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7212 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60626 Phone: (773) 761 8960 Fax: (773) 761 8961 Email: info@cmsaonline.net

Volume 1, Issue 2

OCTOBER 2011

Principal’ s Corner

Dear Members of the CMSA Family I would like to make an exciting announcement to the parents, students and community members: The long-awaited gym construction will start soon and we will be having a groundbreaking ceremony in the upcoming months. The gym construction will be financed by the tax-exempt bond financing deal which was announced recently by Concept Schools. Here is the press release regarding the announcement: Sincerely, Aydin Kara Principal

PRESS RELEASE Contact: Murat Arabaci Spokesman, New Plan Learning (847) 376-8404 Concept Schools to Expand and Improve Four School Campuses Using Innovative Private-Sector Tax-Exempt Bond Financing Deal OCTOBER 3, 2011 - Four charter schools operated by Concept Schools will be getting major makeo-vers as part of a $33.6 million construction project financed without any public funding. Three of the four schools are in cities in Ohio, including Toledo and Dayton, while one school is in Chi-cago. The expansion and improvement projects represent one of the biggest private commitments to charter school construction in the country and represent Concept Schools' dedication to underserved communities in these areas. New Plan Learning, Inc. (NPL), a non-profit organization that provides facility solutions for charter schools in these communities, has recently received tax-exempt bond financing for approximately $33.6 million. One of the nation's most prominent not-for-profit lenders, NCB Capital Impact and IFF, have provided an additional $4 million in credit enhancement funds to the bonds as additional security for the investors. The bonds are rated BBB- investment grade by Fitch Ratings and were issued by In-dustrial Development Authority, located in Pima County, Arizona. NPL worked with RBC Capital Mar-kets, as the underwriter and Orrick, as the bond council to structure the bonds. In general, charter schools receive up to 40% less funding from the government than traditional public schools with no additional facility financing provided. This financing solution was another milestone in NPL's history, advancing the innovative ways to provide facility financing for acquisition and construc-tion for 1 school in Illinois and 3 schools in Ohio. These school facilities, post construction, will pro-vide state of the art campuses for over 2,000 students for economically underprivileged children and create or sustain over 200 teachers and administrative jobs combined. The four facilities or "campuses" being financed with the proceeds of the bonds include: The Chicago Math & Science Academy was acquired and additional proceeds will be used for

ground up construction of a 9,775 square feet gymnasium. The Horizon Science Academy - Toledo High School was acquired, and proceeds will be used to

purchase the building and completely renovate the building space including 28 classrooms, an art room, labs, offices, a cafeteria, and a standard size gymnasium, and an outdoor athletic field.

The Horizon Science Academy - Dayton High School building was originally a retail store and 29,600 square feet of total building space was converted to school use in the first phase of the pro-ject in summer 2009. Bonds proceeds will be used to fund renovation of the remaining 11,450 square feet of building space, construct an 8,800 square feet ground-up gymnasium, and purchase a 3.26 acre adjacent green area. The building space at full capacity will be 49,850 square feet on a 7.03 acre site and will include 28 classrooms, an art room, labs, offices, a cafeteria, a standard size gymnasium, and an outdoor athletic field.

The Horizon Science Academy - Springfield was refinanced with proceeds of the bonds; thereafter, proceeds will be used to make renovations. The building was originally a social club, and the school is currently utilizing approximately 22,000 square feet of total building space. Bond pro-ceeds will add six more classrooms on the second floor and will also be used to construct a new gymnasium. The building space at full capacity will include 18 classrooms, an art room, labs, offic-es, a cafeteria, and a gymnasium.

From the Deans of Students: Dear CMSA families, Thank you for your continued support for the new CMSA uniform policy. The Titans are be-ing noticed for their top-notch appearance and we couldn’t have done it without your support! As a quick uniform reminder, all students must come to school with a belt and must tuck in their shirts. Pants need to be worn at the natural waist line (no sagging!). Long sleeve shirts must be worn UNDER the CMSA polo (no hooded shirts). Pants must be tan khakis (no denim, no white or gray) and should not fit too tightly!

