New Hope Academy opened in the fall of 2008, the result of a public/nonpublic partnership between Baltimore City and Specialized Education Services Inc. The SESI model promotes student competence and confidence through a series of academic and behavioral interventions designed to address the needs of students who require additional educational services as determined through the IEP process.

New Hope Academy is a middle/ high school that works to address the academic and behavioral needs of special education students.  Our students are engaged in individualized, differentiated instruction based on their grade level and their instructional level.  A combination of IEP and Voluntary state curriculum goals are incorporated in their coursework, which is divided into 20 minute rotations based on subject.  Tutorials, individual, group and computer generated work are all incorporated into the curriculum, and are intended to address a variety of learning styles and to assist in the identification of specific learning needs.  Every classroom is facilitated by a teacher and a teaching assistant with a student capacity not to exceed 10 students per classroom.

Aside from academic interventions, a variety of behavioral interventions are incorporated in order to promote student success.  The use of point sheets, rewards, consequences, incentives, and the promotion of positive substitute behaviors are incorporated by all staff members in order to promote positive student behaviors.  School social workers, psychiatrist, and psychologist are employed in order to provide therapeutic supports as indicated on the IEP, and when they are needed in order to address issues during school hours.

Using this comprehensive approach, New Hope Academy hopes to improve the outcomes for students with disabilities by increasing their test sores, promoting positive behaviors, and demonstrating success through improved student confidence and competence.

Commencement Is Just the Beginning…

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
--Nelson Mandela

On June 4th, 2010, New Hope Academy held its second annual commencement ceremony.  Guests looked on as 25 middle school students and 7 seniors walked the stage in culmination of their achievements and outstanding effort.  Several staff members stood on stage and congratulated graduates on their achievements and advised them about future goals and life plans. One student also spoke to graduates about what positive role models they have been to their younger peers over the past year. Jessica C. commented “Watching the seniors work hard to accomplish their goals makes me want to work even harder to accomplish my goals. We will miss having them around!”

As a special treat and surprise for the graduates, Junot Joyner, a Baltimore native and one of last season’s American Idol finalists, sung his rendition of “I Believe I Can Fly” to close the ceremony.  During his performance, a slide show was played that highlighted some of the amazing moments of the 2009-2010 school year, including New Hope’s first annual Senior Prom, the Student Club Exhibition, photos of students hard at work, and much more.

The graduating seniors have a bright future ahead of them and can always return to New Hope Academy for encouragement and support. Senior Brittany Berkely is currently attending Baltimore City Community College and is interested in pursuing a career in child care.  Senior Kendall Whitaker will also be attending BCCC and is currently involved in the Start On Success Program which has afforded him the opportunity to work at University of Maryland Hospital while he attends school.  All of the other seniors have the opportunity to attend job training sessions at DORS and the eighth graders are incredibly excited to transition to high school.

Everyone at New Hope Academy is looking forward to hearing about the successes that are in line for the students as they open a chapter in their life and is thrilled at having the opportunity to watch firsthand as our middle school students become productive high school students! Thanks to all of our parents, students and staff members for making this year’s commencement incredible!

Fine Arts Festival 2010

Student performances make a lasting impression

This year, the 5th Annual Fine Arts Festival took place on April 29, 2010 at the Columbia Meeting House in Columbia, Maryland. This is our biggest and most spectacular event of the year and it’s the only time that all 10 Maryland Schools unite for a single event. 

To help ensure that the Fine Arts Festival is a success each year, a committee, featuring staff representatives from all of the schools, meets monthly to create, plan and implement the event.  Under the leadership of Carrie Spies (Chief School Director – Northern Maryland) and Greg Marancik (Chief School Director – Southern Maryland), the program signifies much of what our schools stand for including vision, hard-work, unity, dedication and passion. 

The Fine Arts Festival is an amazing showcase of projects and performances submitted by High Road’s most creative and talented students.  For months, the students at each of the 10 schools work diligently to prepare artwork and practice stage performances.  This year, as a result of the committee leadership, this year’s event was the best ever.  With over 300 people in attendance (including several school district representatives from Baltimore City, Prince George’s County and MSDE), the students showed off their creativity on the canvas and on the stage.

