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MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: MAY 2007 ISSUE
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THE “MY SCHOOL!” CAMPAIGN HAS ENGAGED OUR COMMUNITY—-
IT CAN DO THE SAME FOR YOURS
BY MOLLY RAVENSCROFT, GUAJOME PARK ACADEMY, VISTA, CA
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Guajome Park Academy jumped at the opportunity to participate in the charter school public awareness campaign, “My School!,” because the tag line accurately describes the charter school movement – a school that we are proud to call “mine.” As individual charter schools, we’re provided a unique opportunity to increase awareness of the movement and promote the programs offered at our schools. As we immersed ourselves in preparing for this campaign, it was clear that we were handed an opportunity to build pride and ownership in our school amongst our stakeholders: students, staff, parents and community members.
Guajome Park Academy, in Vista, is one of the first and largest charter schools in California. While our staff quickly took to the “My School!” project, I did not know what to expect from our stakeholders. I introduced the project in my classes, and information went home to parents. I was overwhelmed by the number of students who wanted to participate with some amazingly creative ideas. Parents supported by donating materials, including paint, poster board and markers.
The desire of stakeholders to make a statement about “their” school quickly spread. By word of mouth, the campaign grew from a small assignment to a school-wide project. Students in all grade levels created informative “My School!” posters and displayed them around campus as advisors announced project details to their classes. We asked stakeholders to creatively take a photo holding a “My School!” sign and visually demonstrate aspects of the school that make them proud. In addition to their photo, participants explained in a quote why they are invested in their school. Athletic teams took photos that featured their sport and the “My School!” sign, while elective classes also took a creative approach.
Students in the Culinary Arts class used frosting to write “My School!” on cupcakes. They also posed in a group photo holding baking utensils and the “My School!” sign. The
Multimedia Production and Guitar classes used recording equipment and instruments to display the “My School!” tag line.
In P.E., students created a “My School!” finish line banner. The photo of students running through it captured the energy of the school and “My School!” project. Other students took “My School!” photos climbing the rock wall at our charter’s professionally designed and built Challenge Course. Students in Personal Training and Advanced Fitness classes took “My School!” photos, while lifting weights, doing mat exercises, and using the Stairmaster in our Wellness Center.
In addition to these class activities, individual students created their own “My School!” signs and took photos that demonstrated their individuality. Many of these photos were presented at the Board of Directors’ Meeting. A group of students read their “My School!” quotes as the photo presentation played in the background. Board and audience members were impressed by the presentation. Immediately afterwards, numerous individuals contacted me to ask how they could get involved in the project. The interest in “My School!” has grown!
In education, oftentimes we find ourselves focused on achievement and the hard work that comes with producing our results. The “My School!” project allows us the opportunity to celebrate these accomplishments. The most worthwhile aspect of “My School!” so far was witnessing the level of enthusiasm, pride, and excitement that our stakeholders brought forth, clearly beyond our expectations. The message from “My School!” was loud and clear: our stakeholders value Guajome Park Academy, and this campaign provides them the opportunity to express their ownership in our school’s success.
The “My School!” campaign provides the opportunity to reflect on our successful implementation of small community learning, student-centered approach, and total involvement of all stakeholders. The stakeholders’ willingness and desire to positively represent their school is a result of a close knit community and family atmosphere we promote at Guajome Park Academy. “My School!” has unexpectedly taken on a life of its own, forging energy and school spirit. In addition to the Association’s “My School!” statewide campaign, we are continuing to create our own “My School!” projects! As one student put it, “My School!...because of endless opportunities!” This project is a great opportunity for all schools to experience successes together.
Molly Ravenscroft is a 3rd grade teacher at Guajome Park Academy, A 6th-12th grade
International Baccalaureate, project-based charter school in Vista, CA.
She also teaches 9th grade history and is the 9th Grade House Leader
Guajome Park Academy has been awarded a CA Distinguished School and New American High School
For more information, visit www.guajome.net
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