Ron Clark Academy Newsletter 2017 + Annual Report by The Ron Clark Academy

RCA

The Ron Clark Academy

Josh Meister Photo

2017

www.ronclarkacademy.com

The Ron Clark Academy is a model school with a vision to transform classrooms around the world by demonstrating transformative methods and techniques that are embraced and replicated everywhere. Since our school’s inception, more than 40,000 superintendents, district level administrators, and teachers from around the world have participated in the RCA Experience to learn better ways to engage students, promote academic rigor, and create a climate and culture that promotes success.

Founded

Energy

Fall 2007 by Ron Clark and Kim Bearden

We believe in using music, movement, and creativity to add energy to lessons

Location

After School Programs

Southeast Atlanta, Georgia

Enrollment

120 students, Grades 5th–8th

Teams & Clubs

We believe that integrating travel into the curriculum creates global citizens.

• • • • •

Educator Training Program

House System

Travel

Over 10,000 educators visit RCA each year to learn our strategies and observe our classrooms.

Volunteers

Parent volunteers are essential to our school programs. Parents are required to volunteer 40 hours a year.

Soccer, tennis, golf, double-dutch, tutoring, dance and more

www.ronclarkacademy.com

Basketball and Cheerleading Essentials Step Team Model United Nations Team Robotics Ya Heard Poets

Our school is divided into four houses to create unique communities. Houses include: • Altruismo (black house) Givers • Amistad (red house) Friendship • Isibindi (green house) Courage • Rêveur (blue house) Dreamers

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL. OUR WORLD.

OUR MISSION To deliver the highest quality educational experience where global citizens are born through advanced rigor, engaging teaching methods, and a passionate climate and culture.

When we began our journey in the fall of 2007, Ron Clark and I established founding principles upon which we built our school. As we celebrate our tenth year in operation, it is a fitting time to reﬂect upon them and give thanks to you all, for our dreams came to fruition and continue to be manifested beyond imagination.

OUR FOUNDING PRINCIPLES THE RON CLARK ACADEMY WILL...

Foster an atmosphere where students, parents, staff, alumni, and community members work together to create

familyenvironment for our

a learners.

Be a school that inspires academic

excellence

, leadership, collaboration, and a world-class education. Teach in ways that promote

creativity, innovation,

wonder, joy, and a passion for learning.

Embrace RCA’s motto:

NO FEAR!

Demand academic rigor and set

high expectations

Cultivate students who will become

global leaders

by teaching them about the world and by traveling with them to see it firsthand. Ensure that we have classes that are composed of students with varied academic, social, emotional, and economic backgrounds.

potential

See the within each child, and strive relentlessly to unlock their brilliance.

Seek to enroll a large number of students who would not otherwise have the academic opportunities that the Ron Clark Academy can provide.

diversity

Celebrate and different cultures.

for every learner.

Follow The Essential 55 and create a culture with high levels of discipline, manners, and

respect.

Uplift

one another and push each other to be better.

www.ronclarkacademy.com

Strive to find the best, brightest, most

passionate

educators from across the country to teach in our classrooms.

DREAM BIG!

And, always put the children first.

Ron Clark Cofounder

Kim Bearden Cofounder

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

2016-2017

YEAR IN REVIEW The 5th grade class of 2020 traveled to Washington, D.C., a trip that was highlighted by a visit to the African American History Museum. RCA advisory committee member Jeff Anderson invited several students to Utah to learn how to ski and to watch the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

TEAMS

The Essentials Step Team earned its 4th consecutive State Championship with the National Step League. The Essentials are hard at work preparing to defend their 4th consecutive National Championship title.

Ron Clark Academy earned 1st place in the National MATHCOUNTS Video Challenge! Congratulations go to Kamyah Hugee, Jalelah Johnson, Keaton Tsepas-Bucciero, and Sydney Dinkins.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Jasmine Stewart was selected from thousands of contestants to compete on Masterchef Junior on FOX TV. She was crowned the new MasterChef Junior champion!

Both the RCA Boys’ and Girls’ Blue Dragons Basketball Teams won the League Championship! The RCA FLL Robotics Team earned the Judges Award for our overall team performance at the 2016-2017 FLL Championship Tournament. The RCA Model United Nations (MUN) team earned the highest honor of outstanding school at the Augusta Model United Nations Conference and Centennial High School MUN Conference. They had an exceptional year!

Mason Calhoun was named the winner of the 2017 Amazing Shake. For the 4th year in a row, RCA students won 1st place in the National MATHCOUNTS Video Challenge, led by Dr. Camille Jones and Junior Bernadin. Students were honored in Orlando, Florida, and received $1000 scholarships. Six students were a part of KIDSPIRATION online video series to interview some of the most interesting people on the planet. KIDSPIRATION.TV

LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM WALLS After a rigorous application process, 14 RCA students were selected to travel to Barcelona, Athens, Rome, Delphi, and Amsterdam to learn about the rich history and culture firsthand. The 8th grade class of 2017 exceeded their fundraising goals and raised over $10,000 to give to schools and orphanages and the Kliptown Youth Program during their trip to Soweto, South Africa.

www.ronclarkacademy.com

Twelve year old, Jasmine Stewart, was the winner of MasterChef Junior! Jasmine celebrates with hosts Gordon Ramsay, British star chef of Hell’s Kitchen, and renowned pastry chef Christina Tosi.

EDUCATION REVOLUTION

We reached a milestone by hosting over 40,000 educators for training at RCA within the past ten years. Ron Clark received the Andrew Young Leadership Award in celebration of Andrew Young’s 85th birthday. The awards were presented to 5 individuals for contributions to the global community, including former Vice President Joe Biden, Akon, Van Jones, the Co-Chairs of the Women’s March on Washington, and Ron Clark.

RCA partnered with Comcast Cares Day, which has grown to become the nation’s largest single-day corporate volunteer day, to make change happen in local communities.

Brandon Fleming has received a summer teaching appointment to the Harvard University Debate Council in Cambridge, MA. Mr. Fleming was also the 2016 recipient of the Georgia ‘30 Under 30’ award from the Georgia Center for Nonprofits.

