Appen Media Group
EDUCATION FOCUS
May Special Section
2 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • education focus
May 2014
Sponsored Section
NorthFulton.com | May, 2014
Mount Pisgah Christian School What sets Pisgah apart? From preschool to graduation, Pisgah provides an experience that develops students who are truly prepared for college and ready for life. More than a school, Pisgah is a community. Ask any students, parent or teacher, “What do you love most about Pisgah?” The answer you’ll hear is “Pisgah is a family.” Relationships and a sense of belonging are highlights of the Pisgah Experience. Pisgah provides a robust college preparatory education. Pisgah’s curriculum features a full array of AP courses, as well as a wide range of academic classes taught by professionals who are highly skilled at bringing out the best in each student. Pisgah graduates are well-prepared for the country’s most challenging colleges. Recent graduates were accepted to the nation’s top
universities including Princeton, Cornell, Davidson, Dartmouth, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, and more. Exceptional extracurricular programs are a Pisgah trademark. Students participate in highly successful, championship athletic programs, with coaches who develop the complete studentathlete: mind, body and spirit. Superb Fine Arts are offered for all students preschool through twelfth grade, providing unique opportunities for exploration and creative selfexpression. Christian Foundation the mission of Mount Pisgah Christian School is to provide a college-preparatory education grounded in Christian faith and values. Students are given the opportunity to explore their faith through spiritual retreats, Chapel, Bible courses, leadership/mentor opportunities, and mission trips.
Pisgah’s new Upper School, Geier Hall, is scheduled to open January 2015. The Pisgah Experience - a clear vision and purpose with a strong sense of community built around families. Pisgah’s
Admissions team welcomes the opportunity to work with your family and invites you to visit for a campus tour. Mount
Pisgah Christian School, 9820 Nesbit Ferry Road, Johns Creek, Georgia 30022. 678336-3443 experiencepisgah.org
$2.8 Million in Scholarships Awarded to the Class of 2014
Portrait of a Pisgah Graduate
PORTRAIT OF A PISGAH GRADUATE
CHECKLIST
Prepared for College:
Mastered a Challenging Liberal Arts Curriculum
Ready for Life:
Equipped to Handle Obstacles, Goal-Oriented
Christian Faith and Values:
Strong Character, Compassionate, Service-Minded
Communication Skills:
Well-Spoken, Confident, Self-Aware
Connectedness:
Collaborative, Relational, Respectful of Others
Thinking and Learning:
Critical Thinkers, Creative, Engaged
Sarah Scott Lewis
Jennifer Sapp
Pisgah Student Since Kindergarten
Pisgah Student Since Preschool
VALEDICTORIAN
Georgia Institute of Technology
SALUTATORIAN
Georgia Institute of Technology
Isaac Hram
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR
Pisgah Student Since Kindergarten
Cornell University
9820 Nesbit Ferry Road Johns Creek, Georgia 30022 (678) 336-3443 • experiencepisgah.org
College Prep. Life Ready.
May 2014
education focus • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 3
McGinnis Woods Country Day School McGinnis Woods Country Day School is a private, non-parochial school offering a challenging Preschool, Elementary and Middle Grades Education. The school is located in Alpharetta on the border of Forsyth and North Fulton counties. The Preschool cares for children as young as 6 weeks and the Elementary and Middle School teaches
students in PreK 4th through 8th grade. McGinnis Woods Country Day School holds top accreditations, including GAC, SACS and NAEYC and is a member of GISA (Georgia Independent School Association). The mission of McGinnis Woods is to inspire students with the passion to excel. This goal is accomplished each day by providing superior academ-
Dedicated, certified teachers lead small classes with low student-teacher ratios, allowing for frequent one-to-one learning. Superior educational resources and technologies are used to maximize the classroom experience of our diverse student population. Frequent guest speakers, monthly field trips, an emphasis on character education and community
ics through hands-on, mindson approaches which inspire a lifelong love of learning.
service round out the curriculum. Competitive Sports and Robotics teams train and compete year round. After school programs, Discovery Clubs, Drama, and Summer Camps are also available. Please visit www.mcginniswoods.org to learn more or call 770-664-7764 to set up a tour and experience the McGinnis Woods difference.
Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia Located near the intersection of 141 and McGinnis Ferry Road in Johns Creek, Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia provides provides an authentic Montessori environment, where each individual’s needs are respected and everyone works together for the good of the community. The focus is always on helping the children to develop themselves in a caring, peaceful environment. Each of JCMSOG’S vibrant classroom communities is outfitted with high quality Montessori materials designed to meet each child’s individual developmental needs, so that no matter a child’s learning style
or pace, the right equipment is on hand to give him exactly what he needs. Our JCMSOG teachers or Community guides all have one to two years of Montessori studies and certification from
a MACTE-accredited organization. They are trained to work with each child individually, guiding them to the lessons or activities best suited for that child’s particular developmental needs. The multi-age groupings in our classroom communities allow for non-competitive, mutually beneficial relationships between children. The younger children learn by observing the older children. The older children test their learning by repeating lessons for their younger friends. The Johns Creek Montessori School of Georgia difference is best experienced in per-
PRIVATE NON-PAROCHIAL PRESCHOOL
Infants - Pre-Kindergarten
son. Please schedule a time to observe the “Montessori Magic”
by calling 770-814-8001 or email at info@jcmsog.org.
Nature’s Bounty Summer Program June 2 - August 1, 2014
(2 week sessions available. Call for details)
ELEMENTARY & MIDDLE SCHOOL Kindergarten - 8th Grade
Private Non-Parochial Education • GAC, SACS & NAEYC Accredited • Challenging Hands-on Academics • Low Student/Teacher Ratio • Advanced Technologies • Foreign Language/Music, Band, Chorus/Physical Education, Health
• Outdoor Classroom, Cafe and Wooded Trails • Monthly Field Trips • Involved Parent Association • Afterschool Clubs • Competitive Teams, Robotics Club and Drama • New Gym and Middle School Building
Tours welcome by appointment: 5380 Faircroft Drive, Alpharetta, Georgia
“Inspiring students with the passion to excel”
770-664-7764
Visit us online at www.mcginniswoods.org
• Year round learning eliminates “Summer Learning Loss” • Kindermusik with Christy, Johns Creek Art Center, and Amazing Athletes classes included in tuition • Special presentations from nature and animal experts each week provide organic learning opportunities • Hot, nutritious lunch, organic milk and healthy snacks offered daily
| JCMSOG.org
| 770-814-8001
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Sponsored Section • education focus
May 2014
Stepping Stone Montessori
Bob Wright Scholarship winners announced CUMMING, Ga. — Sean Brown, of Cumming, was one of five students awarded the Bob Wright Memorial scholarship for 2014. The Bob Wright Memorial Scholarship is presented annually by the Independent Free Papers of America (IFPA). Brown, who is attending the University of Georgia, received $1,100. He plans to apply to the Terry College of Business at UGA and pursue a degree in business management. Other scholarship winners include Kristin Beard, Aaron Fabian, Eili Petersen and Paige Scott. Brown’s father, David, is employed by Appen Media Group, which publishes this publication.
Stepping Stone Montessori – which opened its first location in Cumming in Jan 2014, is ready to open its Sugar Hill location for fall 2014. Both schools have been created with lots of love and perfection, creating an environment so perfect that you are bound to fall in love with it. We are a year round school; open Monday thru Friday, 6:30am to 6:30pm. Stepping Stone Montessori classrooms are multi-age: Infant classes (6 weeks to 15 months), Toddler classes (16 months to 3 years) and Primary classes (3 years – 6 years). We also have an after-school classroom, for children from our neighboring public schools. The amazing link between learning and a prepared environment is based on beauty, order, reality, simplicity, and accessibility. In this environment, children learn through curiosity, exploration, and experience. Stepping Stone Montessori believes that working freely and independently is an art form that lays the foundation for all future academic possibilities. Lessons are introduced
to the children based on the Guide’s observations for readiness. After the materials have been introduced, the child may choose the lesson independently as often as he/she likes, allowing repetition and mastery. This provides the opportunity for choice, problem solving, cooperation and independence. Montessori students are also given lessons on Grace and Courtesy to support their place in society. Respect for each other and the environment is apparent throughout the classroom community by both Guides and students. Stepping Stone also has
