November 7, 2024

Celebrating the Cornerstone Teachers of Lake Oconee Academy

November 7, 2024

*Pictured L to R:* Danielle Bilbo, Joanie Patrick, Jennifer Hart

At Lake Oconee Academy, our mission is anchored in three essential values: Citizenship, Scholarship, and Community. These cornerstones not only define our school’s culture but also guide our educators in shaping a supportive and inspiring learning environment. We are honored to recognize three exceptional teachers who embody these values and have each received the prestigious Cornerstone Teacher Award for their dedication and impact.

Ms. Jennifer Hart and Ms. Joanie Patrick, who teach in the Early Intervention Program (EIP) for Kindergarten through Fourth Grade, are integral to our lower school. EIP supports students who may be at risk of falling behind academically, providing the individualized attention and resources they need to reach grade-level proficiency. Through their work during PIE (Prevention - Intervention - Extension) time, Ms. Hart and Ms. Patrick help identify academic challenges early on, creating targeted plans that address each student’s unique needs.

Their commitment to building academic confidence and providing one-on-one support has made a transformative difference in the lives of countless students. By filling in learning gaps and offering tailored instruction, these two educators enable their students to flourish, fostering a love for learning that grows along with each child’s academic success.

Mrs. Danielle Bilbo is recognized for her remarkable approach to differentiation and student-centered instruction. With an innate ability to understand her students’ individual needs, Mrs. Bilbo creates customized learning pathways, ensuring every child can progress in a way that supports their strengths and areas for growth.

When faced with challenging units, Mrs. Bilbo fosters a collaborative classroom by bringing in additional support and seeking out the resources necessary for her students to succeed. Her dedication to crafting an inclusive learning environment reflects her commitment to LOA’s core values and her students’ personal and academic growth.

Ms. Hart, Ms. Patrick, and Mrs. Bilbo exemplify the spirit of Lake Oconee Academy. Through their dedication to the principles of Citizenship, Scholarship, and Community, they are shaping the future of our school and empowering our students to achieve their best.

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding teachers for their hard work, compassion, and commitment to excellence. Their impact will be felt for years to come, as they inspire students to reach their full potential and carry these core values forward into the world.

Lake Oconee Academy

October 15, 2024

Lake Oconee Academy Celebrates Students Awarded with Academic Honors from College Board National Recognition Program

Lake Oconee Academy

October 15, 2024

*Pictured L to R:* Wyatt Imhof, Andrew Urrutia, Jaida Tripp, Emerson Hill, Brady Sitler, Noah Colby, Grace Finch, Maria Marquez

Program recognizes over 90,000 high-performing students to help open opportunities for their future.

Students at Lake Oconee Academy earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Program. The programs celebrate the hard work of thousands of high school students nationwide to help them showcase their strong academic performance.

For the first time, the academic honors recognize first-generation students, in addition to rural and small town, Black, Indigenous, and Hispanic/or Latino students. The program opens college access for more students because many institutions use the awards for their recruitment efforts.

At Lake Oconee Academy, 8 students were awarded: Noah Colby, Grace Finch, Emmy Hill, Wyatt Imhoff, Maria Marquez, Brady Sitler, Jaida Tripp, and Drew Urrutia

“We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing. We’re proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® Exams,” said Executive Director, Dr. Brad Bowling. “There’s so much that makes our students unique, and this honor reinforces their individuality and achievements as assets for their future.

Eligible students must meet the following criteria to qualify:

Earn a GPA of B+ (equal to at least 3.3 or 87%-89%) or higher.
PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams by the end of 10th grade.
Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, Indigenous/Native American, or a first-generation college student.

The program expanded this year to include a fifth award. Over 35,000 students nationwide received the inaugural National First-Generation Recognition Program Award.

Senior, Grace Finch, is among the first to be recognized as a First-Generation student. “It makes me feel confident knowing that I am taking the right steps to further my education that will better myself for the future. I'm very grateful to have these opportunities to even go to college and do something that my parents never got to do,” says Finch.

Every year, students can verify their eligibility on BigFuture® during their sophomore or junior year. At the start of the next school year, students receive their awards for their communities to celebrate them and colleges to recruit them as they head back to school for their junior or senior year. Thousands of nonprofit colleges and organizations using College Board’s Student Search Service™ can connect with awardees during the recruitment process to share more about their postsecondary programs.

“This year, the National Recognition Programs are recognizing more students than ever so that the outstanding academic abilities of more than 90,000 deserving students are not overlooked as they plan for their future,” said Amy Reitz, senior vice president of BigFuture at College Board. “We’re proud to support colleges and universities that are committed to supporting all students, and our program offers one way they can strengthen their recruitment efforts to students that will thrive on their campus.”

Lake Oconee Academy

September 26, 2024

Lake Oconee Academy will be closed tomorrow, September 27th, 2024.