COMMUNITY

Kim Bearden, was awarded the Turknett Leadership Character Award by the Turknett Leadership Group and the Robert K. Greenleaf Center for Servant Leadership.

Over 100 RCA family members participated in community service projects at the Nicholas House for Comcast Cares Day. Ron Clark Academy partnered with Walmart for the 2016 Essence Festival, and students traveled to New Orleans and performed on the Walmart stage! Students also participated in a second-line parade through the streets of New Orleans. The Essentials Step Team believes in service to others, so they jumped at the chance to help two local organizations. Homeless at Heart and Books for Africa.

Students were on the The Steve Harvey Show with D-Low to show their unforgettable version of D-Low’s dance craze, “Do It Like Me Challenge.” Ron Clark was also an expert on the show with renowned life coach Johnny Wimbrey. Steve Harvey hosted an honest conversation with teens and their parents to help motivate them to graduate high school.

Dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater visited the Ron Clark Academy during their spring tour season to spend time with our 6th and 7th grade girls. Our students nailed the viral dance trend #jujuonthatbeat so they were excited when the creators, Fresh The Clowns, made a surprise visit! RCA hosted Stem Camp with iTeach educators from Kennesaw State University. RCA held the inaugural Golf Classic at East Lake Golf Club. Dr. Jones was inducted into the 2017 YWCA Academy of Women Achievers – one of the largest women’s organizations in the nation.

Steve Harvey embraces 8th grader, Jaydon Linsey, after he gives an impressive answer on the Steve Harvey Show.

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

STUDENT REFLECTIONS “I would like to thank Mr. Brown for being my mentor and always checking up on me. Mrs. Bearden, as well, because she is a mother to the whole class and she is just a funny and sincere person I look up to. – Elijah Senior

”

“Thank you to all of the adults here who

work so hard to pour their hearts and souls into us. I would also like to thank my parents for supporting me through this whole journey, for teaching me independence, and letting me struggle. – Jadyn Hammond

”

“The ﬁrst time getting tutoring from

Mr. Clark will stick with me because it was the ﬁrst time experiencing a teacher actually caring about if I got the concept instead of meeting the “requirement” of teaching it.

– Michael Hall

”

“One my my favorite memories was in the center of the dance circle in South Africa. It taught me to live life to the fullest and have no regrets. – Micah Andrews

”

www.ronclarkacademy.com

“I really want to thank my parents for being there every step of the way, and for being there for me when I felt like I couldn’t.

”

– Chris Cole

“I would like to thank Mr. Bernadin because

I now know what I want to do in the future. Because of him, I was able to do robotics and lead the tech team, and I found what I love.

”

– Drew Smith

“One of my favorite memories is on

Halloween in the 5th grade. I was so scared, but my classmates and my teachers all came together as one. It was beautiful.

”

–Ayzia Alexander

“One of my favorite memories was in New

York City during the Amazing Race. Back in 6th grade, I wasn’t as lean and I struggled through the race. Mr. Bernadin wouldn’t let me quit and I will never forget this because of the conﬁdence I gained that day. – Ethan Warrior

”

“I’d like to thank my mom for being there with me 100% of the way and for staying up late at night for my beneﬁt. – Alec Myrick

”

“I’d like to thank the African-American female staff for showing me how to love myself ﬁrst.” – Morgan Usher

“My favorite memory in D.C. was when

Mr. Walker did my hair. He went out of his way to make me happy and I’ll always remember that.

”

– Kyra Rogers

“My favorite memory is Mr. Townsel’s crabs in a bucket lesson because it was a real life lesson that the whole class used for 4 years. We will carry that lesson with us. – Jaydon Linsey

”

“Being sorted into the House of Isibindi was a

great moment because my house was so happy to see the wheel land on green. They celebrated and made me feel so loved. – Assata Eaton

”

“I’d like to tell the new 5th graders to use

your time wisely and to be vocal. At RCA, being vocal makes you stand out and it has the power to make you a leader.

– De’Andre Samuels

”

“My advice to new RCA students is to

have a positive attitude toward learning and enhancing their minds as a young individual. I’ve learned your experience will be better when you walk through the doors with a good attitude. – Ethan Warrior

”

“My advice to 5th graders is to take every opportunity in the beginning. Don’t Wait. Be Bold. ” – Kevin Jennings “I will forever remember the many spontaneous dance breakouts with

teachers that bonded us. Family. Forever. – Amaris Calhoun

”

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

Elijah Senior

McCallie School (Chattanooga, TN)

Zauditu Haskins George School (Newtown, PA)

Amari Manning

The Westminster Schools (Atlanta, GA)

Morgan Usher Radnor High School (Radnor, PA)

Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Andre Samuels

Michael Hall

Drew Smith

Jadyn Hammond

Deerfield Academy (Deerfield, MA)

Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, NH)

10 www.ronclarkacademy.com Photography by Zack Lee

Asheville School (Asheville, NC)

Putney School (Putney, Vermont)

Cory Sanders Tabor Academy (Marion, MA)

Amaris Calhoun Peddie School (Hightstown, NJ)

Jaydon Linsey McCallie School (Chattanooga, TN)

Christopher Cole Brookwood High School (Snellville, GA)

Kyra Rogers Chatham Hall (Chatham, VA)

Mason Calhoun McCallie School (Chattanooga, TN)

Micah Andrews

Woodberry Forest School (Woodberry Forest, VA)

Jada Sweeting

Riverwood International Charter (Sandy Springs, GA)

Alec Myrick

Assata Eaton

Ayzia Alexander

Ethan Warrior

Decatur High School (Decatur, GA)

George School (Newtown, PA)

Our Lady of Mercy (Fayetteville, GA)

McCallie School (Chattanooga, TN)

Kevin Jennings

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School (Atlanta, GA)

Logan Valenti

Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter, NH)

Kayla Richardson Ola High School (McDonough, GA)

Ashlyn Bobb Collins The Galloway School (Atlanta, GA)

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

12 www.ronclarkacademy.com Photography by JAmezqua

South Africa

The 8th grade class at RCA recently raised funds for South African schools. After months of holding bake sales and other forms of fundraising, they exceeded their goal of $10,000, the most any RCA class has ever raised. While in South Africa, the 8th grade class connected with Kliptown Youth Program, an organization for disadvantaged youth that provides tutoring, athletics and arts programs.