Also, CMSA would like to request that parents NOT use the parking lot for pickup and drop-off. Use the curbside along Clark St. Please continue to help us patrol Clark Street during dismissal time by getting out of your cars and waiting on the street for your child. This helps show the neighborhood the support we have for our students and school. Also, if you have additional time in the morn-ing, we would love to have parents stand with us every day to assist during arrival and dis-missal times! We also wanted to remind parents and students of the absence and tardy policy at CMSA. Remember that after 18 unexcused absences, a student will fail the class. After 18 tardies at the high school level, a student will fail the course. At the middle school level, students are given a total of 24 tardies before they fail the class. Come to the Parent Council Meeting on October 20th from 6-8 PM to learn more about the absence and tardy policy or stop by the front office to get an explanatory handout. Thank you, Ms. Zisko, Dean of Students Middle School Mr. Johnson, Dean of Students High School

Middle School Girl’ s Volleyball Please come support the middle school girls volleyball players. They have been practicing hard at Willy White throughout the last three weeks and now the season has finally begun. Here is a list of the girls playing and a copy of the schedule. Thursday 9/29/11 CMSA at West Ridge Monday 10/01/11 Kilmer at CMSA Thursday 10/6/11 CMSA at Field Monday 10/10/11 Armstrong at CMSA Thursday 10/13/11 CMSA at Clinton Wednesday 10/19/11 Hayt at CMSA Thursday 10/20/11 CMSA at Swift

Leilany Hernandez Shaniya Spears Clairzilla Alexis Madison Jackson Ariana Morot Sophia Caballero Gabby Cabbera Kira Rangel Patrice Torres Samantha Gray Ashley Idehen Malaysia Sherman Ana Perez

Charter School Day of Action

On Sept. 24, thousands of parents, teachers, and students from around Chicago came together to push for a more quality educational option for stu-

dents. They gathered at the University of Illinois at Chicago for a charter schools day of action. The demonstrators said that parents should have a greater choice for

enrolling their children in charter schools. Speakers at the event said that charter schools offer quality education and are so popular that 12.000 students can't be enrolled, and instead are put on waiting lists. CMSA participated with over 30 staff, parents, and students.

Parent Teacher Organization

Dear Parents and Friends of CMSA, Welcome to the start of the new school year. As the parents of a CMSA high school stu-dent, we are excited by the energy, spirit and attitude of the teachers and administrators who are working together to provide a quality educational experience for all of the students. But we don't want to share this experience alone! An excellent way to stay informed and involved in your child's education is to become a part of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The PTO helps us as parents speak with a single voice and lets our concerns about the CMSA education-al experience be heard. A PTO organizational meeting will be held in the cafeteria on Thursday, October 20 at 6:00 PM. Please come out to meet the administration and be prepared to get involved with oth-er CMSA parents as we push to make CMSA the best it can be. The school needs your talents and support. Everyone can play a part. Come learn about the exciting plans for the upcoming school year and learn ways that you can be involved. Stephen and Stephanie Gladden

CMSA Band

CMSA Middle/High School band is settling into the move and groove of acquiring instruments and preparing for a year of amaz-ing performances. September 12, marked the first performance of the year as the band played for the 10th Anniversary of 9-11. Septem-ber 17th Concert band members performed for incoming cadet band members and afterward had a fun fellowship with PM MUSIC, par-ents and students in attendance.

Upcoming events include fieldtrips to Performers Music (October 7-Concert Band) in preparation for Chicago City Solo/Ensemble Competition. Additionally, Varsity and Concert Band mates will travel to see rapper Common at The UIC Forum. Keep an ear out for the next performance!

CMSA Lego Robotics Club, mentored by Mr. Tan has begun building their first robot. Robotics club gathers on every Wednesday afterschool. Participants learn the basics of

the robots, how to build and how to program. Thanks to the CMSA administration and Mr. Tan

for giving the students this opportunity to learn about the technology.

Spanish Club

In Spanish club, we have already learned to dance Bachata, and cook homemade quesadillas! Both Middle and High school learned the proper steps for dancing Bachata, how to listen to the rhythm and dance. student work together in learning how to prepare the masa (dough) for tor-

tillas. We learned to properly measure to the right con-sistency. We also learned how to not make tortillas, it was a trial and error process, but we accomplished amazing tasting hand-made tortillas and quesadillas. Join us! It's not too late, just stop on by room 213!

