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.