Through their fundraising efforts, RCA students were able to provide food and diapers for orphanages in Soweto, a township in Johannesburg. They also provided school supplies for schools and youth programs in the shanty towns there. RCA 8th grade classes donate to South African schools and communities every year.

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

History of the Lowcountry

SAVANNAH At daybreak on the shore of Tybee Island, 7th and 8th grade students sweetened the Atlantic Ocean with honey for souls lost during the Middle Passage. This ceremony started studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; exploration of Savannah history from the African American perspective. They showed great willingness to experience different eras by deciphering Gullah Geechee symbols in the First African Baptist Church and by learning about the heroism of Haitian soldiers during the American Revolution. Students were also able to watch the story of the Underground Railroad dramatized on the set of the television show Underground. Our students were grateful to learn how African ingenuity and strength contributed to the building of America.

THANK YOU Mr. Garnes, producer of the Underground, and father of RCA student, Ella Garnes.

14 www.ronclarkacademy.com

TRIPS

Discovering the snow

UTAH

We are grateful for Jeff Anderson, Ron Clark Academy advisory council member, for consistently giving his time to support our students. Mr. Anderson and his family invited several students to Utah to learn how to ski and to watch the world famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

2016-2017

MOMENTS

16 www.ronclarkacademy.com

TO SEE MORE GREAT MOMENTS, FOLLOW @ronclarkacademy on Instagram

THE THE RON RON CLARK CLARK ACADEMY ACADEMY1517

A Red Carpet Celebration Welcoming the new class of 5th graders is a special event at the Ron Clark Academy. Students receive their golden tickets in the mail to learn they have been accepted. At Meet & Greet, they are celebrated by the entire RCA family. In true RCA spirit, we rolled out the red carpet to welcome these new students and their families!

www.ronclarkacademy.com

STUDENTS

WELCOME TO THE NEW 5th GRADE STUDENTS Meet the incoming Class of 2021 at the Ron Clark Academy

Noah Amos

Savion Barnes

Mason Burrell

Chloe Butler

Jeremiah Butts

Saige Cabral

Keeley Chapman

Jahlia Collins

Josiah Cook

Lanaya Cooper

Romando Craddock

Sanaa Dais

Zoe Daniel-Arillo

Tyler English

Emmanuelle Erawoc

Eliana Hall

Claudio Hernandez

Cooper Jones

Zoey Little

Andy Pham

Johanna Potter

Trenton Powell

Asia Rodney Collins

Emanuel Senior

Christian MaxwellWimberly

Serrae Moore

Madison Shannon

Iva Simms

CLASS OF 2021 Kevin Spear

David Spearman III

Joy Udoh

Richard Washington

These students will graduate from 8th grade in 2021! RCA accepts applications for rising 5th graders. Students interested in attending RCA should apply online in the fall of their 4th grade year. THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

2013 Graduation with Dr. Maya Angelou

ALUMNI

A World Of Possibilities “

2009. The year our class entered the gates of the Ron Clark Academy was the first year that there were classes in each grade, 5th through 8th. We were the class that made RCA whole. We were, and are, a class composed of every shade and hue of passion that the spectrum of personality has to offer. We were the compassionate, the observant, the brooding, the intellectual, and the beautiful. We all held upon us a great responsibility to pursue our own destiny, compelled by the unique brand of inspiration offered to us by the 100 year old fabric factory that had been turned into a microcosm of real magic. While traveling in Paris, we felt the thoughtful ambience of Monet in the Louvre. In London, we lent ourselves to the general regality of the city’s aura, staring out of the window at the winding roads and rich history. Soweto in South Africa engendered empathy from our very roots, galvanizing our collective spirit to make true on promises to return and commitment to the principal of helping the less fortunate. We were a whirlwind of uncertainty, balancing immeasurable potentials with real hardships that only seemed to sharpen our resolve. We, the graduating class of 2013, have been prepared to fulfill a destiny of our own choosing, and we are afforded the opportunity to expand narrow horizons into worlds of possibilities. – Darius Emmanuel

”

Pen and Ink Drawing (Graphite and Charcoal)

by Jibril Sadiq RCA, Class of 2013 Pace Academy, Class of 2017

RCA, Class of 2013 Brookwood HS, Class of 2017

RCA Class of 2013

HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES 2017 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

GEORGIA Ryan Avril Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA) Business

Adejah Parrish University of West Georgia (Carrollton, GA) Early Childhood Education

Kristen Ballard Georgia Southern (Statesboro, GA) Nursing

Jibril Sadiq Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, GA) Fine Art, Biology, Mandarin Chinese

Julian Cameron Lagrange College (LaGrange, GA) Eliyah Colson Albany State University (Albany, GA) NaTasha GriďŹ&#x192;n Agnes Scott College (Decatur, GA) Pediatric Nursing Tynelius Hall Jr. Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) Michaela Harper Augusta University (Augusta, GA) Pre-dental

Jhae Springs University of West Georgia (Carrollton, GA) Nursing Jordan Still Spelman College (Atlanta, GA) Miles Turner Georgia State University (Atlanta, GA) Ariana Tyson Gwinnett Technical College (Gwinnett, GA) Networking Specialty (Cisco CCNA focus) Eryck Warmsley University of Georgia (Athens, GA) Engineering

OUT-OF-STATE

MILITARY

Kylie Andrews University of Buffalo (Buffalo, NY)

Jared Clark United States Navy

Darius Emmanuel Howard University (Washington, DC) Political Science Zaferah Fortune Hampshire College (Amherst, MA) Brenton Nesbit Hampton University (Hampton, VA) Robin Okunowo Dickinson College (Carlisle, PA) Environmental Studies and Policy Making Alexis Walker Washington University (St. Louis, MO) Neuroscience Michael Wright Southern University (Baton Rouge, LA) Accounting, Finance, Statistics

Antonio Copeland Jr. United States Air Force Civil Engineering Jelani Wootton United States Army Intelligence Analyst

MR. BEN WALKER

“Energetic teachers inspire energetic learners.”

