Voices of

Vol 8, No 1 September 2014

k-12 Blended Learning News for Colorado HOPEonline.org

This school year is one for the HOPE history books. That’s because this year marks 10 years since a vision of creating an educational model to help kids from all walks of life blossomed into the reality of today’s HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op.

As I look back, I continue to be amazed at the impact we’ve made on thousands of youth across Colorado. I’m proud of the sense of purpose we’ve instilled by showing youth that education allows you to achieve your dreams.

HOPE alumni leave us upon graduation to do big things. I’ve recently been in contact with several of our alumni, one who attends the University of Denver

and another who attends the University of Northern Colorado. They tell me that they learned how to succeed at HOPE. The caring, one-on-one instruction helped them understand themselves and made their transition to this next stage in their lives easier. I look forward to hearing more from these two, as well as the rest of our alumni, as they share how HOPE has created a pathway to their future.

I truly thank you for your continued support of HOPE! We couldn’t do any of what we do without our community. We have an exciting upcoming 2014/2015 school year, and we look forward to working with you to make it our best year yet.

Class of 2014 Graduation On May 22 at Metro State University’s PE Event Center, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op graduated 71 students in the Class of 2014! It was a memorable evening as HOPE welcomed these new HOPE alumni. The HOPE Choir performed a wonderful rendition of Katy Perry’s Roar, and 2014 Valedictorian Devin Bailey of Front Range Academy – Westminster gave a very moving address on how his HOPE experience helped him reach this monumental occasion. Read more on HOPE’s 2014 graduates at HOPEonline.org (click on “HOPE Graduates” on the homepage).

Valedictorian Devin Bailey

From the Desk of Heather O’Mara, Founder and CEOCelebrating 10 years!

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Congratulations to Action Learning Academy Grade 1 Mentor Laura Fiedler who put her creativity to great use and has designed an inspiring 2014/2015 HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op t-shirt.

“At Action Elementary, I am the ‘go to person’ if you want to add some creativity to your lesson plans,” said Laura. “My design is called ‘Reading Between the Lines’ because it showcases the blended learning model at HOPE. There is an integration of paper and technology in the design because at HOPE we embrace the truth that one way of learning doesn’t always work.”

Laura was originally inspired to become a teacher when in fifth grade. The 2014/2015 school year will be her second year with Action Learning Academy. Laura’s daughter, Ella, is also a HOPE student at Action, and has successfully completed second grade. Laura was pleased that HOPE and Action staff members allowed Ella to continue striving for excellence even once she surpassed her classmates.

The 2014/2015 HOPE t-shirts will be distributed on Oct. 1. As the contest winner, Laura will also receive a custom sweatshirt of her design.

On Friday, May 30, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op recognized the great work of Learning Center Directors, Managers and Mentors during the 2013/2014 school year with the first annual TEAM Awards. Nearly 100 attended this event at HOPE’s Englewood offices.

“We want to say thank you for the amazing work you are doing,” said Heather O’Mara, CEO/Founder of HOPE.

HOPE is thankful for the commitment of our Learning Center community partners. They are the individuals that truly make this educational model work and help us make a difference in the lives of youth who need it the most.

TEAM: Teacher Educator Amazing Mentor

Laura Fiedler

HOPE 2014 t-shirt design selected

Breakfast/Lunch ProgramHOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op will again be offering a breakfast and lunch program at most of its Learning Centers across the state during the 2014/2015 school year. HOPE has offered this program for six years now and is proud of the fact that it was the first online school in country to offer a lunch program. This leadership most recently led HOPE to receive a grant from Action for Healthy Kids that will support innovation in the breakfast program at three of the HOPE Learning Centers (Renewal Thornton, I AM and Roca K-8). The program, which will begin rolling out this fall, also supports students and families in these Learning Centers in adopting healthier lifestyles through good food choices and increased physical activity.

facebook.com/HopeOnlineLearningAcademyCoOp

twitter.com/hopeonlinelearn

linkedin.com (search for “HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op”)HOpeonline.org

Donna Anderson and Brenda Dean from The Children’s Academy and

Heather O’Mara, CEO/Founder of HOPE

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HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op could soon have a fellow student to cheer for in the Olympic Games. Conner Wilson, who is entering his 9th grade year at HOPE at Awaken Academy in Arvada, is quickly becoming a national superstar in BMX bike riding. He currently ranks number two in the state, and was ranked high nationally until an injury sidelined him for much of this season.

“I have loved riding my bike ever since my dad took off my training wheels when I was 3,” said Conner. “I started competitively riding in motocross, then switched to BMX. My family moved to Colorado when I was 12 and that opened up more opportunities for me in bike racing.”

