As a friend of TLA, we value your support. The Lions' Lens, a quarterly newsletter filled with updates and activity highlights, is our way of sharing all of the great things happening at TLA throughout the year with you. Enjoy these updates from the fourth quarter of 2023-2024!

ChallengeUSA (CUSA) is a Midwest organization focused on Electrathon and Supermileage programs. These programs demonstrate the viability of alternative transportation methods such as electric vehicles and/or higher mileage. Both programs provide a means of teaching scholars how to use a problem-solving discipline to design and build efficient vehicles, all while using a hands-on and team-oriented approach. Scholars combine both mental and physical skills through applying Manufacturing and Engineering concepts and equipment to accomplish their tasks.

TLA offered high school scholars the opportunity to participate in CUSA through the Supermileage Vehicle course offered first semester this year under the guidance of Mr. Schultz, TLA's Career Tech Education teacher. Fifteen scholars with a mix of skills and interests signed up and thirteen stuck with the program as it transitioned into a club for the second half of the school year.

This year, scholars designed and built three different cars that they then drove in competitions. The goal is to grow the program to six cars - two by sophomores, two by juniors and two by seniors - as fundraising and/or corporate and business partnerships grow to support the program.

Learn more about the program's amazing first-year competitive successes by clicking on the photo above. 🚦

We recognized scholars who demonstrated Math growth as measured by their MAP test scores (K5-8) and course progress (HS). Scholars were amazed to see how many of them had met or exceeded their growth goals. Scholar names were entered into a Wheel of Names drawing to win TLA Spirit Wear. It was a great way to celebrate hard work! 🦁

Scholars enrolled in the Hydroponics exploratory course earned service hours while learning about native plants and Oak Savannas. They visited Beckman Mill one week after a controlled burn to help clear shrubs, fallen limbs, and invasive raspberry bushes. They were impressed by the fact that native flowers were already in bloom after the recent burn, which aided in destroying invasive plants, leaving room for native plants to flourish. 🌿

Each year, the Beloit Public Library hosts Book Quest, a reading competition for area scholars in fourth and fifth grades. This spring, TLA scholars participated for the first time after months of preparation. Each team of 4 members read a total of 25 books, aiming to name the author and the title of each book based upon a single quotation. Despite nerves, both teams performed exceptionally well, and we are so proud those who participated in the club as well as those who competed in the final competition! 📖

A group of 8th grade scholars spent a whirlwind 4 days immersed in history in and around the Washington DC area at the end of May. From the White House, the Smithsonian, all of the Memorial sites, and Arlington Cemetary, to Mount Vernon, Gettysburg, the Air & Space Museum, the Capital and more, the scholars had an amazing hands-on learning experience! 🛫

One particularly memorable experience was watching the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, with several of our scholars participating in the wreath laying ceremony.

High school scholars in 3D Modeling partnered with K5 scholars to put together Amphibious Vehicle kits from Home Depot during April's career focus on Transportation. K5 scholars were excited to learn that an amphibious vehicle can drive on land and in water. The scholars did a great job working cooperatively to put the vehicles together! 🔨

Art created by TLA scholars and students from other Beloit high schools was showcased at the Beloit Art Center this spring. We are so proud of the skills and creativity that was on display in the work by our scholars. Congratulations to Alexa B., a sophomore at TLA, who was selected as State Event Award Recipient in the Association of Wisconsin Artists WRAP Teen Program for her stained-glass piece titled, "Center." 🎨

This quarter, we focused on careers in Healthcare, Transportation, Distribution & Logistics and Education. Scholars at all grade levels learned about and explored career pathways in each of these areas. Middle and high school scholars with an interest in each field participated in a career panel highlighting different career pathways within the field. Field trips and a number of hands-on exploratory events rounded out each month's activities. 🩺

Thank you to: Greenberg Casework Company, Stateline Mental Health, Beloit Sky Carp, Badger Vet Hospital, Turtle Tek, Beloit College, Spider Company, The Blast Shop, Beloit Health System, JX Trucking, United Alloy, Associated Bank, Beloit Public Library, Southwest Wisconsin Workforce Development Board, Community Health Systems, Blackhawk Transport & Logistics, Kunes Chevrolet Cadillac, Hendricks CareerTek, City of Beloit-Beloit Transit, City of Beloit-Department of Public Works, City of Beloit Police Department, Fairbanks Morse Defense, Corporate Contractors, Inc., SSM Health, Blackhawk Technical College, Stoughton Trailers, Autumn Lake Healthcare at Beloit, Riverside Terrace Assisted Living, Total Exteriors, Beloit Senior Living - The Gardens, Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint, Culvers, Lucy's #7 Burger Bar, Scot Forge, Hy-Vee, Welty Environmental Center, Stateline Boys & Girls Clubs, Morse Group, Stateline Manufacturing Alliance, Stateline YMCA and Edgerton Hospital for your support around scholar career exploration!