MR. BRANDON FLEMING

RON CLARK, CO-FOUNDER

MRS. CJ WALLACE

MR. JAMES HOGUE

MR. DANIEL THOMPSON

34 www.ronclarkacademy.com MR. KOREY COLLINS

MR. WADE KING

MR. RON CLARK

MRS. HOPE KING

DR. CAMILLE JONES

MASTER TEACHERS at the Ron Clark Academy

MRS. KIM BEARDEN

MRS. PAMELA HASKINS

MRS. SUSAN BARNES

7.8K

TRAINING DAYS IN ONE SCHOOL YEAR

12,000+

21,000

EDUCATORS

EDUCATORS ON THE

ATTENDED TRAINING IN ONE SCHOOL YEAR

588

6.5K5K 849

LARGEST

RCA APP

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Launched June 2015

#RCAInspired

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students and staff truly made “ Your me feel significant in the midst of hundreds of teachers. I feel so empowered by my most recent two-day training.

”

Kimberly Carthans BLOOMINGTON, IL

www.ronclarkacademy.com

is a ONE OF A KIND experience. “ RCA You will never be the same once you visit.

There is a special spirit found within every teacher, every student, and every classroom that instills a passion and love for learning in anyone fortunate enough to walk through the doors. Every school should be like RCA!

Jerry Wright AVON PARK, FL

”

TRAINING

THE

e c n e ri e p x E y m e d a c A rk la Ron C 2017-2018

Revolutionary Professional Development for Educators

The Ron Clark Academy is a model school and we accept visitors from all over the world. Our approaches are very out-of-the-box and innovative, and we enjoy sharing our methods for instilling a passion for learning and helping all children achieve great levels of success. Register for this unique educator training experience at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

2017-2018 Educator Training Days

2017

2018 JANUARY

APRIL

12 25-26 FEBRUARY

20 12-13 26-27

MAY

SEPTEMBER

ONE-DAY $450 per educator • Observe master educators teach classes • Attend professional development workshops • Experience school culture, rigor, and student engagement that can be applied to any subject and grade level. Educators earn 6 continuing education clock hours

TWO-DAY $900 per educator Our two-day training offers an even more in-depth version of professional development with additional observations, workshops, strategies, and opportunities for reflection. Educators earn 12 continuing education clock hours

emy on Clark Acad To see more R tion, strategies in ac

THE APP DOWNLOAD

ademy Ron Clark Ac

OCTOBER

5-6 20 26-27

NOVEMBER

MARCH

16-17 DECEMBER

8-9 16

1 7-8

One-Day Training

4 18 24-25 31-1 JUNE

7-8 Two-Day Training

www.ronclarkacademy.com/training THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

THE AMAZING SHAKE The Ron Clark Academy places an emphasis on teaching students manners, discipline, respect, and how to conduct themselves in a professional environment. Students learn the mechanics of giving a proper handshake and working the room so that they are able to present themselves exceptionally well for opportunities today as well as in the future. The annual Amazing Shake contest allows RCA to test students on these professional skills. ROUND 1 : THE GAUNTLET

Students competed in 18 obstacles and challenges to test their soft skills, confidence, conversation skills, and ability to engage effectively with executives. (60 seconds per station)

ROUND 2 : WORK THE ROOM

Students mingled in a room with 50 lawyers at King & Spalding, as if they were at a business party.

ROUND 3 : CIRCLE OF DOOM

Students engaged in one-on-one speed questions from lawyers at Alston & Bird.

ROUND 4 : CORPORATE PRESENTATION

Students gave marketing pitches to executives at JE Dunn to rebrand the company.

ROUND 6 : EXECUTIVE INTERVIEW

Students were interviewed as a group in the board room at Xerox by CEO Ursula Burns, the first African American woman to be CEO of a Fortune 500 company.

ROUND 7 : LUNCH MEETING

Students toured Google NYC and had a lunch meeting with Hilary Neve, head of brand and strategic initiatives at Google.

ROUND 8 : ADMISSIONS INTERVIEW

Students interviewed at New York Universtiy and spent time with RCA alumni, ChiChi Ugwuh. TOP 4

ROUND 9 : BUSINESS DEAL

The students were given 1 hour to prepare a presentation for executives at Atlantic Records

TOP 8 TRAVELED TO NEW YORK CITY

As a surprise, students also met Trey Songz, R&B singer, songwriter, and producer.

ROUND 5 : ANONYMOUS GUEST

TOP 2 FINALISTS : Mason and Jada

A random stranger joined staff and students for breakfast and held a secret round of judging.

FINAL ROUND : RESTAURANT MANAGER

Students managed a staff at Newkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant along with a team of 5 of their peers. They were judged on service, speed, quality, leadership, and customer service.

THE AMAZING SHAKE NATIONAL COMPETITION We are excited to announce the Amazing Shake National Competition will be February 9â&#x20AC;&#x201C;11, 2018, at the Ron Clark Academy. The competition is open to any student in the 5th-8th grade during the 2017-2018 school year. We encourage you to have local Amazing Shake competitions and to send top performers to Nationals. Districts are also encouraged to conduct district-level competitions with the winners from local schools. For more details and more Amazing Shake obstacles, visit ronclarkacademy.com/AmazingShake

MASON CALHOUN Amazing Shake Winner

FEB 9-11, 2018

THANK YOU, SPONSORS!

2017

CLUBS MODEL UN

The RCA Model United Nations (MUN) team earned the highest honor of outstanding school at the Augusta Model United Nations Conference and Centennial High School MUN Conference. In each of the conferences, students took home Distinguished Individual Awards, including Best Delegate, Best Orator, Best Negotiator, Outstanding Member State, Most Diplomatic and Outstanding Delegate.

