Lake Oconee Academy Named First School-Based Retailer for Peach State Pride

Greensboro, Ga. (August 30, 2016) – The Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) high school Entrepreneurship class has created a brand new look for the Titans with the launch of custom Peach State Pride apparel available at the Titan Amory, the LOA school store. LOA has been named the first school-based retailer for Peach State Pride.

The Entrepreneurship class, headed by Mrs. Jennifer Blythe, is part of the DOE-approved CTAE course for the Business and Computer Science Pathway. This year, the class members assumed management of the Titan Armory and revamped store operations. Over the summer students worked to convert the entire inventory to a bar code scanner system with credit card and online sales capability. Students manage every aspect of the school store - merchant services, development and maintenance of the online store, merchandising, product ordering, inventory, delivery, and marketing/advertising.

In order to create demand for LOA merchandise and provide a real-world example of entrepreneurship in action, Mrs. Blythe reached out to representatives of the popular Peach State Pride brand based in Watkinsville, Georgia. Those conversations resulted in a partnership between the Titan Armory and Peach State Pride, making LOA the first ever school-based retailer for Peach State Pride. Periwinkle and white t-shirts hit the store racks on August 19 and the Titan Armory sold 120 adult-sized t-shirts in just two days. The Entrepreneurship class plans to continue its collaboration with Peach State Pride and expand the selection to include sweatshirts, hats, belts, and polo shirts.

LOA students welcomed Peach State Pride founders Derek and Kari Beth Chitwood to LOA on August 25 to speak to the Entrepreneurship classes about the retail business, the future of Peach State Pride, and promoting LOA goods. Mr. Chitwood explained to the students that the brand was born out of a sketch that he penned while sitting in a college class thinking about what could represent Georgia in a manner similar to the popular palm tree and crescent moon logo of South Carolina. After an initial two years of dedication and hard work, Peach State Pride is now an established brand available in over 100 retail stores in Georgia.

“We enjoyed our visit to Lake Oconee Academy, and we are so excited about Peach State Pride's partnership with the Titan Armory,” said Kari Beth Chitwood. “The students impressed us with their engagement and the caliber of their entrepreneurship and marketing efforts.”

For Immediate Release Contact: Kerry Minster 706.454.1562 kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy Named Act Test Center Site

Greensboro, Ga. (June 8, 2016) - Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has recently received approval to offer the ACT college admission test to high school students in Greene County and surrounding areas. LOA became a SAT Test Center last year and has regularly tested between 30-40 students each testing date. Having a test center in Greene County has made the SAT more accessible to students in the area without having to incur long distance travel.

"We are very pleased to add the ACT as a test center in Greene County, as it may be a better test option for some students," said Dr. Hester Vasconcelos, Test Center Supervisor. "As a rural school, LOA had to apply repeatedly to become a test center and dispel the myth that there are not enough test takers in our area." LOA will offer the ACT on December 10, 2016, and February 11, 2017, during the upcoming school year. The ACT Test Center at LOA is Test Center #246290 and is open to all students. Students can register online and get more information about the ACT by visiting www.act.org.

Both the SAT and the ACT are exams that are universally accepted for college admission. The redesigned SAT is now more similar to the ACT with both tests having an essay-optional component and being tied to high school curriculum. Students may opt to take either test multiple times. Many colleges will consider what is termed a "super score," which is the highest score on each part of the test even when those scores come from different test dates. Potential test takers should contact their college counselor and review the ACT and SAT websites to help them make decisions about which test may be the best for them. Students can access SAT information at www.collegeboard.org.

SAT Test Dates for 2016-2017 at Test Center #11522:

October 1, 2016
November 5, 2016
December 3, 2016
January 28, 2017
March 11, 2017
May 6, 2017
June 3, 2017

ACT Test Dates for 2016-2017 at Test Center #246290:

December 10, 2016
February 11, 2017

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy Designated International Spanish Academy By Ministry of Education of Spain

Only Third School in Georgia to be Named an ISA

Greensboro, Ga. (June 14, 2016) – Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has received official notice from the Ministry of Education of Spain that it has been named an International Spanish Academy (ISA). ISA students will take at least 25% of their high school courses with Spanish as the language of instruction with the objective to obtain written and oral competency in both languages. Students will gain fluid use of the Spanish language, using it in context in their content courses, such as Social Studies and Science, as well as in their Spanish classes. This distinctive and exciting Academy is open to all students at LOA beginning in Kindergarten and continuing through high school.

