#ThankATeacher Day and National Charter Schools Week: Two Reasons to Celebrate

We have two great reasons to celebrate this week.

First, May 3-9 is National Charter Schools Week, and we’re feeling proud to have spent the last 15 years proving how a small, powerful college-preparatory program can empower socioeconomically disadvantaged students to reach their full potential.

Second, this Tuesday was #ThankATeacher Day — one of our favorite days of the year!

In the midst of the day-to-day activities of our schools and our lives, we often forget to thank those who are in the classroom every day doing the most important work in our organization.  The difference our teachers make each and every day in the lives of our students does not go unnoticed.

Because of their dedication, drive, and passion, we are graduating more college-ready students every year.

Teachers Make the Difference

Congressman Ted Lieu visits Animo Venice CHSA great example of a teacher making a difference: Last month, students at Ánimo Venice Charter School met with Congressman Ted Lieu as part of Financial Literacy Month. In Ms. Celia Gonzalez’ math class, students learned about financial literacy via The Capitol Hill Challenge and the Stock Market Game.

The Capitol Hill Challenge is a national competition that uses SIFMA Foundation’s award-winning, curriculum-based Stock Market Game to help students develop a better understanding of the global economy, strengthen their personal financial skills, and help improve their knowledge of math, economics, and business. Based on portfolio performance, in June the top ten teams will visit Washington, DC, to attend an awards reception in recognition of their achievement.

“Financial literacy is a critical component of being a literate citizen in the modern world,” Ms. Gonzalez says. “It’s important to teach students the benefits of creating budgets, saving money, and investing their savings.”

A Harvard Scholarship

Animo Pat Brown wins Edison STEM ScholarshipOur teachers’ greatest accomplishments are best reflected in the achievements of their students. One Ánimo Pat Brown Charter High School senior, Alvaro Quintero, is standing tall this week, having just received a $40,000 college scholarship from SoCal Edison, whose educational funding helps prepare students to excel in the STEM fields. Recognized for exemplary academic achievements, Alvaro is one of 30 Southern California students to receive the award; he plans to study engineering.

“My teachers’ constant help made me the student I am today,” Alvaro says. “I’m grateful and excited to use all they’ve taught me as I move on to Harvard in the fall.”

Janet Clayton, senior vice president of corporate communications for SCE and Edison International, explains that the scholarship allows students to dream big and pursue their STEM career aspirations. “With this scholarship, we are pleased to provide financial support to these deserving students,” she says.

This week — like every week! — we are proud of our teachers, students, and 15 years track record of running high-performing charter schools.

 

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