ROBOTICS

The RCA FLL Robotics Team traveled to three competitions and earned the following awards: FLL 1st Place Champions Award and Core Values Award, 100 Scholars Regional Competition Gracious Professionalism Award, GA FLL Super-Regional Competition Judges Award for Overall Team Performance, Gwinnett College 2016 - 2017 FLL Championship Tournament

DEBATE

The Ron Clark Academy debate team competed on the high school level of the National Speech & Debate Association. Logan Valenti, 8th grader, recently achieved an unprecedented undefeated record at a Georgia State High School Tournament. The team is heading to nationals in Birmingham, Alabama, to compete against over 1,000 students nationwide.

TENNIS

Each week, students in the tennis club enjoy drills and match plays coached by the incredible staff at the Universal Tennis Academy and Bitsy Grant Tennis Center. The club provides a fun and competitive environment for our students to express their athletics talents.

GOLF

Students have the unique opportunity to participate in a 6-week introductory golf program at John A. White Golf Course, where they learn the basic fundamentals of the sport in a fun and supportive environment.

DOUBLE DUTCH

Students are learning how to jump rope from Double Dutch Aerobics. The husband-and-wife team are double Dutch world champions. Students also learn to work hard and persevere through any challenge they face.

www.ronclarkacademy.com

TEAMS

ESSENTIALS STEP TEAM Three-time National Champions

The 2017 Essential Step team took the audience to the symphony. Led by step mistress Assata Eaton and step master Mason Calhoun, the 2017 team transformed into musical instruments to bring audiences a rousing composition. The Essentials will be competing for their 4th National Championship at the Georgia World Congress Center on June 24th!

BOYS’ BASKETBALL League Champions

CHEERLEADING

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL League Champions

TRACK THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! GIVE: Invest in the RCA education programs. ANNUAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

SPONSOR A STUDENT: Make a lasting impact on the life of a child. $18,000 per year for a full scholarship $10,000 for a partial scholarship

SPONSOR A TEACHER: Send an principal, teacher, or superintendent to RCA for professional development training. $900 per educator to attend a two-day training $450 per educator to attend a one-day training

SPREAD THE WORD Follow us, like us. And, of course, tell your friends! @ronclarkacademy

FOR MORE INFORMATION, Contact Kirk Brown Senior Director of Development kbrown@ronclarkacademy.com

www.ronclarkacademy.com

YOUR GEORGIA TAX DOLLARS: Support scholarships for students by reallocating your Georgia state taxes at no cost to you. Georgia Residents Individuals up to $1,000 Couples Filing Jointly up to $2,500 Georgia Businesses C Corporations and trusts 75% of annual Georgia income tax liability S Corporation shareholders, LLC members, owners, partners up to $10,000 per person

GET IT ALL BACK AS A TAX CREDIT! You are already paying income tax to the state. Redirecting some of those dollars to tuition assistance helps financially qualified RCA students. Plus, you take a state credit and and a federal tax deduction when you file your taxes. Visit, www.goalscholarship.com to complete the online form.

FOUNDERS

RON CLARK

Cofounder, Mathematics, and Global Studies Teacher

@ronclarkacademy

KIM BEARDEN

Cofounder, Executive Director, Language Arts Teacher

@kimbearden

MASTER EDUCATORS

SUSAN BARNES Fine Art Teacher

@arauzing

HOPE KING

Reading & Science Teacher

@elementary shenanigans

KOREY COLLINS Reading Teacher

WADE KING

Director of Curriculum and Instruction & Social Studies Teacher

DR. CAMILLE JONES BRANDON FLEMING PAMELA HASKINS Mathematics Teacher

@drvcjones

DANIEL THOMPSON

Science Teacher

@_WadeKing

JAMES HOGUE

Civics and Political Science Teacher

Language Arts Teacher

BEN WALKER

CARRIE-JO (CJ) WALLACE

KENNETH ADAMS

HUTCH MCMILLAN

RENITA MOSLEY

KYLE WALCOTT

AUNGELITA WILLIAMS

@bpfleming

Physical Education Teacher

@WalkerBenjamin

History Teacher

@jhogue9

Mathematics & Science Teacher

Culture Teacher and Tutoring Services

STAFF

JOEY BARR

JUNIOR BERNADIN

KIRK BROWN

CHRISSI MAJOR

@kirkandre

@chrissimajor

ELEKTRA THOMPSON

ALEJANDRO URIA

Finance Manager

Dean of Students & Director of Technology

Senior Director of Development

AUJAHUNA SMITH

DAVID SPEARMAN

Administrative Assistant & Alumni Relations

@jfb2022

Visual Media Manager

School Counselor

Creative Marketing

Custodian

Project Manager

Development Officer

@kywally

Office Manager

Educator Training Coordinator

We have assembled a team of the top educators in the country. To learn more about their tremendous backgrounds and accomplishments, visit www.ronclarkacademy.com. THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

AT-A-GLANCE Thanks to the friends of RCA, we have had a major increase in our online following this year. RCA fans stay connected on social media and reshare these positive messages daily. @RonClarkAcademy

30K Newsletter Subscribers 212K Likes 57K Followers

Facebook Live allows us to share events and trips and broadcast the video live to educators around the world. To see more great photos, follow @RonClarkAcademy on Instagram

11.5K Subscribers 51K Followers RCA

1M Visits a year ronclarkacademy.com

Watch videos of RCA students (Jaydon, Mason, Olivia, Emmett, and Ryann) interviewing some of the interesting people on the planet, including Sir Ken Robinson.

kidspiration.TV

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

HEAD OF THE CLASS 2016 CORPORATE DONORS

Donations reflect contributions between July 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 30, 2016