LOA is among 104 other schools (elementary, middle and high schools) throughout the United States and Canada that are ISA schools. LOA joins Walton High School in Marietta and Wood Acres School, a private K-8 school also in Marietta, to become the third ISA school in Georgia. LOA is the only K-12 school in the ISA network in the US and Canada.

“Our Spanish Education Office cherishes the opportunity to collaborate with the teaching and learning community at Lake Oconee Academy,” stated Felix Gaspar Koch, Education Consultant-Education Office, Embassy of Spain. “We are honored to work together and strive for excellence in educating students as both members of a global community and mindful contributors for a more humane and civilized future.”

The ISA at LOA is another creative and innovative educational program that empowers students for success in the global society in which they live, work and play. As part of the mission of LOA, the ISA adds the basic belief that fluency in at least one other language in addition to English is an essential characteristic of a well-prepared, contributing citizen of the 21st century. The premise behind dual language immersion is simply that a person uses the language, not just studies the language, in order to learn it. Through the ISA, students will be prepared to earn a diploma from LOA and from the Ministry of Education of Spain. The ISA at LOA will:

• Educate students in the values of multicultural education to foster international communication and respect among different cultures;

• Teach students to express themselves and effectively communicate in English and Spanish in their personal relationships and in an academic setting;

• Facilitate and promote the access of students to prestigious centers of higher education throughout the U.S., Spain, Europe and Latin America;

• Become certified to administer the DELE exams (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera).

The DELE exam evaluates the ability of students to use Spanish in authentic communicative situations that highlight their ability to speak, read, write, listen, visualize and present a variety of ideas in Spanish. Additionally, an on-going relationship between the Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca (Spain) and LOA will expand opportunities for ISA students to study in Spain.

The ISA program is possible at LOA because of talented and dedicated teachers who will use Spanish as a communication tool in their content area and throughout the campus. Teachers will be working to improve their Spanish skills in preparation for the rollout of this exciting program. An assistant or a Spanish teacher will come to classes and offer whole-group or small-group learning opportunities where Spanish is the language of instruction. The Spanish instruction complements but does not replace the English instruction. Students actually receive reinforcement of the content, hearing the same content in Spanish and using the vocabulary of critical thinking in Spanish as well as in English. Students expand their knowledge of the Spanish language by using it as their main communication tool in their ISA courses.

“The faculty and administration at LOA have embraced the ISA program with great enthusiasm,” said LOA CEO Dr. Otho Tucker. “This is a rare opportunity for children anywhere in the United States, and especially in rural America, to expand their horizons on an international level.”

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy Band of Titans Records Outstanding Year of Performances and Achievements

A YEAR IN REVIEW: LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY BAND OF TITANS RECORDS OUTSTANDING YEAR OF PERFORMANCES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Greensboro, Ga. (May 17, 2016) - The Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) Band of Titans has experienced tremendous growth since its inception in 2011 with just 40 students, most of who had never played an instrument before enrolling in band class. Under the direction of Mrs. Courtney Pilgrim the Band of Titans has 200 students and has expanded into a Performance Band, Pep Band and Jazz Band.

The Band of Titans had an exciting year that kicked off with a trip to Disney World in Orlando, Fla., in October for band students in grades 9-10. LOA students had the opportunity to work with a Disney director, perform Disney music and record songs from the Disney feature "Tangled," learn new rehearsal techniques and music study skills, discover the studio recording environment, and gain insight into the required skills to be a professional studio musician.

"It was a great experience for our band students," said Mrs. Pilgrim. "It was rewarding to see their faces and hear from the students how much the music meant to them. The workshop gave them an inside look at how hard professional musicians work. It also gave them the opportunity to see where music can lead them."

The February performance showcased three bands with students ranging from 5th-10th grade for a Winter Concert. The students in grades 6-10 were performing the pieces that they were preparing for the State Evaluation in early March. This yearly State adjudication features three judges who evaluate band students on a prepared performance. Band members play prepared pieces as well as a new piece of music that they have not viewed prior to the evaluation. Students are given just six minutes to review the piece and perform it for a sight reading evaluation. The High School Band (8-10) received an Excellent rating on Stage Performance and an Excellent rating in Sight Reading. The Middle School Band (6-7) received an Excellent rating on Stage Performance and a Superior Rating in Sight Reading.

In March, First Year Honor Band members were selected to travel to Augusta, Ga., to perform with some of the best beginning musicians in LOA's state band district. The 5th grade students who participated were: Gianluca Corrias , Elisa Garcia-Carreras, Hailey Heinen, Hannah Heinen, Duncan Reber, and Drew Stephens. District Honor Band Students who were selected to perform with the region's best upper school students in grades 6-10 were: Blake Beeker, Madi Prendergast, Kelli Scheck and Braden Strickland.

