Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors expressed excitement for receiving The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools reauthorization letter.

Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors acknowledged receipt of the Educational Service Provider Agreement between Escuela Avancemos Academy and Sanga Consulting, Inc.  

The Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors reviewed and discussed the Center for Charter Schools' required reauthorization submissions: Reauthorization Contact Form, Reauthorization Questionnaire, Age, Grade Range, and Maximum Enrollment Form, Church/State Questionnaire and Proposed 2024-2025 School Calendar.   Ana Ulloa pointed out that the contact with EMAN is automatically renewable unless canceled. The contract is with Sanga Consulting for Escuela Avancemos Academy school business such as finances. 

The Center received a parent complaint regarding a situation at Escuela Avancemos Academy. Ana Ulloa provided a synopsis of events concerning the parent that prompted the complaint and allegations.   The academy has an open-door policy for parents to visit the academy as long as the learning environment is not interrupted. The parent was welcomed to the visit classroom during a meeting with the parent. The visit was not prearranged. Ms. Ulloa admitted that the office manager (gatekeeper of the school) missed several protocols. Sanga Consulting's lawyer is conducting a full investigation of the allegations presented by the parent.  A detailed report will be presented to the Board of Directors once the investigation is complete.

Philip Van Hooks mentioned the parent informed him of starting an "Anti-Bullying" program for schools. 

Madam Vice President Andreea Bordeianu pointed out that the first item of business is to focus on the student's well-being; school safety visitor protocols and policy must be reviewed but most importantly followed. Jennifer Joubert informed management and the Board that the Board of Directors of the Center may require a Board response, if necessary.  Policies and procedures must be in place and followed at all times. Ana Ulloa ensured the Board of Directors that there would be consequences for not following safety protocols in place at the academy.

Due to schedule conflicts, representatives of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers could not attend the board meeting.  The 21st CCLC monthly programming and budget report materials were included in the board packet for review.

February 2024 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   Finical adjustments will need to be made to keep the budget in order with ESSER funds expiring at the end of the school year. 
 

Ana Ulloa and Philip Van Hooks presented the Sanga Monthly Management Report. 
 

The 3rd through 8th grade students at Escuela Avancemos! Academy and across the State of Michigan are preparing to take the MSTEP and PSAT8 assessments.  MSTEP Assessments begin April 9, 2024, beginning with 3rd-grade students.  8th-grade students are scheduled to begin the PSAT8 examination week of April 22, 2024.  We project all students will be finished with MSTEP by May 10, 2024.  Based on our assessment schedule, we will continue to protect the Success For All instructional time of the day.  Building administration will work with test proctors to ensure test tickets and the classroom environment meet the highest expectations of preparation and accountability.

Teachers and students have prepared all year for the MSTEP and PSAT8.  Teachers are working with students to access the Bluebook Practice Resources for PSAT and the Online Practice for MSTEP ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. 95% of our K-5 students have completed the WIDA Access assessment.  The resource staff has observed an average growth in NWEA Reading RIT scores of 1.73 points and NWEA Math RIT scores of 4.27 points for all students with current IEPs.

The academy is fully staffed with an additional resource teacher to account for scheduling changes. More than one resource room teacher is needed to meet with all students weekly to attain 100% compliance requirements of minutes. Virtual School Social Worker and Speech services are provided for students. There are currently 6 parent requests for evaluation.  One student has successfully met their goals and has been promoted from their “Speech-Only” IEP.

As of 3/19/24, the academy is currently at 425 student enrollment. 
 

Family Literacy Night will be held on March 21, 2024, to build family and school connections by creating and encouraging a foundation for children’s learning experiences. Middle schools have been working on a "Most Influence Woman" biography project that will be presented during Literacy Night.

As the academy continues to celebrate March is Reading Month, we are pleased to announce the recent visits of State Representative Tyrone Carter -District 1, and Local 4 News Anchor/Reporter Demond Fernandez.  Both visitors enjoyed their visit and look forward to returning to the academy for future events.  

None at this time.

The Governor John Engler Center for Charter Schools Central Michigan University Field Operations School Lead, Jennifer Joubert congratulated the team on the reauthorization. Thanks to all who attended the Celebrating Your Service 2024 Partnership Reception hosted by Central Michigan University on March 14, 2024. The Center for Charter Schools' upcoming events were shared: Coffee with Special Education and the 2024 Annual Conference on August 15, 2024. Registration is now open.

Escuela Avancemos Academy Board of Directors thanked the school team for the reauthorization.

Madam Vice President Andreea Bordieanu is looking forward to working with Philip Van Hooks and Erika Reed on academic success for students and staff.  

Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 6:30 pm at Escuela Avancemos Academy.