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS 2016 Year in Review

Unrestricted Annual Giving

8% Restricted Annual Giving

19% Educator Training Program

58%

3% 10%

In-kind Donations

Tuition

Other

Operational Revenue

2016

Unrestricted Annual Giving

$419,892

$407,685

$1,027,127

$1,392,608

Travel, equipment, and services

$158,673

$950,933

Tuition

$541,691

$555,796

$3,188,279

$1,752,670

$149,752

$39,758

$5,489,333

$5,094,811

$3,355,543

$2,554,663

Management and General

$626,779

$607,499

Fundraising

$312,860

$315,485

$4,295,182

$3,477,647

Restricted Annual Giving

Including the Capital Campaign

In-kind donations

Educator Training Program

Fees from training days and conferences

Other

Operational Revenue Total Contributions Management & General

15% 7% Program

Operational Expenses Program

Fundraising

78%

2015

Other Total Expenses

Operational Expenses

Financial Statement | JULY 1, 2015 - JUNE 30, 2016 The Ron Clark Academy is a non-profit school and is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Operational expenses are primarily funded by annual giving and our unique educator training program.

16%

FOUNDATIONS & GRANTS

27%

COMPANIES

57%

INDIVIDUALS

Fundraising Contributions 34

www.ronclarkacademy.com

THANK YOU, DONORS

$100,000

$18,000

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: A Friend of the Academy Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program Georgia Power Foundation, Inc. Promethean*

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: Aprio * B.L. Harbert International Premiere Speakers Bureau, Inc Roberti-Kiepura Foundation * Selby & Richard McRae Foundation * The Robert S. Elster Foundation *

and above

INDIVIDUALS Bowland Charitable Trust Matt & Kim Crisp

$50,000

to $99,999

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: NAIOP Georgia Chapter INDIVIDUALS Tom & Alecia Maxey *

$25,000

to $49,999

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: Atlanta Hawks Foundation Comcast Foundation Delta Air Lines Newell Brands Sam’s Club UBS Wealth Management Employee Giving * WestRock Converting Company

to $24,999

INDIVIDUALS Barbara Allen * George & Janet Johnson * James H. & Connie Maynard Fund of Triangle Community Foundation * Heath & Mistye Wilson *

$10,000

$5,000

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: eVestment Alliance Harris & Eliza Kempner Fund INDIVIDUALS Anonymous Anonymous* Louis & Amy Alterman* Sarah Bloom John Ferrell Ryan & Kimberly Inlow Charles & Jordan Mixson Michael & Helen Nielsen R. Bailey Teague, Jr.

$1,000 to $17,999

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: Arby’s Foundation Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation Granite Properties Jack & Anne Glenn Foundation * Nielsen The CarMax Foundation The H Foundation The Peter & Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation * Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. Verizon Wireless *

to $9,999

to $4,999

COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: American Camping Association Association for the Advancement of International Education BB&T Combined Federal Campaign Comcast Cable JE Dunn Construction Les Dames D’Ici Fund SLS Family Foundation, Inc. The Coca-Cola Company W. S. Nielsen Company, Inc.*

INDIVIDUALS Anonymous Kimberly Bearden Randall Hatcher * Mindy Jones

* SCHOLARSHIP DONORS

$18,000 a year per student

IN-KIND DONORS

products/services donated

Donations reflect contributions between July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

THANK YOU, DONORS

$1,000

to $4,999

INDIVIDUALS TJ & Bianca Abrams Raymond & Lucy Allen Jeff Anderson Sunil & Avanija Arora Gena Barbato Cromwell S. Baun Kirk & Shanice Brown Gina Carellas Kenno Clark Carlester & Yarid Crumpler James & Carol Eubanks Douglas & Brigitte Everett Ed Flachbarth Harris M. Gignilliat Charles Grand Rob & Jackie Hale Mehari & Candacy Kassa Michael & Kathy Kiepura James & Lori Kilberg Basil Lee Stephen C. MacDonald Michael & Beth Marks Richard & Amy Marriott Lewis & Amy Massey Thomas McDaniel & Christa Carson Michael & Peggy Meagher William & CeCe Meyers Jeff & Laura Mixson* Kaye Morgan-Curtis Derek Murphy & Wanda Dunaway Les Netter Edward & Susan O’Dwyer William & Linda Pritchett Palaniswamy Rajan & Ami Naidu Mark Rebillot Ronald & Barbara Reid John & Jennifer Robbins Caralene Robinson Deb Rosenstein Michael Sanders Sally F. Schreiber Sheryl Sellaway Rodolfo & Pilar Silas Brian & Julie Stifel Robert Tamarkin Matthew L. Teague Sharon L. Tsepas Michael & Fleming Upshaw David & Donna Walens Dexter & Karen Warrior Doug & Sidney Welch Laura Wellon Beth Woodward

$999

and below COMPANIES & FOUNDATIONS: AmazonSmile Foundation AT&T United Way/Employee Giving Campaign Atlanta Business Chronicle Atlanta Garifuna Association Blu Kolla Designs Capital Investment Advisors Corporate Volunteer Council of Atlanta David & Diane Toole Foundation Dell Direct Giving Campaign Deloitte Georgia Education Advancement Council, Inc. GoodShop Havilah Real Property Services, LLC Just Give Kroger/Kroger Community Rewards Leadership Gwinnett McCormick & Company Petal Forest, LLC PrettyGirl Academy Riot Creative Services - Midtown* State Farm Target/Take Charge of Education The Gendell Family Foundation, Inc. Wells Fargo Community Support Campaign Wong Fleming Attorneys at Law*

INDIVIDUALS Bruce & Sally Alterman* Daniel L. Alfaro Jihad R. Ali Radreckia Allen Shari Allen Sonja & Elgin Andrews Anonymous Tamisha Armstrong-Wittingham Jeanine Baez Joyce E. Bailey Joey Barr Corlan & Alexis Beasley Walter Beauford Narobi Bennett Shawn Bergeron Jay Bernath Amy R. Blackwell Robert Blad Eileen Block Tanzania Bobb Michael W. Borchers Juanita Brandon Edwin Brenizer Bruce Brenizer Patrick Brisse