an amazing outdoor environment where kids will plant flowers and vegetables which will help us beautify and green our school grounds and help children discover the wonders of nature. We offer a range of Enrichment programs that will assist in the over development of each child. Highly nutritious and professionally catered meals are provided complimentary to our children. We are always happy to share our school and we welcome tours daily! www.steppingstonemontessori.com 770-205-0317
May 2014
education focus • Sponsored Section
northfulton.com 5
Don’t let your child’s learning stop just because summer starts Huntington Learning Center provides alternatives to parent who want to help their children avoid summertime regression and work on basic skills.Summer is an ideal time to finetune or improve skills. Without the pressure of typical school –year obligations – and seven or eight hours more free time each day for three months – many students are better able to reap the benefits of tutoring during the summer months. Your child is the focus. It’s not unfathomable that a child learns at a different pace or grasps concepts in a different manner might fall behind in a
class of 20 or 30 students. At Huntington, teachers work with students individually or in a small group of three or four. Individualized teaching methods help to get to the root of the problem. At Huntington, teachers perform an academic evaluation of each student before beginning instruction so that they can first understand the child’s strengths and weaknesses. Afterward, a program of instruction is customized for the child – one that will meet his or her precise needs. Student progress is carefully measured. Inevitably in a classroom full of children, it is difficult for one teacher
to closely monitor the progress of every student. We measure student development at regular intervals and keep parents well informed of your child’s achievement. Yet another advantage of working with Huntington is convenience. We offer flexible scheduling to help accommodate family’s schedules. Our goal is to give every child the best education possible and we work with families to make the process as easy and stress free as possible. Call Huntington of Alpharetta today to discuss your summer of success. 678-240-9240.
Bridgeway graduates bring learning outdoors embraced the outdoor classThanks to the generostian home. Accredited by the room experience. “We are so ity of three former graduates, Southern Association of Colgrateful to these young men Bridgeway Christian Acadleges and Schools (SACS) and for their generosity and loyalty emy can now bring classroom the Association of Christian to Bridgeway. The desire to learning outdoors. Adam Schools International (ACSI), give back to BCA is another Warmouth, Jonathan WilliamBridgeway utilizes proven example of the strong sense of son, and Julian Inglima each curriculum that challenges community fostered here. We donated their time and talents students while emphasizing a are very proud of them”, said to build outdoor experiences biblical worldview. Starner. for students as part of their Bridgeway is currently Serving families with Eagle Scout projects. accepting applications for the children in preschool through Earlier this month, Mrs. 2014-15 school year. Personal eighth grade, Bridgeway Fowler’s second grade class tours are available daily. For provides a Christ-centered had the privilege of planting additional information, or to learning environment that the first vegetables and flowers schedule a school tour, contact encourages parent involvement the BCA Admissions Office at in the organic garden boxes and reinforces the beliefs and designed and built by Adam 678.942.1126, or www.info@ Warmouth (class of 2012). Stu- values taught in the Chrisbridgewayca.org. dents worked together in teams and put their measurement expertise to work determining the depth and distance each plant should be planted. Once the plants mature, BCA families will enjoy the fruits of their labor – literally. In addition to the garden, an outdoor classroom complete with benches and teaching podium, built Preschool – 8th Grade • Christ-centered Philosophy • Accredited Curriculum by Jonathan Williamson Daily tours available during the summer. (2012), and a custom built Please contact us at 770-751-1972 or tours@bridgewayca.org. picnic area designed by Julian Inglima (2011), round out the outdoor experience. According to BCA Head of School, 4755 Kimball Bridge Rd., Alpharetta, GA 30005 | 770.751.1972 Rob Starner, teachers and students alike have
We Call it Learning... They Call it Fun!