To date, Conner has won many BMX national races, including The Spring Nationals in Albuquerque, N.M., the Gold Cup and Red Line Cup Qualifiers,

and the Super Nationals in Desoto, TX. Additionally Conner has begun competing in Downhill Mountain Biking.

“BMX makes me feel free! It’s something I know a lot about and am very comfortable with. I love racing new tracks, figuring out which lines to take, and which jumps I can double, triple or manual through,” said Conner.

Conner currently trains alongside several Olympians and Olympic hopefuls, and has a goal for qualifying one day for the Olympic Games as well.

“I have a great support system around me that is encouraging me to work hard to achieve my dream,” commented Conner.

We wish Conner the best of luck as he works towards meeting his goal of reaching the Olympic Games! And we will keep you posted on his progress in future issues of Voices of HOPE.

Olympic HOPEful

A heart full ofHeart of HOPE 2014 awarded Since 2012, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op has annually recognized one of their staff members “who enthusiastically brings hope, commitment and a sense of team to every relationship, task and activity.” This year’s recipient of the Heart of HOPE, honored at HOPE’s Graduation Ceremony, was Kristin Angelos, who serves as HOPE’s Student Services Support Coordinator.

Kristin has served in many roles since starting at HOPE in 2010. Her biggest asset is her willingness to jump in and help with anything. In fact, last year Kristin volunteered her own time to help with many of the HOPE student activities.

“I like the people, love the students and enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get from working at HOPE,” said Kristin.

One of Kristin’s favorite HOPE activities is the basketball league and the annual Court of Dreams for high school boys at the Pepsi Center. Another favorite is developing a physical education curriculum. Kristin hopes to one day start a sports-focused non-profit for at-risk kids. She will soon receive her Master’s Degree in Sports Management from the University of Northern Colorado.

“I’m getting a lot of great experience (working at HOPE),” said Kristin. “I was surprised to get the (Heart of HOPE) award, but very honored. There are so many deserving people of this award at HOPE.”

By her colleagues, Kristin is described as thoughtful, loyal, determined, selfless, generous, joyful, creative, glowing and flawless. Her supervisor, Susan McAlonan, Ph.D., Director of Student of Services for HOPE, describes her as an “anchor of the student services team.”

Kristin Angelos is just one example of the dedicated and passionate employees who put a lot of heart in to their work at HOPE Online Learning Academy.

Kristin (right) and Heather O’Mara, CEO/Founder, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op

2013/2014 Activities and Athletics a success! Affiliation is a key to HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op’s education model. During this last year, HOPE held 33 activities and athletic events and reached more than 2,000 of our students. Most of the Learning Centers participated in more than three events, with the average participation rate being seven events. Some of the most popular events included the Science Symposium, the Art Show and Field Day. Plans are in the works for an exciting 2014/2015 activities and athletics year, and we will keep you updated on these events in Voices of HOPE and on our social media channels. (See inside for information on upcoming activities.)

CDE grants mean new programs for HOPEOver the summer, HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op learned it received two grants from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). These grants will help HOPE deliver an exciting new offline curriculum as well as expand its mental health and behavioral intervention services for students and their families.

Summer Reading Program HOPE held a summer reading camp at four Learning Centers in June. About 150 students in grades k-3 were served. The summer reading program aimed to build students’ reading confidence and skills through small group instruction.

Conner Wilson

The Summer Reading Program at Pathway Learning Center

Questions about Voices of HOPE? Amanda Kalina, Communications Manager720-402-3035 amanda.kalina@hopeonline.org

Get Involved in Activities!

HOPE AcAdEmic EvEnts1. Hero Presentations (Grades 3-5) – Nov. 20, 2014

2. Science Symposium (All Grades) – Feb. 19, 2015

3. Argument Competition (Grades 6-12) – May 7, 2015

HOPE AtHlEtics 1. Soccer (High School and Middle School Boys) – Aug.

through Oct. 2014; (Middle School Co-Ed) – Oct. through Nov. 2014; (High School Girls) – Mar. through May 2015