The show began with an art show featuring student displays from each of our schools.  There was an artistic tribute to Michael Jackson from High Road School of Prince George’s County, art inspired by endangered species from High Road School of Cecil County and a nature themed collection from High Road School of Southern Maryland. There were also numerous collages, sculptures, jewelry pieces, artistic photographs, and paintings on display.

The performances were kicked off by Ju’Not Joyner, a singer who was among the top 36 finalists on American Idol last season. He briefly spoke about his experience attending non- public schools in Maryland and sang his version of “Hey there, Delilah”.  More specifically, Ju’Not spoke to the students about commitment, hard work and desire. 

The New Hope Academy student drummers and pep squad were the first to deliver a heart pounding performance.  The beat of the drums reverberated throughout the room and energized the audience instantly.  For the next 90 minutes, our students rocked the stage with exhilarating singing, dancing, and even poetry by Dalton B from the High Road School of Cecil County. A modern day rendition of Kyo Sakamoto’s SUKIYAKI was given by Joey P from the High Road School of Baltimore County, and a hip dance routine was performed by the students from the High Road Academy of Prince George’s County.

The show was concluded with the Bulldogs Band from the High Road Upper School of Prince George’s County and a Michael Jackson and Jackson 5 medley from the High Road School of Prince George’s County.

The DVD of the 2010 Fine Arts Festival is coming soon!!!!!!

Winter Is Sweet In 9th Grade

The ninth grade students at New Hope Academy celebrated the winter months by baking and decorating their own gingerbread houses from scratch!!!  All the ninth grade classes competed in order to see who had the most creative house. Students shopped for supplies, baked, assembled, and decorated their houses as a class.  Each house had a unique flair and lots of gingerbread amenities! Mr. P's class won the competition by an overwhelming majority.  The winning house was complete with a pond, basketball court and Oreo sidewalk. Sweet houses 9th graders!

We've got that New Hope Spirit!

Even in their first year, New Hope Academy's Pep Squad, is already making moves. Middle and High school students on green and blue level have come together to learn steps, chants, hand claps, and dances to help promote school spirit! Students are eager to show their support by wearing New Hope Pride t-shirts, designing posters and decorating noise makers for sporting events. Even more importantly, the squad members show support by demonstrating a positive attitude throughout the school day. The Pep Squad performed for the in-house Fine Arts Festival on February 4, 2010 and will be making their second appearance on February 19th at the Honor Awards Assembly. With practices held during “Fun Friday”, students are preparing to perform at Middle and High School basketball games. The Pep Squad is a great way for students to get involved, have a voice, and "get funky with it!”

Flag Football 2009: The Championship

The 2009 High Road Schools Flag Football Season began with 10 teams participating throughout the season.  However, in the end, there were two teams that earned their right to play for the Championship.

Archbishop Curley High School was the site as the Southern Region Champion, Capital Heights High Dragons, and the Northern Region Champion; New Hope Academy Pride would meet to determine the champions of the 2009 Season.  We would like to thank Father Michael Martin, Mr. John Kogler and Coach Sean Murphy who were both very hospitable to our schools in allowing us to have our championship game on their campus.

Capital Heights featured a “run and shoot” style of spread offense where they were slinging the ball all over the field.  New Hope ran a “double-wing” with a lot of pre-snap motion and misdirection. The field could be seen as the third opponent.  It was muddy; the kind of conditions that football enthusiasts love.  There were a couple of spots on the field that had an inch or two of sitting water, but that wouldn’t stop these young men from giving everything they had to represent their schools with both outstanding play and stellar sportsmanship. 

When the day ended, New Hope Academy had opened up a couple of touchdown lead that Capital Heights just couldn’t overcome.  Several of the students stand out as giving an outstanding effort. The coaching staffs were extremely proud of the play on the field.  However, what was most impressive was the sportsmanship demonstrated by these young student athletes. 

Congratulations on another successful season. GO PRIDE!!!

Scales and Tales

The students at the High Road Schools of Baltimore County, Delaware, Elkton and Perryville, along with the students of New Hope Academy gathered for an exciting program called Scales and Tales. 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources offers the program to local schools to give students the opportunity to see wildlife native to Maryland.