Next on the band's busy schedule was a performance by the Jazz Band on a beautiful, sunny day at the Southland Jubilee in downtown Greensboro, Ga., on April 19. The band entertained the crowd with sounds from a range of eras and styles of music. The Jazz Band also performed for Rotary Club of Greene and Putnam Counties at its monthly meeting in April.

The LOA Band of Titans finished its performance season with a spectacular movie-themed concert on April 28. From Star Wars to Skyfall, they played to a standing-room only crowd that was treated to a rousing performance. In addition to performances by the three bands, all 200 band members played in the final number, "Cups" from the film Pitch Perfect, which featured a large trash can percussion ensemble.

"The Spring Band Concert was a true happening," said Dr. Otho Tucker, CEO of LOA. "It was extraordinary. I could not have been prouder of the band members. Their performance made me proud to be a Titan."

Photo: Members of the LOA Band of Titans attended a music workshop in Disney World in October.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy Presents Innovative Programs At GA DOE International Skills Diploma Seal Awards Luncheon

Greensboro, Ga. (May 6, 2016) – Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) faculty members were invited to present at the Georgia Department of Education (DOE) awards ceremony for the new International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS) global education initiative in Atlanta on April 19, 2016. LOA presented information regarding three different programs the school has launched. The implementation of these programs further solidifies the global focus of the curriculum and expands opportunities for students to prepare to meet the demands of the global job market.

The ISDS is awarded to graduating students who fulfill a course of study with a global focus to include:

• At least three credits in the same world language and/or ESOL International Focus

• At least four credits in courses determined to have an international focus

• At least four extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes and/or in global contexts (e.g., exchange programs, international and language clubs, travel abroad)

• Twenty hours of community service involving a global/cross-cultural public service project

• Capstone presentation on the knowledge gained in the courses and activities listed above

According to the World Languages and Global/Workforce initiatives developed by the Georgia DOE, “Developing international perspective and advanced language proficiency, particularly as this relates to college and career readiness, will ensure our nation's security and will support our statewide and regional economic development goals. Business leaders across Georgia and the Southeast have made it clear that these skills are the fastest route to success in a global job market and that they provide a competitive advantage that moves an applicant's resume to the top of the pile.”

LOA CEO, Dr. Otho Tucker, and LOA Spanish teacher, Christina Cronic, were invited to share the unique programs LOA is implementing that demonstrate the global mindedness that the ISDS is striving to achieve. The programs are Project Lead the Way (PLTW), which emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math; AP® with WE.org Service, a pilot program with courses having a global focus and service initiative; and the International Spanish Academy (ISA), a dual-diploma program from the Ministry of Education of Spain. These programs will combine to allow most LOA graduates to meet the criteria for the International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS). LOA’s graduation requirement of three years of foreign language and 70 hours of community service for all students, along with the courses offered through these innovative programs and the traditional course of study in high school, satisfy the majority of the requirements for the diploma seal. LOA will have its first graduating class in 2018.

For Immediate Release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy 9th and 10th Graders Perform Higher Than State and National Average on PSAT/NMSQT Test

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY 9TH AND 10TH GRADERS PERFORM HIGHER THAN STATE AND NATIONAL AVERAGE ON PSAT/NMSQT TEST

Greensboro, Ga. (March 7, 2016) – The College Board recently released the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) scores. The PSAT/NMSQT was administered to all LOA 9th and 10th grade students in October, 2015. The results show that LOA students performed higher than the state average and the national average. The mean total score for LOA students is 1037, the state is 900, and the nation is 931.

LOA 10th grade students also met and surpassed another important benchmark on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math assessment. 100% of LOA 10th grade students met the ERW benchmark and 80% met the Math benchmark, which is an outstanding achievement. The percentage of students meeting both benchmarks is 80% for LOA students, 39% for the state, and 47% for the nation.

The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test administered by the College Board and cosponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). Approximately 3.5 million students take the PSAT/NMSQT each year. Scores from the PSAT/NMSQT will determine eligibility and qualification for the National Merit Scholarship Program. You must be a junior level student to qualify for the scholarship program. LOA students will not qualify this year, but look forward to participating in their upcoming junior year.

