events concerning the beginning of the school year!

Wednesday (8/14/13): Kindergarten Parent Orientation at 6:00 p.m.

Thursday (8/15/13): “Meet and Greet” for all Parents and Students from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Monday (8/19/13): First day of classes!!

We're so excited to welcome everyone back!

In Memory of Wendell Andrews

The Wendell Andrews Endowed Scholarship has been established at North Carolina Central University. 

 

Please make contributions to the NCCU Foundation.  The memo line should include:  Wendell Andrews Scholarship.

 

Mailing Address:

Department of Criminal Justice

301 Albert Whiting Criminal Justice Building

North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC 27707

Memorial & Funeral Services for Mr. Wendell Andrews

To All HSA Family and Friends,

The services for Mr. Wendell Andrews will be held as follows:

Memorial Service - Wednesday, July 31 at 5:30 p.m.
B.N. Duke Auditorium (on the campus of North Carolina Central University)
1801 Fayetteville Street
Durham, NC 27707

Funeral Service - Friday, August 2 at 1:00 p.m.
St. Paul Church of God in Christ
294 Lowground Road
Emporia, VA 23847

To All Faculty/Staff: All professional development sessions for Friday, August 2 have been canceled so that those who desire may attend the service in Virginia. The school will be opened on Friday, August 2 from 8:00 a.m. until 12 noon for those who desire to work in their classroom.

Please remember Mr. Andrews' family in your thoughts and prayers.

For more information, please visit: http://www.heraldsun.com/obituaries/x807782388/July-30-2013

An Eagle Sails Today

Today, we mourn the loss of our dedicated and beloved Board Member Wendell Andrews, who also served as Coordinator of Distance Education, Department of Criminal Justice, North Carolina Central University.  

We know you will want to join us as we celebrate and treasure his life and provide emotional support for his wonderful family and friends.  We will share information as it becomes available.

5 Summer Books Your Child Will Love

While encouraging your child to play outside is wonderful, summer is also a great time to curl up in some shade and enjoy a good book! Keeping books around the house is a great way to not only keep your child learning during vacation, but also to introduce him or her to a hobby that can last a lifetime. Check out this list of easy-to-read kids' books perfect for the summer season:

1. Beach Day by Patricia Larkin:

For Kindergarten-1st Grade. A tale about four alligators headed to the beach on a hot, summer day, this exuberant book is a perfect read for a summer afternoon. 

2. How I Became a Pirate by Melinda Long

For PreSchool-3rd Grade. Protagonist Jeremy Jacob's life is abruptly changed when a group of pirates recruit him to join their crew as he digs a sand castle at the beach one day. A life of adventure ensues--but will Jeremy miss the comforts of home?

3. Arthur's Family Vacation: An Arthur Adventure by Marc Brown

For Kindergarten-3rd Grade. It's finally vacation time--but the weather is rainy! Join Arthur as he takes the vacation plans into his own hands and finds a way to have a great time despite the clouds.

4. It's Your Cloud by Joe Troiano

For PreSchool-2nd Grade. A perfect summer bedtime read, this book offers whimsical illustrations and prompts kids to use their imagination to interpret the shapes of clouds.

5. Fireflies! by Julie Brinckloe

For Kindergarten & Up. This book tells the tale of the age old summer activity of catching fireflies at dusk. But at the end of the day, the young protagonists faces a tough question: Should he release the insects to let them glow another day?

Happy Reading!

Via: blogs.kqed.org

Happy Last Week of School!

Once again, the school year has flown by and the last week of classes has arrived! We hope everyone will join us in congratulating our students at various graduation ceremonies & festivities. Please review the schedule below: 

Tuesday, June 4th: PBIS field trip to Kanki in Raleigh for eligible students

Wednesday, June 5th: Awards Ceremony in the Auditorium at 1:30 p.m.; graduation dinner for 8th grade students

Thursday, June 6th: Field trip to Fort Fisher Aquarium; graduations for Kindergarten (9:00 a.m.) & 8th grade (11:00 a.m.)

Friday, June 7th: Final day of classes; student dismissal at noon

[image via: gastronomyatbu.com]

Clothing Give-Away for Parents this Saturday, June 1

On Saturday, June 1 from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, the Academy will host a clothing and shoe give away for all parents and guardians. Gently used and new clothing (all sizes) and shoes (all sizes) have been donated to the school. 

We are opening our doors to any HSA parent/guardian who wants to participate. Each currently enrolled student will receive one bag to fill with items of their choosing (we want to make sure everyone is able to get something). 

We hope to see everyone there!

[image via: othermothersaz.com]

Join Us At The 44th Annual Bimbé Festival!

The Academy will participate in the 44th Annual Bimbé Festival this Saturday! If you attend the Bimbé Festival, make sure you stop by our booth.

When: Saturday, May 18, 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Where: CCB Plaza (downtown Durham, 201 N. Corcoran St.

What To Expect: The Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival has been a tradition in Durham for over 40 years. This family oriented event is a celebration of African and African American history, culture, art and traditions.

Participants enjoy live national and local talent, ethnic food, arts and crafts, an interactive kid's area, and community resources. There will also be a host of weekday events planned. Come prepared to embrace the rich, diverse and unique traditions of the City of Durham.

For More Information: Please visit [http://durhamnc.gov/ich/op/prd/Pages/Bimb%C3%A9-Cultural-Arts-Festival.aspx]

Hope to see everyone there!

[image via: durham-nc.com]

May 6-10 is National Teachers' Appreciation Week!

Celebrate your child's Teacher....Next week, May 6-10 is National Teachers' Appreciation Week! 