INDIVIDUALS continued Kellye Britton Paul Bromen Paul & Lisa Brown Zena Brown Evonna Bruner Joy L. Buckner Tara Caldwell Tonya Calhoun Carmen Cannon Latasha Carmichael Myisha Casborn Petrease Clarkson Boston and Wayne Clavering Mary Cobourn Bonnie Cole Karen Coleman Keosha Cook Lawrence Cooper TaTanisha Copeland Tonto Corbin Naikeya Coston Peter Curnyn Katie Cyphers David Darden DeAnna Davis Nagelah Dieu Carmelita Dockery Capucina Douglass Tracy Dowdell Sonya Dozier Cicely Drummer Anthony Dummett Tina Dunkley Shermika Dunner Leila Dye Kerri Eaton Sherita Edmonds Devin Eggleston Nicole Ekendahl Kattie Elder

www.ronclarkacademy.com Donations reflect contributions between July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

INDIVIDUALS continued Humphrey Ellington Tiffani N. Ephrom Tom Epperson Marvin S. Epstein John F. Esposito Bari Evans Jeanine Evans Diane Fennig David G. Feroleto Teyeonia Ferrell Lisa Fey Jamila Fletcher Christy Flores Cindy Floyd David & Yesica Ford Malik Freeman Connie Gamble Kimberly Garner Jeanna Gholston Kevin Gooch Theresa Graham Cheri Griffin Malik Freeman Connie Gamble Kimberly Garner Jeanna Gholston Kevin Gooch Theresa Graham Cheri Griffin Michele Gutrick Rob & Melanie Haley Joi Hall Courtney Hammond Jason & Keva Hammond D. Darceline Harris Nikia Harris Tisha Harris Liv Harrison Gregory Hart Susan Hausler Kasmyene Hayes Michael Hedrick Karen M. Henton Brooke Hodges Kira Hoston Robert Hsu Rick Hudson Daniel Huynh

Andrea Ivory Pearlene Jackson Davorah Johnson Keisha Johnson Barbara M. Jones Camille Jones Henry E. Jones Joel DayVonne Jordan Lillie Jordan Valencia Justice Dana Karim Lance King Debbie Koenig Vanessa Kong Amber Koonce Dorotie Lacroze Robert N. Langford Jr. Sherry Latta Paul Lee Bradley Levenberg Phillip A. Lindsay Cassandra Locke Gregory K. Lowery Donna Lowry Chrissi Major Gil Mathis Cindy Mcadoo Josh McAfee Kim McClure Victoria McConn Nancy L. McCormick Brian McMillan & Megan Eckert Lynne P. Meadows Julie Mezzatesta Evangelina M. Middlebrooks Alisia Milfort Karen Miller Kendra Miller Marina Miller Johnny Mills Kristie Mintze Chris Moorman Altamese Morris Adele Muir Christy Myrick Erica Nanke Marjory A. Newell

Georgia Nichols Meg Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malley Dana B. Palfrey Susan Parrish Robyn D. Pate Debbie Paulding Tanya Payne Laura Pemberton Mary J. Perkins Kayla Perryman Careeka Pettigrew Sara Phillips Elle Pineda Jeanette Pitt Alexia Platenburg Yee Po Mon Tracy Powell LaQuanda Prince Kennedy Reddick Tiffany H. Reeves Mitchell Reiner Brandon Reynolds Johnny & Jacquelyn Richards Ruth Riley Alfred Robbins Carmelle Robert LaDwanya Roberts Kelsi Robinson Jacinda Rogers Karima Rustin Monay Sanders Krystall Sanford Tracy Scott Scott Selig Aaliyah Shafiq Joseph Shanley Leigh Shaw Monica Y. Shorts Wakeela Simmons Tyra M. Simon Fran Sitton Willie Slaton Rheme Sloan Holly Smith Natasha Smith Paul & Amy Snyder Yulanda Sonime

Donations reflect contributions between July 1, 2015 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; June 30, 2016

Nathaniel H. Speights Robin Sprinkhuizen Ashley Stamoulis Kathy Stephenson Elenora Stevens Sanovia Stevenson Deborah Stewart Virginia Stoner Kim Templin Pauline Tetteh-Boykin Berdale Thomas Caryl Thomas Gail Thomas Lakeyta M. Thomas Timothy Thomas Latonya K. Tripp-Dinkins Jomal Vailes Sarah Van Dyke Joan Vitner Arthur Vogan Deborah Wagoner Ashley Walker Tanya Walker Virginia Walker Andrea Ward Courtney Ward Jr. Jason Ward Natalie Washington Billie Webb Matt Westmoreland Jennifer White Pamela Wiggins Anita Williams Aungelita Williams Robert Williams Kamili J. Willis Virginia B. Wohlford Edward Wood Cheryl Worthen Yolanda Wright-Udoh Susan M. Yaksh Thank you!

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

GOAL SCHOLARSHIP DONORS The Georgia GOAL Tax Credit Program enables Georgia residents to redirect their state income taxes to fund scholarship for students at the Ron Clark Academy. This is an incredible opportunity for RCA students, and we are thankful to the following donors who participated during the 2016 tax year.

COMPANIES: Mary Mac’s Tea Room Mauldin & Jenkins CPA Event Drapery W.S. Nielsen Company, Inc. WestRock Converting Company

INDIVIDUALS: TJ & Bianca Abrams Raymond & Lucy Allen Louis & Amy Alterman Jeanine Baez Joey Barr Cromwell S. Baun Kimberly Bearden Corlan & Alexis Beasley Shawn Bergeron Eileen Block Edwin Brenizer Kirk & Shanice Brown Paul & Lisa Brown Gina Carellas Ron Clark Bonnie Cole Lawrence Cooper Carlester & Yarid Crumpler James & Carol Eubanks Douglas & Brigitte Everett

