East Chicago Urban Enterprise Academy:

A Model of Resilience and Achievement

WEA Wins Environmental Award

The Power of Language: Exploring the Impact in School

In today’s interconnected world, speaking more than one language isn’t just a skill—it’s a superpower! It unlocks doors to new cultures, exciting global opportunities and a richer, more vibrant personal experience. Learning a second language isn’t just about memorizing new words or mastering grammar rules; it’s about connecting with people from different walks of life, expanding your mind, and embracing the diversity that makes our world so fascinating. In schools managed by The Leona Group, we’re passionate about languages—whether it's the languages our students speak at home or the languages they’re learning in class. Join us in celebrating the amazing ways our schools are helping students discover the magic of a second language and all the adventures it brings!

Saginaw Preparatory Academy (SPA)

At Saginaw Preparatory Academy, they take pride in celebrating students who speak a second language. Over the past couple of school years, they have welcomed several Spanish-speaking students into their school community. To support these students and their families, they hired Ms. Delgado, who has been instrumental in fostering connections and providing assistance for both the students and their families. She works closely with classroom teachers and maintains regular communication with families to address any needs or questions they may have. This initiative is one way SPA highlights its commitment to embracing diversity and serving the community in a meaningful way.

Hope of Detroit Academy (HoDA)

At Hope of Detroit Academy, where 98% of the student population speaks Spanish, students are embracing the opportunity to learn a third language: Italian. Since 2021, Ms. Acciani has been inspiring high school students to broaden their linguistic horizons by teaching Italian.

Families enjoy a vibrant English as a Second Language (ESL) Family Night filled with cultural exploration and learning. Guests can savor diverse foods and create crafts representing Central America. The school also celebrates its students' heritage with activities like enjoying tres leches cake and showcasing the flags of their home countries. To make learning fun, they play English-learning games such as Bingo and Uno. These activities are so engaging that students and their families often don’t even realize they’ve completed or reviewed a lesson!

Pontiac Academy for Excellence (PAE)

At Pontiac Academy for Excellence, language plays a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Vibrant displays celebrate the contributions of famous Latinos, emphasizing their impact on culture and language. Bilingual bulletin boards throughout the school help bridge communication gaps, providing essential information in both English and Spanish to support the diverse linguistic needs of students. In the classroom, Ms. Alona Dalis engages students in dynamic lessons that connect language learning with cultural understanding.

Additionally, PAE has an English Language Learner (ELL) Para-professional, Ms. Ester Caraballo, who holds monthly morning meetings with ESL parents. In October, the focus was on assessments, while the November meeting provided insights into understanding report cards. These sessions are crucial in keeping families informed and involved in their children's language development and academic progress. Throughout the school, other displays continue to emphasize the importance of language, showcasing its role in both learning and community-building.

César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary (CCAUE)

At César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary, the unique cultures and diverse backgrounds of English Learners are celebrated, with a recognition of the rich perspectives they bring to the community. At the start of each year, students are screened to assess their literacy skills in Spanish, which helps tailor instruction to meet their specific needs. Families of newcomers (those new to the country) are also interviewed to gain a deeper understanding of their backgrounds and experiences. Teachers at the academy are trained in SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol) strategies and use resources in both English and Spanish, such as classroom labels, expectations and directions, to foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Additionally, a lending library with bilingual books is available and students receive monthly magazines in Spanish. Recognizing that learning English can be overwhelming at times, the use of materials in students’ native language helps reduce cognitive load, allowing them to build confidence as they develop their English skills. By valuing students' heritage and providing strategic support, the academy empowers them to thrive both academically and socially.

César Chávez Academy Middle (CCAM)

At César Chávez Academy Middle (CCAM), language is viewed as a bridge to new cultures, connections, and opportunities. To enrich students' educational experiences, the school proudly offers two dynamic language electives: Spanish and American Sign Language (ASL).

As a school with a predominantly Hispanic student population, offering Spanish as an elective goes beyond teaching a language—it serves as a way to celebrate and deepen connections to students' heritage and community. Through interactive lessons, students develop skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening. This elective not only prepares students for high school language requirements but also empowers them to navigate multilingual environments with confidence.

The inclusion of American Sign Language in the elective offerings reflects the school's commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Students who choose ASL not only learn a new language but also gain greater understanding and develop the skills necessary to communicate with members of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. This elective emphasizes empathy, cultural awareness and the importance of accessibility.