www.bridgewayca.org
Summer Is The Perfect Time To Build Study Skills & Classroom Skills For The Next School Year. • Our teachers are certified • Fully accredited learning center
SAVE $195
WHEN YOUR ACADEMIC EVALUATION FEE IS APPLIED TO TUITION. Present ad at time of evaluation. Exp. 6/30/14
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Sponsored Section • education focus
May 2014
New school and additions spur redistricting for 2015 Process to begin in fall, but ‘scope’ not determined By CANDY WAYLOCK candy@northfulton.com NORTH FULTON, Ga. – More than a year out from a new elementary school opening in Roswell and additions completed at three middle schools, talk of potential redistricting has some parents sounding the alarm. In widely disseminated emails that went to neighborhood groups and PTA members, parents urged the community to stay on top of redistricting news, lest their kids be swept up into a new school without their input. “Please keep abreast of the community meeting updates and pay attention to the proposed maps when they come out,” read one email circulating throughout North Fulton. “Many of our friends and neighbors nearby were taken by surprise when they were redistricted to Cambridge believing they were ‘safe’ and therefore did not attend the meetings or have their preferences heard.” Planners with the Fulton County School System (FCSS) say it is too early to know the depth of redistricting next fall, and whether all schools in the area will be impacted to some degree. For certain, elementary lines in west Roswell will be re-drawn for a new school opening in 2015. In addition, additions at three middle schools will require some tweaking of middle school lines at Autrey
Mill, Taylor Road and Hopewell middle schools. Other than that, it is uncertain if planners will take the opportunity to look at all attendance zones in the area to correct for feeder patterns and future growth. “The scope of the potential redistricting has not been determined,” said Yngrid Huff, chief planner for the FCSS. “Early in the fall, the superintendent and staff will share information with the school board and have a discussion regarding the specifics of any upcoming redistricting efforts.” She noted the best way to ensure more direct feeder lines from elementary to middle to high schools is to review all attendance lines during any redistricting process. In some schools, such as Northwestern Middle School, only a small percentage of students are zoned to Cambridge High, with the vast majority heading to Milton. Redistricting could alleviate those issues allowing more students to remain with their classmates. The redistricting process will follow the same plan used by the school system for years. This includes community meetings to gather input and is based on a criteria established by the Fulton School Board. Fulton Schools, especially the North Fulton community, is no stranger to redistricting over the past two decades. With every new school built in North
Early in the fall, the superintendent and staff will share information with the school board and have a discussion regarding the specifics of any upcoming redistricting efforts.” Yngrid Huff Chief planner for the Fulton County School System
Fulton – and 20 have opened since 1998 – school planners must draw new attendance lines to fill the new school and relieve area schools from overcrowding. Redistricting went into overdrive after the passage of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), which collects one cent of every dollar
spent in Fulton County for the Fulton and Atlanta school systems. Since its first passage by voters in 1997, the SPLOST has been renewed three times. For information on the criteria for redistricting, which includes primary and secondary considerations, visit the FCSS website at www.fultonschools.org.
Firefighters ‘FIRED’ Up for reading By JONATHAN COPSEY jonathan@northfulton.com ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Alpharetta firefighters have teamed up with our Alpharetta Elementary School in an effort to inspire students to develop good reading habits and to learn to enjoy reading every day. Together they have created “FIRED,” Firefighters Inspiring Reading Every Day. As part of this program, firefighters will read age appropriate books to a class of students. The students would then read back to the firefighters. Because of this program and with the help of inspiring teachers, the overall reading scores for students participating in the FIRED Up program have improved tremendously. As a reward for their
success, State Senator John Albers came to the class May 9 and read two books involving fire engine characters to the class. He brought two books from his own childhood collection Albers is also a volunteer firefighter. After the reading period, students that achieved the reading goal were given certificates of achievement by firefighters. From the names of all participating students, one name was drawn for a very special prize – the winner gets to ride to school in a fire engine. Student Abigail Laderoute won the prize. “The fire truck picked [Lauderoute] up from the residence and took them to school,” said Alpharetta Fire Services Division Chief Wes McCall.
Alpharetta firefighters visited school children at Alpharetta Elementary School.