Diane Fennig John Ferrell Lisa Fey David & Yessica Ford Connie Gamble Daniel Huynh Ryan & Kimberly Inlow Andrea Ivory Mindy Jones Mehari & Candacy Kassa Michael & Kathy Kiepura James & Lori Kilberg Stephen MacDonald Chrissi Major Michael & Beth Marks Richard & Amy Marriott Lewis & Amy Massey Thomas McDaniel & Christa Carson William & CeCe Meyers Marina Miller Charles & Jordan Mixson Jeff & Laura Mixson Derek Murphy & Wanda Dunaway Michael & Denise Nielsen Edward & Susan O’Dwyer William & Linda Pritchett Palaniswamy Rajan & Naidu Ami Ronald & Barbara Reid

Johnny & Jacquelyn Richards John & Jennifer Robbins Rodolfo & Pilar Salas Scott Selig Brian & Julie Stifel Reginald Bailey Teague Jr. Michael & Fleming Upshaw Joan Vitner David & Donna Walens Dexter & Karen Warrior Doug & Sidney Welch Aungelita Williams Robert Williams Kamili Willis

9,953 Georgia taxpayers contributed to GOAL for a 2016 tax credit. Your involvement in this program provides improved educational opportunities for about 90 students at the Ron Clark Academy. To select the Ron Clark Academy as the recipient for these state funds, visit www.ronclarkacademy.com/GOAL

www.ronclarkacademy.com Donations reflect contributions between July 1, 2015 – June 30, 2016

RON CLARK ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS Here are a few outstanding highlights of the school year that we are excited to share...

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

HONORING DR. JONES

The first day of school was themed “Wake up and live your dream.” Students wore pajamas to the pajama party and had the ultimate pillow fight. The day was even broadcasted live on Facebook.

Dr. Camille Jones received several honors this year for excellence in mathematics teaching. She was named one of the Science Channel Super Science Super Heroes. Dr. Jones was honored due to her commitment to STEM and encouraging the next

LIVE YOUR DREAM

40,000 EDUCATORS

Over 40,000 educators have attended training at the Ron Clark Academy since we opened. Teachers are now adopting our teaching strategies all over the world. The Ron Clark Academy Mobile App allows them to share what new methods they are implementing in their own schools. #RCAInspired

MATHEMATICS

generation of innovators, problem solvers and game changers.

GOLF CLASSIC EAST LAKE GOLF CLUB

We hosted the inaugural RCA Golf Classic at East Lake Golf Club as a fundraiser for student scholarships. We are so grateful to the particpants and sponsors of the event.

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

BOARD OF TRUSTEES We are grateful to these individuals for their dedication and support. Thank you for sharing your time, talents, resources, and expertise with us.

MINDY JONES

Platinum Ambassador, Reliv International Board Chairman

KAREIM CADE

President and CEO, Great Lakes Benefit Group

MIKE KIEPURA

Retired President, Packaging Solutions, WestRock

TJ ABRAMS

Global Brand Director, Holiday Inn Brands, InterContinental Hotels Group

CHRIS FULLER

LOUIS ALTERMAN

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Windstream

BEN HASAN

PAT ARRINGTON

Vice President and Group Manager, Atlanta Division, JE Dunn

BEN HILL

CROMWELL BAUN

First Vice President, Wealth Management, UBS Financial Services, Inc. Development Co-Chair

NATALIE JONES

Vice President, Brand and Corporate Communications, Arby’s Restaurant Group

Senior Vice President and Chief Culture, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Walmart

Vice President, Talent Management, Turner Broadcasting

A & D Regional Manager, Sunbrella Contract Textiles

DEBBIE KOENIG

CHAD KOENIG

STEPHEN MACDONALD

SHAYNE O’REILLY

Executive Director, NAIOP Georgia

Senior Director, Cushman & Wakefield

KAYE MORGAN-CURTIS Senior Manager of Global Philanthropy, Newell Brands

Patent Agent, King & Spalding LLP Governance Chair

JOHN ROBBINS

Managing Director, Granite Properties Finance Chair

SUSAN O’DWYER Director of Business Development, Aprio

Attorney, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton

WILLSON OVEREND

Group Director, EA & Strategic Initiatives and Office of the Chief Sustainability Officer, The Coca-Cola Company

VINCE YOUNG

Chief Marketing Officer Promethean

ADVISORY COUNCIL

JEFF ANDERSON

ANN W. CRAMER

President Audio Enhancement

Senior Consultant Coxe Curry & Associates

ALONZO LLORENS

TOM MAXEY

STEVE BEECHAM

BONNIE DEAN

MARK ELLIOTT

JEFF MIXSON

MIKE NIELSEN

SCARLET PRESSLEY-BROWN

President Home Town Mortgage

Vice President Selig Enterprises

Partner Gordon & Rees LLP

President Consolidated Financial Corporation

Senior Vice President Holder Properties

President W.S. Nielsen Company

DAVID RHODES

LAURA TURNER SEYDEL

SCOTT SELIG

SHERYL SELLAWAY

Headmaster Kings Ridge Christian School

National Environmental Advocate and Eco-Living Expert

Vice President Selig Enterprises

Vice President Cookerly

CEO Boxlight Mimio

Director of Diversity Dentons

DR. BETTY SIEGEL President Emeritus Kennesaw State University

MICHAEL MARKS CPA Marks & Associates

THE RON CLARK ACADEMY

HOUSE LEADERS

Rêveur

Amistad

Altruismo

Isibindi

HOUSE OF DREAMERS

HOUSE OF FRIENDSHIP

HOUSE OF GIVERS

HOUSE OF COURAGE

AYZIA ALEXANDER

MASON CALHOUN

KYRA ROGERS

ALEC MYRICK

“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.”

“The mind is a powerful force. It can enslave us or empower us. It can plunge us into the depths of misery or take us to the heights of ecstacy. Learn to use the power wisely.”

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

“Be yourself because everyone else is already taken.”

– MAYA ANGELOU

– OSCAR WILDE

–WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY

– DAVID CUSCHIERI

www.ronclarkacademy.com

Ron Clark Academy is a 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit middle school. We rely on the investments from our corporate sponsors and donors to support our giving programs, The RCA Experience, and provide gifts in-kind. We are grateful for our magic makers!