Michelle Hadous,  21st Century Community Learning Centers Program Director presented the monthly programming and budget report to the Board of Directors.

Dr. Lorilyn Coggins presented the Charter School Program Grant current month and cumulative amounts with the Board of Directors as required to be presented monthly at each board meeting.  
 

March 2021 financial reports were presented by Dr. Lorilyn Coggins highlighting cash on hand, year-to-date revenues, year-to-date expenditures, and the current fund balance in a summarized format. The financials are in order.
 

The Sanga Management monthly report was presented by Lyndsey McClintic and Ana
Ulloa.  Junior Achievement volunteers from a Latino-based organization are scheduled to teach Kindergarten through 7th-grade students financial literacy on May 20, 2021, and May 21, 2021. Summer school programming planning has begun with a concentrated focus on instructional priority, enrichment and/or initiatives, and social-emotional learning.  Survey data will be used to gauge staff interest in teaching this summer.  Similar data from the parents will be used to ensure that a well-rounded program is offered.  The program tutoring for grades 3-7 will be primarily in mathematics and literacy/language arts with some tutoring in science at the middle school level.  The tutoring will be based on the research of high dosage tutoring which is the most effective method for supporting students who are struggling academically. Tutors will be highly trained and provided curriculum and materials based on grade level and subject area.   For grades K-2 the focus will be on mathematics and literacy as well as social-emotional learning skills with no more than 12 students in a classroom.  The summer school program will begin on the first week of summer vacation for a full 8-weeks and will be offered 4 days a week with an AM and PM session. Three K-2nd grade camps will be held in three-week sessions. The summer school programming expenses are funded by the Section 23B grant. Dr. Lorilyn Coggins informed the board of the general fund budget not being the funding source for this program. Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu suggested the incorporation of cultural diversity by adding music, dance and art to the summer programming. A request for Junior Achievement Day to be recorded and shared with the board if media release permission consent is granted.  

The Academy's families of students who qualified for standardized testing have opted their students out of testing for both the MSTEP and WIDA.  In accordance with the recommendations and requirements through MDE, the Academy has still and will continue to administer both the NWEA and iReady benchmark assessments.  Madam President Cristina Stamatin questioned if there was any feedback from the Academy's charter authorizer regarding families opting out of MSTEP and WIDA. The Academy must make sure a clear line of communication is open with the Centers for Charter Schools Central Michigan University.  Board Trustee Monica Barbour questioned if any other surrounding communities' school districts conducted a similar "Opt In or Out" family survey. Lyndsey McClintic assured the board that the Academy is following the authorizer's guidance and a surrounding  school district offered parents the same "Opt In or Out" choice. The Academy, however, went to extra lengths to communicate with the parents of the students to ensure they understood their election to "opt in or out" of the testing. With the reopening of the Learning Labs, more opportunities for face-to-face special education services will be available for students

Ana Ulloa presented the Partnerships and Management Company Initiatives section of the management monthly board report.  The Learning Labs were closed after Spring Break through Monday, April 26th due to a significant increase in COVID-19 positivity rates.  Huge thanks to 5th-grade teacher Lewis Gray for making a connection with the director at CHASS clinic in efforts to coordinate a vaccine fair at Escuela Avancemos Academy for our families. Sanga management is also in communication with community leaders regarding vaccine resources for families.  The Academy's parent and the family department have begun scheduling virtual visits to local preschools to recruit kindergarten students for the 2021-2022 school year. This department has also served as the lifeline for the Academy by keeping the lines of communication open with the families.  A huge thank you to Beatrice Hill for how she communicates with the families. Ms. Ulloa acknowledged the hard work of the Academy's Instructional Leader and teachers.

Brennah Grace Donahue, a third-grade teacher, expressed her gratitude to the Board of Directors for making decisions based on the best interest of student's and staff.

Jennifer Joubert was unable to join the meeting due to schedule conflicts. Ms.
Joubert reached out to the Board President and Liaison to inquire if any additional
support was needed.
 

Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors is very proud to be connected to this academy and a member of the board.  Expressions of sincere thanks were shared to the instructional staff, management, and Dr. Coggins for all the planning involved with educating our students. When speaking to other community leaders, it's always a joy to promote all the great things that are happening at Escuela Avancemos. Escuela Avancemos really exemplifies a community school.  Kudos to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers for all the great programming for students.  Happy Teacher's Appreciate Week!

Tuesday, May 18, 2021, 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy; Zoom meeting.