Germain Academy not only prides itself in being a 5 Star School for Advanced Studies, we have been granted exemplary SAS status by LAUSD and we are a demonstration site for schools seeking to develop their own SAS program. Several of our teachers trained with with Dr. Sandra Kaplan from USC emphasizing in Depth and Complexity. The Depth and Complexity Icons are visual prompts designed to help students go beyond surface level understanding of a concept and enhance their ability to think critically. These critical thinking tools help students dig deeper into a concept (depth) and understand that concept with greater complexity.
In the last few years Germain has opened an ETK (Extended Transitional Kinder) class, and a second Core-Autism class which will help our students remain at Germain rather than being bused to other schools. We are working on increasing our technology availability for our students with a goal of one-to-one ratio of iPads in Kinder-Second grade and Chromebooks in Third-Fifth grades. Our robotics program continues to grow and this year it will be under the guidance of our Technology Coordinator Mrs. Palacio. Ms. Marshall will continue to provide our students with music classes on Mondays and Tuesdays. Under her tutelage our chorus performed at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and at Chatsworth High School for The Carnival of Knowledge.
Our wonderful PTA led by Mrs. Carol Carr provides our students with field trips and seasonal events that bring our school community together. I strongly recommend that all parents join our PTA and participate in their school wide events as well as their fundraising efforts. It's a great experience that benefits all of our students.
As you can see there is lots going on at Germain. I look forward to another great year working together with you to provide all of our students with the best possible elementary school experience. We want every student to be College and Career Ready and be able to meet the challenges of the 21st Century global economy.
Sincerely,
Luis Lopez