Teachers' Appreciation Week is a time set aside for the nation to honor its teachers...men and women who make a difference in the lives of children.  Healthy Start Academy will join in this celebration and we're asking all parents/guardians to help us.

It's our way of saying "THANK YOU" for all teachers do!  Help show your child's teacher that you appreciate them and the hard work they dedicate to the educational success of our students.

Scholars to Present Black History Program on February 21

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) will hold a parent meeting on Thursday, February 21 at 6:00 p.m. All parents are strongly encouraged to attend.  

In honor of February being Black History Month, students will perform an array of skits, songs and other performances as tributes. Please mark your calendars to attend this special performance, you'll be glad you did!

Congratulations, February Students and Teacher of the Month!

We are pleased to announce our students and teacher of the month for the month of February:

Kyle Anthony is a kindergarten student in Ms. Bellamy's classroom. Ms. Bellamy writes of Kyle, "Kyle is caring, understanding and has a natural outgoing personality. He is willing to help peers that don't understand a skill or activity that is being taught in the classroom. The examples he displays around school are of a future leader. He is friendly to each person he meets in the school. Kyle is actively engaged in all lessons and activities in the classroom. He has the ability to relate information across subject areas. Kyle is a great student to have in my classroom." Keep up the GREAT work, Kyle!

Monica Revels-Crawford is a 3rd grade student in Ms. Richards' classroom. Ms. Richards writes of Monica, "Monica is a very intelligent young girl. What makes her so special is not just that she is bright, but that she is always motivated to learn more. She exemplifies a student who is joyful in the classroom -- always listening, asking questions and inquisitive to continue learning. She helps others learn, as well. Monica is a leader in our class. She surpasses all expectations and seeks her own way to be her personal best because its important to her, even when no one is looking." Note: Monica has also been on the Academy's A Honor Roll for the past two grading periods. Keep up the EXCELLENT work, Monica!

Ms. DiRosa is in her first year of teaching at the Academy. As a kindergarten teacher, Ms. DiRosa is a hands-on teacher who loves her students and enjoys working with them each school day. As one passes Ms. DiRosa's class, you can count on seeing Ms. DiRosa actively engaging her students through learning centers, repetitive instruction and daily activities.  

Ms. DiRosa is originally from New York and has lived in NC for two years. She graduated from Buffalo State College with a Bachelors degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education. Ms. DiRosa says of the NC weather, "I am enjoying the beautiful weather." Ms. DiRosa enjoys teaching kindergarten. "I enjoy reading and everything you can earn from books which is why I really love kindergarten. These are some of their [students] first experiences with books and I love seeing the kids fall in love with reading." Ms. DiRosa is a team-player as she took on the additional duty of coaching the HSA Lions' Cheerleading Squad. We are happy to have Ms. DiRosa as a part of the HSA family.  And by the way, beyond her dedicated school schedule, Ms. DiRosa is also a 2-month newlywed to Mr. Thomas Cybulski! Congratulations Ms. DiRosa.

Kyle, Monica, and Ms. DiRosa, your Healthy Start family is proud of you.  

Important Info for January

• Martin Luther King Day is Monday, January 21: School will be closed on Monday, January 21 in honor of Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. Holiday.  Continue his legacy of service by volunteering and helping someone else.

• NWEA testing window closes on January 23: NWEA initial testing has been completed.  Currently, make-up testing is underway for all students who missed any/all of the original test(s).  Results will be shared with parents/guardians after January 24.  Should you have any questions about the NWEA test, please contact Ms. Maureen Bailey at (919) 956-5599, ext. 1037.

• 2nd grading period ends Friday, January 18: The 2nd grading period will end Friday, January 18.  This means all student work, including classroom assignments, homework, tests/quizzes, projects, etc. will be calculated and a final grade issued to the report card.  Report cards will be distributed to all students on Friday, January 25 to take home.  Should you have any questions or concerns about your child's report card or academic progress, please contact their teacher.  

• Notices of Intent coming home: The month of January marks the start of planning for the new school year.  Each year, the Academy opens enrollment to all students of Durham county and surrounding areas.  However, we first give opportunity for all of our current students to continue their educational journey with us.  With this in mind, Notices of Intent forms will be sent home Tuesday, January 22 with all students.  If your student will continue with us for the 2013-14 school year, then it will be very important that you complete and return this form to your child's teacher to secure your child's space.  Otherwise, we cannot guarantee a seat for your student.  The Notice of Intent form is very important, please complete and return this form as soon as it arrives.  Contact Mrs. Hill in the main office with any questions.

Congratulations, Students and Teacher of the Month!

The Academy's Students and Teacher of the Month for January are:

Elementary: Adeja Cheek, 5th Grade.  Mr. McGee writes of Adeja, "Students like Adeja make teaching an easy job.  It is obvious that her education is very important to her.  She comes to school each day prepared to do her absolute best. She is the ideal classmate, always seeking to assist her peers in any way she can.  Adeja is a delightful student and always has a smile on her face."  

Middle School: Jessica Crudup, 7th Grade.  Jessica always completes her work on time.  She is always extremely respectful to her classmates and teachers.  Jessica is willing to help someone or lend a hand to a teacher.  She makes an effort to help make those around her comfortable.

Teacher: Ms. Linda Wallace, 2nd Grade Teacher.  Ms. Wallace is in her 5th year of teaching at Healthy Start Academy.  She is a native of Detroit, MI and possesses a Masters degree in Education from Wayne State University. In her spare time, Ms. Wallace enjoys Broadway plays, art festivals and museums.  She enjoys opportunities to advance her professional growth.  Ms. Wallace is a family-oriented person who has a passion for teaching and mentoring.

Congratulations, Adeja, Jessica and Ms. Wallace!  Job well done.