LOA believes that using the Summary of Answers Report (SOAR) provided with the PSAT/NMQSQT is an important tool to help build on success and strengthen skills for college readiness preparation. The SOAR allows teachers and students to understand the skill or knowledge being tested in each question, find out how the student scored on each question, and delineate steps to improve the score. In addition, the College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide free, personalized test building practice online to all students. Through Khan Academy, each student is able to connect to a personalized course of study tailored to the results of the questions from the PSAT/NMSQT.

“The SOAR is the strongest use of the PSAT as an indicator of how well a student will perform on future college entrance exams,” said Dr. Hester Vasconcelos, LOA AP Coordinator. “Using the SOAR as a tool for improvement, and not just as a report, helps students build the skills necessary for success. The key is to build the skills and strategies that allow students to apply knowledge learned in all content areas, synthesize and analyze information, and evaluate the best procedures to focus on problem solving. The SOAR is also a valuable tool for classroom teachers who can study the results and determine which areas or problems still perplex students. Lessons can be designed to give students practice with the skills and strategies across content areas.”

The Georgia Department of Education covers the cost for 10th graders across the state to take the PSAT/NMSQT. LOA invests in its students by providing the test at no cost to 9th grade students in an effort to provide practice and support in preparing students for the college admissions process.

For immediate release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy Approved for International Skills Diploma Seal

BY THE GEORGIA DOE

Greensboro, Ga. (February 2, 2016) - Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has received approval to participate in the International Skills Diploma Seal (ISDS) program from the Georgia Department of Education. The ISDS is awarded to graduating high school students who complete an international education curriculum and engage in extracurricular activities and experiences that foster the achievement of global competencies.

The requirements for the International Skills Diploma Seal are:

1) ​At least three credits in the same world language and/or ESOL International Focus
2) At least four credits in courses determined to have an international focus, such as international economics, world/non-US history, world geography, etc.
3) At least four extracurricular activities and experiences with global themes and/or in global contexts (e.g., exchange programs, international and language clubs, travel abroad)
4) Twenty hours of community service involving a global/cross-cultural public service project
5) Capstone presentation on the knowledge gained in the courses and activities listed above

"We are very excited to continue to build a program with an international focus for the students of LOA," said Christina Cronic, Spanish teacher and coordinator of the ISDS program at LOA. "Our first class of seniors will graduate in 2018 and, by meeting the LOA graduation requirements which already include three credits of a world language, we anticipate all students will be eligible for this seal. The additional academic and service requirements build on the LOA vision of 'preparing students for the global society in which we live, work and play.' We applaud the Georgia Department of Education for putting global skills and awareness on the forefront of education."

LOA is also in the final stages of applying to become an International Spanish Academy (ISA) through the Ministry of Education of Spain. Students in the ISA would take at least 25% of their high school courses with Spanish as the language of instruction, with the objective to obtain written and oral proficiency in both languages.

For immediate release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org

Lake Oconee Academy Named Top 5 Finalist for Georgia Charter School of the Year

LAKE OCONEE ACADEMY NAMED TOP 5 FINALIST FOR GEORGIA CHARTER SCHOOL OF THE YEAR

Greensboro, Ga. (January 11, 2016) – Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) has been selected as one of the five finalists for Georgia Charter School of the Year. Sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the award will be presented at the Georgia Charter Schools Association (GCSA) Annual Conference in February. Presented each year to an outstanding charter school in Georgia, the prestigious award was established to honor excellence in education throughout the charter sector. As the final step in the process, LOA will participate in an interview before a selection committee on January 14.

Lake Oconee Academy CEO Dr. Otho Tucker said of the award, “This is just another indication that the hard work of the students, parents, staff, volunteers, and board does not go unnoticed by those outside of Greene County.” Tucker says that ultimately, the goal of LOA is setting a standard for others. “It is not being named Charter School of the Year that is important, though we would love the honor, it is creating a model for others to follow and a standard of excellence that all can achieve. We have proven that rural schools can provide the same opportunities to students as schools in metropolitan areas.”

In order to qualify for this award and the accompanying $50,000 grant, LOA has followed the guidelines strictly. LOA is a GCSA member school in good standing demonstrating academic excellence as measured by standardized achievement tests and serving students in Georgia. Operational for five or more years, LOA has demonstrated operational sustainability and sound fiscal practices as well as autonomous governance through the use of waivers and authority over academic, financial, and personnel decisions. If selected the Georgia Charter School of the Year, members of LOA will present at the 2017 conference on how they used the grant to further their academic excellence.

For immediate release
Contact: Kerry Minster
706.454.1562
kerry.minster@lakeoconeeacademy.org