Ms. Morgan, a naturalist from Patapsco State Park, educated students on a variety of birds and reptiles in the area. Students got an up close and personal look at a baby and mother black rat snake, a diamondback terrapin, a great horned owl, and a turkey vulture. Students learned about wildlife habitats, diets, and life- spans. 

Ms. Morgan also discussed interesting wildlife facts and mentioned how each bird and reptile was brought into the park’s care.

During the program, students passed around a molted snakeskin, which one student said felt like wax paper. Some brave students had the opportunity to touch the black rat snake as they were leaving. The students enjoyed the program and learned lots of cool new facts about wildlife in Maryland!

Student Spotlight

There are many qualities that qualify a student as “exceptional”. They must be eager to learn, willing to succeed, and must ask for help and seek support along the way. Being an exceptional student happens naturally for some, and requires a little extra work for others. One New Hope student stands out this year, because she has come a long way and made massive improvements in a short period of time.

Shaquilla A. is a 10th grader in Mr. Clarke’s class. Shaquilla has been chosen for the Student Spotlight this month for a multitude of reasons. She has maintained blue level for the entire school year. In addition, not only has she never earned a minus this year, she has not even been given a warning. In art group sessions, Shaquilla acts as a leader, and serves as a positive role model for her peers. Her consistent participation, insightful remarks, and improved sense of self are just some of the qualities that make Shaquilla an exceptional individual.

Reading Specialist

The Reading Specialist position can hold a number of different roles within a variety of school settings. This position is found at all levels, from elementary through high school, private and public schools. The primary role of a person in this position is sometimes a coach for classroom teachers and other times as one-on-one intervention teacher. In my position at High Road, I wish to fill both of these roles as intervention teacher and coach.

The students who meet with a Reading Specialist are most often recommended by their classroom teachers or Administrators. These referrals are based upon discrepancies in potential ability and performance, or reading skills that are far below what would be expected. When a student is referred, further testing is completed to determine the most effective course of action. I use a variety of assessments such as the QRI-IV (Qualitative Reading Inventory, 4th edition), and vocabulary and phonics surveys. These assessments allow me to identify whether a student’s weaknesses are in decoding alone, comprehension, or a combination of both.

Following the individualized nature of our school programs, I am able to decide upon a plan with the classroom teacher that best meets each student’s needs. This may come in the form of individualized intervention in phonics utilizing one of a number of research-based programs, or as supplementary activities to assist the classroom teacher. If a student has strengths in phonemic awareness but weaknesses in comprehension, their plan for individualized sessions will reflect that. 

Some of the programs utilized in our schools include: Edmark Reading, Orton-Gillingham, Wilson Reading, and Lindamood-Bell (LiPS). Each of these is a research proven program that addresses the ‘Big 5’ areas of Literacy: Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Fluency, Vocabulary, and Comprehension. Through these programs, students are offered intense, individualized instruction in the areas with demonstrated weaknesses.

It is our responsibility as educators to ensure that students have the opportunity to reach their potential. It is my wish that each of our students find independence in their reading, and that such independence helps them reach their goals.

List of Reading Interventions

Athletic Teams

The High Road Schools and New Hope Academy are committed to providing services, programs and activities that provide opportunities for students to grow both inside and outside of the classroom. For several years, our schools have had an Inter-High Road School/ New Hope Academy Sports league.

The Maryland North region of schools including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Delaware, Elkton, and Perryville compete throughout the school year in three sports.

Fall – Flag Football
Winter – Basketball
Spring – Volleyball

These teams provide an opportunity for our students to gain knowledge and skills in team sports and sportsmanship.  Only students (on green or blue level) that have demonstrated the ability to make sound decisions can participate in practices and games.  The league provides students a chance to interact with students from other regional schools and to show school pride for their own.

Each sport season has its own playoff and crown champions for that season.  In flag football, the playoffs are in a bowl format similar to the NCAA.  Naturally, we have our own form of March Madness to crown our Basketball Champions.  

Each year, all the schools get together for a Sports Banquet where the students are celebrated for their athletic performance and sportsmanship.  All participating students receive a participation award at the banquet.

For more information about our Sports League Programs, please contact your child’s school and ask for the team coach.