Lake Oconee Academy

September 26, 2024

Lake Oconee Academy will be closed tomorrow, September 27th, 2024 per the recommendation of Georgia Emergency Management and Office of Homeland Security, and due to the potential significant impacts of Hurricane Helene. All after school activities are also cancelled for tomorrow.

We will continue to operate on a normal schedule for today, September 26th, 2024, and release at the same time we always do (2:30 pm).

Titan Tech and indoor extracurricular activities will also operate as normal for TODAY. However, we understand that some parents may prefer to adjust plans during such conditions. Please note that participation in Titan Tech and any after-school activities is entirely optional, and you have the choice to keep your child home if you feel it’s best for their safety. For athletic practices and school sponsored clubs, please contact your child's coach or sponsor should you have questions or concerns.

Stay safe,
Dr. B

Lake Oconee Academy

September 16, 2024

Lake Oconee Academy Celebrates Its AP Capstone Diploma Recipients

Lake Oconee Academy

September 16, 2024

Over 2,500 schools participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program, a project-based learning experience valued by colleges and universities across the U.S. and around the world.

At Lake Oconee Academy, six students have earned the AP Capstone Diploma™. Additionally, two students have earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™ during the 2023-24 school year. The AP Capstone Diploma program helps students develop critical thinking, research, collaboration, and presentation skills essential to academic success.

“We proudly recognize the achievements of students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program,” said Dr. Brad Bowling. “With the help of dedicated teachers, our AP Capstone students explored their passions through scholarly research as part of an impactful, multiyear program. This meaningful college readiness program will serve our students well after high school.”

To receive the AP Capstone Diploma, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on four additional AP® Exams of their choice. To receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, students must earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research. Student participation in the AP Capstone program has been steadily increasing, with Over 100,000 students in over 2,500 schools worldwide taking part during the 2023-24 academic year. Approximately 21,000 students earned the AP Capstone Diploma, and 11,100 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Unlike traditional AP subject exams with a single end-of-year assessment, AP Seminar and AP Research assessments are project-based and evaluate skills mastery through group projects, presentations, and individual essays completed throughout the year. Instead of focusing on one specific academic discipline, AP Seminar and AP Research are interdisciplinary: Students are encouraged to create research projects based on topics of personal interest. Students are assessed on the critical thinking, research, collaboration, time management, and presentation skills needed to complete their projects.

“We have been witnessing students’ renewed passion for learning through the AP Capstone program,” shared Bianca Peart, global lead of the AP Capstone Diploma program. “Together with the guidance of talented educators, students are building essential college and career readiness skills while exploring subjects that are meaningful to them.”

At Lake Oconee Academy, students focused their research on a range of topics. Some include Ethnocentrism in American Media and Responses to Data Breaches, The Influence of Latin American Cultures on Immigration and Political Law, and The Growth of Digital Technology and its Effect on the Global Phenomenon of Service Tipping.

“Congratulations to the thousands of students who worked so hard to earn AP Capstone Diplomas and AP Seminar and Research Certificates,” said Trevor Packer, head of the Advanced Placement® Program. “These students are creating the pathways for their future academic and professional careers by building highly sought-after skills in project management, presentation, collaboration, and research.”

Of the students who participated in the AP Capstone Diploma program at Lake Oconee Academy:

Six students were awarded the AP Capstone Diploma by earning scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar, AP Research, and on 4 additional AP Exams. They are Sydney Pattison, Arya Naran, Jewell Morrison, Maria Marquez, Adam Kalmanowicz, and Irem Erturk.

Two students, Rylee Oyler and Ana Garcia-Rangel earned scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and Research and were awarded the AP Seminar and Research Certificate.

Two graduating seniors in the class of 2024 were Rylee Oyler and Sydney Pattison. Rylee attends Savannah College of Art and Design, and Sydney Pattison attends Georgia Institute of Technology.

College Board’s Advanced Placement® Program (AP®) gives students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high school. Earning a score of 3 or higher on an AP Exam has multiple benefits for students, including earning college credit, advanced placement in college courses, or both, saving them time and money. Research shows AP students are better prepared for and more likely to enroll and remain in college, do well in classes, and earn their degrees on time. Each exam is developed by a committee of college and university faculty and AP teachers, ensuring that AP Exams align with their high standards.

In partnership with the higher education community, the College Board developed AP Capstone courses to help students build and master skills essential for success in college and career.

“What so distinguishes the AP Capstone program as a hallmark educational experience is its emphasis on holistic development of inquiry and articulation skills essential for success and persistence in college, the workplace, and everyday life,” said Dr. Gregory Taylor, associate provost for academic affairs at Purchase College, SUNY.

Lake Oconee Academy

August 27, 2024

Order Your School Pictures! Retakes - September 16

Lake Oconee Academy

August 27, 2024

Parents are now able to view their student's pictures online and order.

School pictures taken at LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY on 08/19/2024 are now available for parents to view and order online.

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School Pictures are Ready!