Lego Robotics Club Begins

ART Class

I am pleased to share that both high school art classes are current-ly representing CMSA in an art show hosted by the Blicks Art Store of Evanston. The display officially opened on Thursday September 22 with a lively reception in the evening. To describe the scene, the store was jamming to a live band and was packed with people who were there to admire the submitted artwork, benefit from live art demonstrations and take advantage of great discounts. Many were very im-

pressed by the work of our students so I thank Art 1 and Art 2 for staying focused to create thoughtful and bold work!

Middle School Art Club has been working on designing a mural for their side of CMSA while High School Art Club has been decorating recycling bins that were generously donated by our local Rogers Park Post Office. Middle School Art Club meets on Mondays from 3:15-4pm. High School Art Club meets on Wednesdays from 3:15-4pm. Ms. Khan Visual Art Instructor

Student Council

Hello! My name is Malaysia Sherman, and I am the new president of the middle school stu-dent council. In addition to me, other officers that were recently elected were Delilah Rand as vice-president, Abril Cruz as secretary and Tseon Kassie as treasurer. I will be writing in CMSA's news-letter each month to keep parents, students and staff members updated on what is going on in the Middle school. The student council will be hosting two events in the months of October and November. The Halloween dance will be on October 21st from 6-8pm, and tickets will be $3 in advance and $5 at the door. Also, starting on October 31st, there will be a food drive running until November 18th. For this event, students and staff members will be encouraged to bring in non-perishable food items that will be donated to homeless families through the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The homeroom that brings in the most items will receive a pizza party. If you have any questions about upcoming events, please feel free to contact me, other offic-ers or our advisors (Ms. Collins or Ms. Pelino). Have a great year! Malaysia Sherman

Turkish Club

Turkish club visits families and experiences a different culture twice a month. This week we visited Mr. Bayrakdar’s (CMSA Dean of Admissions) home. We talked about Turkey and Turkish language, tasted Mrs. Bayrakdar’s great food and had fun. Mrs. Zeynep is mentoring the Turkish Club. In the following weeks we will visit Mrs. Zeynep’s and our principal Mr. Kara’s homes.

Our Writing Resource class was challenged to write a persuasive letter to Mr. Kara and Dr. Unlu. They brainstormed in four groups and came up with some interesting suggestions to improve their school day: Library and Media Center Improve Lunch Quality Lunch Off Campus Increase Field Trips

They presented their letters to admin-istration on illustrated posters. The following students participated: Dorcas Idowu, Jaeda Lowe, Yullisa Navarro , John Bautista, Bernon Stewart, Nico-las Economos, Jean Voltaire, Cristian Marin, Thomas Nunez, and Rigo Perez.

Resource Class

Eco Club

Eco Club held officer elections on September 22nd. We elected a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Candidates had to give a speech in order to convince their peers that they are best suited for the position they were run-ning for. Election winners: President: Ayesha Mirzakhail Vice president: Daniel Sanchez Secretary: Mohammed Raihaan Treasurer: Clarita Rodriguez

Our mission is to educate ourselves and the rest of the CMSA community about being more environmentally friendly. Eco Club members have already come up with lots of ideas which will help up fulfill our mission. Currently we are teaming up with Art Club to decorate and distribute recycling bins to each classroom. We will be emptying out the bins on a weekly basis. In addition, we are looking forward to planting donated flowers in front of the school. Ms. Khan & Ms. Peagler

Reunion Dinner

The class of 2011 reunited before college started in late August. Everyone was reminiscing and enjoying dinner at the Turkish Cuisine Restaurant. Over 40 students attended the dinner. The event was sponsored by CMSA. CMSA wants to wish the class of 2011 the best of luck in college and future careers!

TechKnowledge CMSA is using an interactive online lesson system called SRA TechKnowledge. SRA Techknowldege is a part of our school’s technology curriculum for 6th grades that de-velops computer and technology literacy. The goal of Techknowledge is to help stu-dents use tech skills to make learning more effective and more FUN! Engaging, animated