Academy for Business & Technology Middle/ High (ABTMH)

At The Academy for Business & Technology Middle/High, bilingual students are celebrated for their language skills in the classroom, with opportunities to mentor peers or participate in language-focused activities. For students just beginning to learn a second language, the school's Spanish program fosters pride in acquiring new language skills through interactive and engaging activities. These activities include cultural celebrations, language games and immersive storytelling, all designed to make learning both fun and meaningful.

The academy believes that learning a second language is not only about communication but also about embracing and understanding different cultures. To support this, the school hosts various cultural days where students explore global cuisines, learn about diverse countries and their values, and engage with aspects of culture such as music, clothing and traditions. These experiences broaden students' perspectives, increase empathy and highlight both the unique and shared elements of cultures around the world.

Lina Al-Shamsi

Academy for Business & Technology Elementary

Kindergarten

Academy for Business & Technology Elementary is proud to nominate Lina Al-Shamsi for the Teacher Hall of Fame in recognition of her dedication to her students' growth. Ms. Al-Shamsi has been with The Leona Group for over seven years, first as an ESL teacher and now as a Kindergarten teacher. In her four years teaching Kindergarten, she has created a warm, inclusive environment that encourages students to reach their potential. 

“A key factor in Ms. Al-Shamsi's success is her communication with parents. Through daily homework folders, she keeps families updated on classroom activities, ensuring strong home-school connections. Her ability to recognize and nurture each child's strengths has had a lasting impact, and she goes above and beyond to foster a love of learning, making every student feel valued and supported,” shares Carolyn Tola, Instructional Coach at Academy for Business & Technology Elementary.

Genesis Castillo

César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary

Third Grade

Ms. Genesis Castillo brings a consistently positive attitude and a calm, even-tempered approach to her teaching, always prioritizing the needs of her students. She goes above and beyond to support her students, exemplifying exceptional professionalism in all that she does. Ms. Castillo is also innovative, finding creative ways to engage and reach her students, and generously shares her strategies and ideas with others, contributing to a strong team environment.

“Mrs. Castillo is a dedicated advocate for her students, ensuring they receive proper accommodations through effective Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) strategies. She consistently seeks support when needed, demonstrating her commitment to providing the best learning environment possible” says Andrew Wright, school leader at César Chávez Academy Upper Elementary.

Jeromona Maddox

Northridge Academy

Third Grade

Ms. Jeromona Maddox's genuine love for teaching and her students' success shines through in everything she does. Her warm smiles and comforting hugs brighten each student's day, making her a beacon of hard work and professionalism. Beyond her unwavering dedication to her students, she also mentors new teachers and steps in to help wherever she is needed. She is truly a blessing to Northridge Academy.

“Ms. Maddox invests her heart in every lesson she creates to make sure all of her students are able to be successful and improve in academics, behavior, confidence and independence every day,” says Lisa Casteel, instructional coach at Northridge Academy.

Pursue your passion with Detroit Zoological Society while you earn your master’s online from Miami University through the Advanced Inquiry Program (AIP)

Created for working professionals, the AIP is a one-of-a-kind master’s program that immerses students from a range of backgrounds and career stages in collaborative inquiry and action as they champion change. Through web-based coursework from Miami and face-to-face experiential learning and field study at Detroit Zoological Society, you will connect with classmates, Miami University faculty, garden experts and community leaders locally, nationally and globally.

Applications are now being accepted until February 15th at AIP.MiamiOH.edu. Courses begin in May 2025. For more information, applicants may visit the website or contact the AIP Coordinator at Detroit Zoological Society, Claire Lannoye-Hall, at clannoyehall@dzs.org or (248) 336-5803. 

Time to Celebrate: CSEdWeek!

Happy Computer Science Education Week! From December 9th-15th, educators across the country will be advocating for educational equity and celebrating computer science contributions from teachers, students, and partners. 

One great way to participate is to start a free Girls Who Code Club! Clubs are open to all 3rd-12th graders of all skill levels. They offer engaging computer science content and community-building activities that teachers or adult volunteers can immediately integrate into their CSEDWeek plans - or use anytime during the year!

See this flyer for more information or visit girlswhocode.com/clubs

Midwest Department of Academic Achievement Website:

Please explore our website and find pertinent items at your fingertips to help ensure academic success! Save the link in your bookmarks to access it on the fly!

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