Family Connections Meeting

New Hope Academy hosted its first Family Connections meeting for the 2009-2010 school- year in September. The Family Connections meeting is a monthly gathering for parents, guardians, family members, and leaders in our community to get together and discuss important school issues and events. The forum is a great way to meet other parents and family members, share ideas, and obtain valuable resources for your student.

At this month’s meeting, attendees discussed the purpose of the meeting as well as ideas for future meetings. Attendees made suggestions for possible school events and were encouraged to share thoughts and ask questions regarding the program. School folders and calendars were distributed. Student Government Association leader, Maleek W., spoke to attendees about projects the group has planned for the school year, such as bake sales and prom. Ms. Adrienne, high school therapist, gave a brief overview of the new parent support group, which will also host monthly meetings.

At each Family Connections meeting, administrators and/or staff members will cover an educational or informational topic related to the program. The topic for the next meeting is: Understanding Your Student’s IEP.

The next meeting will be held on October 29, 2009 from 12:00pm - 1:00pm in the New Hope Academy Auditorium. Refreshments will be served! Please RSVP as soon as possible!!

For additional information regarding the Family Connections meeting or the parent support group, please call 410-396-0770 and ask for Ms. Tiffaney or Ms. Adrienne.

New Hope Academy Student Government Is Making A Difference

This school year New Hope Academy students requested that there be a student government association. We have meetings weekly to discuss issues and projects going on around school. As a group, we’ve decided to host our very first prom. Our prom will be held on Friday, May 7, 2010. The theme for our prom will be “Masquerade”.

This night will be a huge event for us! Students and families start planning for your limos, dresses, tuxes, and more. To help with the cost of prom, we will have fundraisers such as a bake sale and a car wash and a portion of the money will go to prom. Our first bake sale was held on October 12th and we will be having many more. We will also have a suggestion box for any individuals who have good ideas for our upcoming events.

The student government also planned a food drive because Thanksgiving is coming very soon. There will be collection boxes in each classroom for boxed and canned food.

SGA representatives also discussed the benefits of providing every student with a student identification card.

Thanks to the students and staff involved in the Student Government Association! I hope all of you are able to attend the great things we have planned for the future!

Thanks - Richard S.

The New Hope Academy Poet Society

There is an exciting new club on the New Hope Academy campus this year. The New Hope Academy Poet Society is made of students and staff that believe in “healing and education through artistic expression”. The group gathers weekly to give members the opportunity to share the spoken, written and recorded word. Every other week local artists are invited to meet with the group to mentor and speak with the students about their chosen art form. The club discusses and practices poetry writing, song writing, public speaking and project management. Later in the year, the members of the poet society will have the opportunity to record in a professional studio. Also, you will see many of them perform in front of their peers at the Fine Arts Festival. There is a high level of enthusiasm and participation among the student population because of the outlet it provides for them. The poet society is currently coordinated by staff members Mr. P, Mr. Juan and Mr. Howard.

Driven to Learn

This school year brings an exciting new opportunity to New Hope Academy’s high school students.  The school has a full working garage that is now open and available for students to gain exposure to car mechanics.  The auto shop has been a much anticipated addition to the program and provides an incentive for many students who are interested in the automotive field. Students will be offered real world auto-mechanic and detailing experience that will translate into valuable job skills in an uncertain economy.  Mr. Moody, teacher assistant and garage supervisor, hopes that the garage program will allow students to master a variety of skills that can be applied to the working world. 

He believes that working in the New Hope Auto Garage will help students recognize and understand the responsibilities involved in being a competent employee.

Up to ten students will be able to work weekly in the garage.  They will learn to perform simple routine maintenance checks as well as detailing techniques.  Students have already worked on several staff cars and most recently have repaired dents and reattached a bumper.  In the coming weeks, they will be learning about oil changes, electrical components and circuits.

Mr. Moody has high hopes for the future of this program.  “We are currently trying to develop relationships with local companies and driving schools in order to help the students secure employment after graduation.  My ultimate goal is to show these students that you can have fun and still maintain a productive and safe work environment”.

Official Site for Baltimore City Public Schools
www.bcps.k12.md.us

Family Connections Flyer

www.humanim.org

www.dors.state.md.us

www.ssa.gov

www.marylandsht.org

www.cap4kids.org