2. Volleyball (High School and Middle School Girls) – Sept. through Nov. 2014

3. Basketball (High School and Middle School Girls and Boys) – Dec. 2014 through Mar. 2015

4. Court of Dreams – Basketball (HS Boys) – Mar. 2015

5. Track (Middle School Co-Ed) – April 2015

6. Flag Football (HS Boys) – Mar. through May 2015

HOPE sPOnsOrEd EvEnts 1. Back to School Dance (Grades 9-12) – Sept. 13, 2014

2. Fall Field Day (Grades k-8) – Sept. 19, 2014

3. Art Show (All Grades) – Oct. 9, 2014

4. 8th Grade Career Fair – DCSD (Grade 8) – Nov. 13, 2014

5. Ping Pong (Grades 6-12) – Dec. 4, 2014

6. College Fair (Grades 9-12) – Dec. 11, 2014

7. Senior Day (Grade 12) – Jan. 22, 2015

8. Talent Show (All Grades) – Jan. 29, 2015

9. Cyberschools Day at Capitol (All Grades) – Feb. 2015

10. 8th Grade Tour Day (Grade 8, Feeder LC’s) – Feb. 5, 2015

11. Slam Poetry Competition (Grades 6-12) – Feb. 10, 2015

12. Spirit Week (All Grades) – April 6-10, 2015

13. Prom (Grades 9-12) – April 11, 2015

14. High School Picnic (Grades 9-12) – May 8, 2015

15. Spring Field Day (Grades k-8) – May 15, 2015

16. Choir (Graduation) (All Grades) – May 21, 2015

17. Arts Across Cultures – Sept. through April

MeTro DenVerAction Learning Academy445 S. Lansing St., Aurora (K-5th)303-856-3738551 Norfolk St., Suite 210, Aurora (6th-12th)303-364-1916

Awaken Academy (K-12th)9215 W. 58th Ave., Arvada303-424-1800

Bridges of Silence Educational Center (6th-12th)5770 Niagara St., Unit B, Commerce City303-289-2993

Center of Hope Academy (K-12th)875 S. Sheridan Blvd., Lakewood303-937-3533

Cherry Creek Learning Center (K-8th)200 S. University Blvd., Denver303-777-7723

Front Range Academy – Broomfield (6th-12th)1008 Depot Hill Rd., Broomfield303-469-0496

Front Range Academy – Elmira (K-8th)1564 Elmira St., Aurora303-363-9828

Hope Online Academy of Arts (K-5th)2553 S. Colorado Blvd. #109 UL, Denver 303-862-5268

I AM Academy (K-8th)4455 Jason St., Denver303-200-0148

Lighthouse Academy (K-5th)18821 E. 22nd Pl., Aurora720-216-1316

Maranatha Learning Center (9th-12th)3605 Pecos St., Denver303-477-4499

New Beginnings Learning Center (K-8th)750 N. Chambers Rd., Aurora303-341-7500

New Heights Academy (K-8th)2300 W. 90th Ave., Federal Heights303-650-7299

Re-Create Academy (K-8th)4165 Eaton St., Mountain View720-583-0108

Redeemer Learning Center 3400 W. Nevada Pl., Denver (1st-8th)303-934-04224225 W. Yale Ave., Denver (K)303-934-6160

Renewal Academy (K-8th)550 E. Thornton Parkway, #140, Thornton720-287-0557

Roca Fuerte Learning Academy 450 S. Chambers Road, Aurora (K-8th)303-745-43753449 N. Chambers Rd., Unit F, Aurora (9th-12th)720-374-2313

STEM Learning Center at Innovation Pavilion (6th-12th)9200 E. Mineral Ave., Centennial 720-442-7316

Hope at Tetra Academy (6th-12th)3225 S. Wadsworth Blvd., Unit G, Bldg. 6, Lakewood303-988-5502

The Children’s Academy Learning Center (K-1st)14551 E. Tennessee Dr., Aurora303-337-6650

Tubman Hilliard Global Academy (K-8th)2980 Curtis St., Denver720-542-8238

Universal Learning Center (K-9th)17 Gilbert St., Castle Rock303-500-7986

Victory at Hillcrest Learning Center (K-12th)3200 Dahlia St., Room 9, Denver303-993-2502

BriGHTon Chapel Hill Academy (K-8th)10 Chapel Hill Dr., Brighton720-685-3434

Pathway Learning Center 133 S. 27th Ave. (K-8th)303-835-26312149 E. Bridge St., (9th-12th)303-659-6859

ColorADo SPrinGSAmbassador’s Academy (K-12th)2046 Jet Wing Dr.719-302-6072

ForT CollinSTrinity Learning Center (K-12th)620 W. Horsetooth Rd.970-226-6217

GreeleyNew Hope Academy (K-12th)1918 AA St.970-353-3726

leADVilleGreater Heights Academy1205 Harrison Ave. (K-5th)719-293-2208120 E. 9th St. (6th-8th)719-486-1229

PueBloAlpha Learning Academy (6th-12th)307 N. Main St.719-545-2126

Cornerstone Learning Academy (K-5th)1902 Saint Clair Ave.719-542-9533

Solid Rock Academy (K-12th)4033 Club Manor Dr. 719-544-4730

HoPe online learning Academy Co-op is a non-profit K-12 charter school 373 Inverness Parkway, Suite 205 Englewood, CO 80112720-402-3000HoPeonline.org

HOPE LEarning CEntErs