May 2014
education focus • Sponsored Section
Four Steps For Technology Success In The Classroom (NAPS)—The rise of the high-tech classroom has been clearly documented. Districts and schools in the area and around the country are incorporating new technology into the classroom, and technology companies are investing millions in programs providing technology to schools, most in the forms of tablets or laptop devices. However, oftentimes, this is happening without specific plans or road maps for successful transitions away from traditional pen and paper. In emerging digital environments, technology can expand the impact of education and accelerate the growth potential of every student, educator and school, but only when it is used correctly. The question all schools must now grapple with is whether the technology they are bringing into the classroom is impacting student achievement or simply digitizing textbooks and worksheets. “Technology has the potential to make significant impacts in education, but we’re not there yet,” said Cameron Evans, chief technology officer, U.S. Education, Microsoft. “Today, technology has advanced to a stage where devices are broadly available and cost effective. The challenge now is to help educators reimagine what learning can look like, and incorporate new tools in a meaningful way.” There are four steps to implementing a successful digital environment in the classroom, according to Evans: 1. Lock on your vision, then your device The first thing school personnel need to do is ask themselves, “What world are we preparing our students for?” They need to determine their needs, their educational goals and their learning objectives, then find the right devices that will achieve that vision. Schools must evaluate numerous device options to find the device that meets the needs of students to both consume and create content. For instance, laptops may be better suited for high school students than tablets based on learning objectives. Devices need to be better than a pencil and paper and more than a fancy Web browser. “Schools should not have to compromise on devices due to costs,” said Evans. “With efforts like Microsoft’s low-cost device options for schools, they have access to full-feature devices, helping accomplish the goals set by President Obama’s ConnectED initiative: to connect 99 percent of the country’s students with technology by 2019.” 2. Teach the teachers Training is essential if educators
and their students are going to use technology correctly. Teachers need to learn how to effectively engage students and bring innovation and analysis into the classroom setting. Teachers can’t be handed a new tablet and automatically be expected to know how to work with students in new ways to achieve learning objects. 3. Provide meaningful content Lesson plans that incorporate technology are critical. A recent IDC study scanned 16.4 million job postings and found high-growth/high-wage jobs want employees with good communication, detail orientation and problemsolving skills. Building these business and productivity skills is much easier with the right tools. Additionally, teachers are facing pressure to align their teaching to state assessments while also ensuring that elements such as creativity and verbal skills are not lost. The right content can connect these dots. 4. Create a safe learning environment Finally, schools need to ensure that technology is used in a safe environment. Schools and districts have a mandate to ensure that data collected about students is applied for the benefit of the student, not being mined for advertising. This includes personal data on students that might be stored long term as well as search history and online activities that tech companies may have. The transition to a digital classroom should not be taken lightly. The teachers of today are laying the runway for the future of our students, our nation and our ability to compete globally. A fundamental change in education this profound will not happen overnight. Just as teachers and students across the U.S. are entering a new type of learning environment, so must our society support them in new ways by partnering with companies, organizations and communities to help them succeed. Teachers need to learn how to use technology in engaging and innovative ways.
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No child will be left inside It’s all about being outside and enjoying the fun and excitement that nature offers The Best Summer Camp in Town is at Kids ‘R’ Kids on Old Atlanta Rd. Cumming, GA. Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy is a SACS Accredited, privately owned and family operated learning facility. We offer an amazing summer camp each year. Our camp is well spoken of and has a reputation next to none other. We have well trained staff and awesome camp counselors. Our state of the art innovative school and summer camp will give your child the opportunity to explore the outdoors and have the summer of a lifetime. We have put together everything you are looking for in a perfect camp setting. We offer both junior and senior camps. Parents are able to select any weeks or days of their choice. This year’s summer camp theme is Camp Nature Kids. Get ready for an unforgettable ten week odyssey that transforms campers into miniature scientists, explorers and adventurers as they investigate the awe of the wide and wonderful world beyond their back door. Our summer camp themes include: Off the Beaten Path, Digging in the Dirt,, Wild about Wildlife, Bugs and Slugs, and Nature Rocks. One of the most popular attractions at our Summer Camp is the onsite Water Park! Some of the exciting field trip opportunities include: Tree Top Quest,
Sky Zone, Chestatee Wild Life Preserve and Zoo, World of Coke, Chattahoochee Nature Center and Medieval Times! Of course, no summer would be complete without a trip to The Georgia Aquarium and an overnight camping adventure. Stop by for a complimentary tour, meet the teachers and summer camp counselors, see the summer camp grounds and see what Kids ‘R’ Kids can offer your child this summer. Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy, 3036 Old Atlanta Road, GA. 30041, 678-648-3175, www.kidsrkidscumming.com info@krk52.com
8 northfulton.com
Sponsored Section • education focus
May 2014
Don't miss the boat!
Advertising Deadline for the 2015 Summer Camp Special Section:
February 24, 2015 Call your account executive or 770.442.3278 TODAY to reserve your spot