View and order at https://shop.jostenspix.com/login

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY
Event Code: FE301822
Images are secured using the email address(es) provided to us by the school.

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Also, if your school signed up for it, an email from JostensPIX will be sent within 24 hours to parents with a link to the JostensPIX website.

Picture retake is scheduled for September 16th.

Picture Day To-Dos

Lake Oconee Academy

July 29, 2024

A Message From Dr. B - 2024-2025 Announcements and Updates

Lake Oconee Academy

July 29, 2024

Greetings Titan Family!

We are excited to start the 2024-2025 School Year! I hope everyone has had a great summer! I wanted to share the updated Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) Handbook for Students and Families. The handbook can be found here on the LOA website.

LOA is founded on the cornerstones of citizenship, scholarship, and community, and we are committed to educational excellence. A key factor in maintaining this excellence is a highly supportive and collegial community. Education is a collaborative process that requires strong partnerships among all stakeholders. We are pleased that you have chosen LOA! By doing so, parents and guardians are committing to the school's mission, vision, philosophy, and Honor Code. At LOA, we are O.N.E TITAN: OUTSTANDING CITIZENS, NOBLE SCHOLARS, and an ENGAGED COMMUNITY. The policies outlined in the LOA Handbook support all of these principles.

Hopefully, by now you are aware that we have adopted a new form of school-to-home communication called ParentSquare, and began implementation of the platform in March of last year. If you have not done so, please download the ParentSquare App (available for free for iOS and Android devices.) More information regarding this efficient tool for communication is forthcoming from our Technology Department.

I would like to highlight some important changes and areas of information below, but hope that you will become familiar with the entire Handbook.

I. The Faculty and Staff Organizational Chart - Please note any new staff or changes in staff roles. There are many questions from students and families at the start of the school year. The handbook, as well as communications from the school help to answer many of those questions. Open House is another opportunity to ask or share concerns, as all faculty and staff are present and here to help. From time to time and throughout the year, questions or concerns will arise that are not outlined in the handbook nor in communication from the school.

We aim to answer your questions and hear your concerns when appropriate, as we work together to support our students. We want to do so as efficiently as possible. When questions arise, parents/guardians should pursue the information first (email) with the appropriate teacher, coach, or school level support staff, and when necessary, the Dean of Students, Instructional Coordinators, or Director of Athletics will be contacted, followed by the Division Director and finally, the Executive Director. Having an understanding of the Faculty and Staff Organizational Chart helps to identify who you should reach out to have your question or concern addressed most efficiently.

II. Car-line Procedures and Maps - There is only one change to carline this year; however it is an important one. In short, both AM and PM Carlines will operate with the same flow this year. The AM carline will now operate the same way that PM carline operated last year. Please find more detailed information linked in the handbook, and also on our school website under "Carline" on our Parent Resources page.

III. Cell Phones- There has been much research on the affect of the smart phone on the neurological development of K-12 students, and the distraction they can cause from the most important component of any school- Teaching and Learning. Thus, Personal Electronic Devices (Cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds) are NOT part of the academic day at LOA (7:20 am-3:15 pm). If students elect to bring a Personal Electronic Device to school, they are expected to store any personal electronic device in a designated pouch from bell to bell in each and every classroom unless the teacher instructs that a very specific task requires its use. During transitions, students should have their phones powered off and out of sight and in their bookbag. Phones may also be stored in a locker for the entirety of the school day. Students not adhering to this policy will have their phone or personal electronic device confiscated for parent pick-up. Continued violations will result in the student no longer being allowed to bring any personal electronic devices to school.

IV. Attendance- Simply stated and most importantly, students learn best when they are present at school. Not only is attendance mandated by Georgia's "Compulsory School Attendance Law," LOA must meet performance-based goals regarding attendance in order to maintain our Charter. Student attendance needs to improve at LOA. Please read closely LOA's updated attendance policy.

V. Uniforms- LOA believes that a uniform dress code leads to the least interference of student learning. Please read the Uniform/Dress Code policy closely and work with us to ensure students are dressed in appropriate uniform and ready to learn daily. Much like when student's don't comply with LOA's cell phone policy, students not in appropriate uniform create a distraction from our priority- Educational Excellence.

VI. Student Behavior Code for Office-Managed Offenses Please note that this is a separate document linked within the handbook (and here) goes into great detail regarding LOA's behavior Code.

VII. LOA students grades Pre-K-8th grade will receive meals at no cost this year-. Although this is not related to the handbook, it is important information that I wanted to bring to your attention. Please find more information regarding this on our website on our Parent Resource page under Lunch Information: Free and Reduced, My Payments Plus.

What an honor and privilege it is to educate your students! We both appreciate the opportunity and understand the responsibility. We look forward to collaboration and meaningful partnership with you in our commitment to excellence and provision of a world-class education. We are so excited to welcome your students on Thursday, August 1st and look forward to seeing you all at open house next week!

O.N.E. Titan,

Dr. B

Lake Oconee Academy

June 19, 2024