lessons meet curriculum instructional technology standards. TechKnowledge activi-ties seamlessly integrate technology into math, science, reading, language arts, so-cial studies, and fine arts. Our 6th grade students will be using this program all year long and will get their computer class grades from this system. There are two ways to access SRA TechKnowledge system from home/library com-puter: Type the link below to the address bar of the web browser: http://www.sratechknowledge.com/login.action?eid=7765720 OR Go to school web site http://www.cmsaonline.net/ and use the link for SRA Techknowledge website under “Academics” The content key for our school is 1910 Our Students will build a working knowledge of: Computer Basics - builds an awareness of computer etiquette, safety, and ethics. Keyboarding - teaches students to type letters, symbols, and numbers. Word Processing - shows students how to key and format text. Drawing and Graphics - demonstrates techniques for importing and creating fun visuals. Gadgets - describes how to operate printers, scanners, digital cameras, and handhelds. Presentation - exposes students to commonly used presentation software. Spreadsheet - models different ways to analyze, graph, and organize numerical da-ta. Database - teaches students to electronically compile and analyze data. Electronic Reference - uses technology to develop students’ research skills. Internet - shows students how to conduct effective research on the Web. If you have concerns or questions about SRA TechKnowledge and/or computer class, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Faik Tanriseven CMSA Computer Teacher tan@cmsaonline.net

Student of The Week Eric Catalan 6th Grade Week of 6/16

Vanessa Hernandez 6th Grade Week of 9/23

Gustavo Cruz 6th Grade Week of 9/30

Hasiba Zandi 7th Grade Week of 6/16

Jefar Guard 7th Grade Week of 9/23

Jennifer Nava 7th Grade Week of 9/30

Yanin Alanis 8th Grade Week of 6/16

Soledad Perez 8th Grade Week of 9/23

Reshell Jefferson 8th Grade Week of 9/30

Tayyaba Hanif 9th Grade Week of 6/16

Alba Villanueva 9th Grade Week of 9/23

Fatima Shenaz 9th Grade Week of 9/30

Kimberly Medina 10th Grade Week of 6/16

Rahila Qureshi 10th Grade Week of 9/23

Michelle Lopez 10th Grade Week of 9/30

Michael C. Smith 11th Grade Week of 6/16

Brandon Wilhoite 11th Grade Week of 9/23

Clarita Rodriguez 11th Grade Week of 9/30

Nicole Neal 12th Grade Week of 6/16

Michelle Victoria 12th Grade Week of 9/23

Michelle Givargis 12th Grade Week of 9/30

Rising Stars Pilar Palacios 6th Grade Week of 6/16

Yohannes Gezu 6th Grade Week of 9/23

Samantha Garcia 6th Grade Week of 9/30

Jennifer Artega 7th Grade Week of 6/16

Kason Westby 7th Grade Week of 9/23

Zyaia Solia 7th Grade Week of 9/30

Emmanuel Vargas 8th Grade Week of 6/16

Moises Barajas 8th Grade Week of 9/23

Gabrielle Faith Garcia 8th Grade Week of 9/30

Juliana Polis 9th Grade Week of 6/16

Emmanuel Okunola 9th Grade Week of 9/23

Eduardo Rosas 9th Grade Week of 9/30

Rogelio Zetina 10th Grade Week of 6/16

Nerville Yimbu 10th Grade Week of 9/23

Robert Alexander 10th Grade Week of 9/30

Diana Osnaya 11th Grade Week of 6/16

Esther Taiwo 11th Grade Week of 9/23

Juan Perez 11th Grade Week of 9/30

Terry Chan 12th Grade Week of 6/16

DeAnna Sinclair 12th Grade Week of 9/23

Nancy Cabrera 12th Grade Week of 9/30

CMSA would like to offer free col-lege trips to its parents. The first trip will take place on

Saturday, October 22 and the first destination is the Illinois State Univer-sity, Bloomington, Illinois. If you are a CMSA Parent and would like to come with us, please contact Mr.Bayrakdar. There are 7 seats available. It will be first come first serve basis. bayrakdar@cmsaonline.net 773-761-8960 ext 115

Costa Rica Trip

CMSA is proud to announce the support of our students to study the Hispanic culture and lan-guage in Costa Rica this upcoming summer 2012. This trip is an all inclusive tour around Costa Rica. We will experience white-water rafting and zip lin-ing through the rain forest, among many other fun and educational activities.

Teachers and faculty attending this trip will be Ms. Ashkazari (High School Spanish), Ms. Kraemer (High School Literature), and Ms. Rose (School Secretary). For more information, contact Ms. Ashkazari at ash-kazari@cmsaonline.net, or at school.

Staff Appreciation Picnic