![page background](https://cdn.smore.com/_fr/librarybokeh.09578cc3.jpg)
The Rise Up Family Newsletter
October 12, 2023
Letter from the Principal
Greetings PPA students, families, and community,
I want to share my utmost gratitude for all of your support these past few weeks. Scholars have completed their first round of workshops and are moving on to round two. Scholars should be able to explain their schedule for the next five weeks.
Below you will find many updates and a wealth of information about PPA and how to order PPA gear.
I look forward to working with you this school year in support of your scholar's academic journey!!
Take care,
Ms. Sconiers
Whose new at PPA
We would like to welcome our new JAG Career Specialist Ariel Weatherby. She started with us on Monday and is excited to build relationships with the students and support College and Career Readiness.
What’s new at PPA? (As a reminder)
Chromebooks are the students' responsibility. If students/families have multiple Chromebooks issued to them, they will not be able to receive a loaner. This might hinder their academic progress. I encourage students to return any Chromebooks issued by SPASD that are in their possession, no matter how old or the condition of them, to return them to the main office.
Communication and more:
Family feedback form:
Families, please share any feedback, concerns, and celebrations on this form.
District Communication Survey:
District communication survey for the families. Please take time to fill out the 2 question survey to share your thoughts on how communication is going or needs improvement.
Encuesta de Comunicación-- -Spanish
Securly updates:
“Please take a look through the links below for more information on some technology updates to our filter policy, our loaner Chromebook procedures, and our new focused browsing tool called Securly Classroom.
Office updates
Upcoming events at PPA:
Picture retake day: Oct. 23, 2023
Senior pictures due date: Nov. 1, 2023
On-Line PPA Clothing Store
https://prairiephoenixacademy2023.itemorder.com/
Attendance line: 608-834-6900 Line 1
Please use this number when calling in a student for an absence, illness or an appointment. We have been seeing a lot of students leave school early without a guardian/caregivers permission. School is excused at 3:20pm.
SPWHS Homecoming Dance
October 7, 2023
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
No entry into dance after 8:30 PM
If you are bringing a guest, please stop by the office to get a form.
Earth Science -Grapefruit Lab
Making a Map Projection out of a Grapefruit: What happens to the continents when you try to flatten the pieces?
Ecology: Braiding Sweetgrass. A book study and Ecology Workshop.
Working with Dane County, PPA scholars participated in a field trip to McCarthy Park. We discussed the importance of prairies and preservation of land, learned to identify several native plants, and collected native prairie seeds for prairie preservation.
Toxicology
Students in toxicology learned how to test different powders by seeing which powders reacted with different liquids (iodine, water and vinegar). After they collected their data, they were able to name each powder correctly.
Creative Writing
Students in the creative writing workshop have been working on completing short stories that focus on developing plots, characters, and using effective dialogue. Scholars will have the opportunity to continue developing their writing skills next workshop round with the opportunity to publish in PPA’s upcoming Literary Magazine. Keep an eye out for the first volume some time in the near future!
Introduction to Sewing
Students have been making incredible sewing projects in our
intro. to sewing class!
Pillows, bags, scrunchies and more!
Student Services Updates
So excited for the new school year! Please be sure to stop by and see your Student Service Team: Annetta Wright, School Counselor; Ellie Donaldson, Social Worker; Sherry McLean, Student Services Administrative Associate; Verell Shumpert, Youth Advocate
Let’s Talk: Juniors and Seniors please schedule an appointment to meet with your school counselor to talk about the final leg of your high school journey and your options after high school. First step - complete the survey and receive an artifact:
Multicultural Student Achievement Network (MSAN)
The MSAN Network is a national coalition of multiracial school districts that have come together to understand and eliminate racial opportunity gaps that persist in their schools.
Wednesday, November 1-Saturday, November 4, 2023
The Madison Concourse Hotel
Hosted by Sun Prairie Area School District
PPA can take 4 students - If you are interested in attending please contact, Annetta Wright. Please note: Principal Sconiers will select the final four.
Shades of Unity (SOU)
Seeks to bring together young women of various ethnicities and cultures to foster a sisterhood that encourages unity, wellness, economic education, and academic and career development while addressing issues and problems concerning young girls of color.
We meet every Tuesday from 12:40 pm - 1:20 pm
Get That Money
Do you know where to find scholarship information? The Senior Scene and Your one-stop shop for scholarships
JAG Notes
What is JAG?
Jobs for America’s Graduates PPA is designed to target students who need assistance with
academic success, organizational skills, and the achievement of high school academic goals.
Program services and experiences could include, but are not limited to study skills, academic,
financial, personal advisement, university and technical college campus tours, job shadowing,
work study, career exploration, community service opportunities, motivational speaking events, academic assistance in preparing for college, finding scholarship opportunities, resume, cover letter, interviewing skills and the chance to meet new friends!
Feel free to stop in room 624 for an application or any questions!
Thank you,
Ariel Weatherby
JAG- Career Specialist
Community Schools
Last Friday our scholars took the lead in serving our PPA family nachos and Hispanic desserts in appreciation of Hispanic Heritage Month. Every first Friday of the month there will be a space in our café for Community Talks held after school. Conversation that would be centered around culture, positive feedback, concerns/issues, an open space for our families to have a voice within your scholars school community. Fill out this form below if you would like to be apart of the next conversation. Community Talk Form
October 17th- 3D Gaming (Dice, Decks, and Duels) club
This club is a space for students that are interested in chess or any other board/card games they would like to introduce to this space. Various board and card games will also be provided. This club will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays after school from 3:25pm - 4:30pm.
To sign up, find Mr. Lenard. See our attached flier! 3D Board game club.pdf
Coat Drive
PPA Coat Drive- We are receiving donations for gently used or unwanted coats, hats and gloves for our students and families during the winter. Donations are starting this month until November 27,2023. We appreciate all those who give and share the word with others. Thank you!
Prairie Phoenix Academy
Email: nsconi@sunprairieschools.org
Website: https://www.sunprairieschools.org/prairie-phoenix-academy-home
Location: 220 Kroncke Drive, Suite 13 Sun Prairie, WI 53590, USA
Phone: 6088346901