As part of their learning during Transportation month, K5 had their very own special tour of one of our local buses. Thank you, Beloit Transit, the scholars had so much fun! 🚌

High school scholars with an interest in Transportation, Distribution & Logistics visited JX Trucking in Rockford. Scholars learned about career opportunities in the diesel repair and technician positions. They toured the facility, saw the distribution side for parts and repairs, and also learned about the maintenance side of the business. 🚛

1st grade wrapped-up their focus on Healthcare careers with a classroom visit from an SSM Health nurse. The nurse read a book and talked about her job duties. Scholars ended the activity making a nurse cut-outs! 🩹

The week of May 6th was Youth Apprenticeship Week and we shined a spotlight on the benefits and value of Registered Apprenticeship programs that allow high school juniors and seniors to earn competitive wages while obtaining employer-mentored on-the-job training, experience and evaluation to start their careers. Scholars pair courses related to the profession with the Youth Apprenticeship to enhance their on-the-job learning.

Some scholars take their coordinating class at TLA, and some take classes through partner programs like the CNA course at CareerTek or through the Early College Credit Program or Start College Now.

𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝟕𝟓% 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝?

THANK YOU to our current Youth Apprenticeship business partners for providing scholars this valuable opportunity: Autumn Lake Healthcare at Beloit, Riverside Terrace, The Rock Bar & Grill, Domenicos, Total Exteriors, Beloit Senior Living, Merrill & Houston's Steak Joint, Culver's, Lucy's #7 Burger Bar, Scot Forge, Stoughton Trailers, LLC, Corporate Contractors Inc., and Hy-Vee.

Youth Apprenticeships are an opportunity for an employer to start developing their talent pipeline today. Young workers are eager to learn and have an interest in the profession. Employers can shape the skills, expectations and habits of their future workforce, helping to increase productivity, become more competitive and replenish their skilled workforce with workers familiar with the company's values among other benefits.

If you are a business interested in learning more about partnering with The Lincoln Academy's Youth Apprenticeship program, please contact Laura Benisch, Director of Career Planning and Partnerships, at laura.benish@tlabeloit.com. 🔑

From March through June, we focused on the character virtues of cooperation, courage and creativity. Virtues were infused into all of our curricular subject content and taught through direct instruction with a focus on citizenship and service. At the end of each month, scholars who embodied the monthly virtue at each grade-level were recognized. Great job TLA!

Early in the quarter, scholars participated in a virtual All School Assembly activity where they colored pictures, wrote letters, and made cards for the Vets Roll Mail Call program. It was a great way to start the day with kindness and cooperation! 💓🤍💙

High school scholars participated in Earth Day activities at Riverside Park sponsored by the Rotary Club of Beloit and the City of Beloit. The event included speakers, award presentations, and students from area schools along with volunteers picking up trash in Riverside Park. 🌎

Scholars spent the day on May 1st making a difference in our community. Scholars at all grade levels undertook 20 different projects that included activities around the school, the neighborhood, and with community organizations throughout Beloit. 💙🤍🖤

We want to say a big THANK YOU to our amazing community partners who provided opportunities for Service Learning Day activities: Beloit Senior Living, Beloit Health System, Willowick Assisted Living, Merrill Community Center, Beckman Mill, The Rising Tide Center, Riverside Terrace, Community Health Systems, Inc., Stateline Boys & Girls Club, Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin, Nature At The Confluence, City of Beloit Fire Department, Stateline Family YMCA, Beloit Meals On Wheels, Inc., and Associated Bank.

Special thanks also go out to our Service Learning Day t-shirt sponsors: Walnut Creek Apparel & Gifts, Corporate Contractors Inc., ABC Supply Co. Inc., and Fairbanks Morse Defense!

We love to celebrate our successes and there were many things to celebrate in the 4th Quarter.

GO LIONS! 🐾

We would like to extend our thanks to everyone who, in their own way, has contributed to supporting scholars in preparing to achieve their dreams and live a choice-filled life.

KleenMark recently hosted a benefit night with the SkyCarp at ABC Supply Stadium. In addition to the action on the field, inside the suite a silent auction provided an opportunity for attendees to support TLA. It was an incredibly generous way for KleenMark guests and Skycarp fans to have fun and give back to the community. Thank you KleenMark for your investment in our community and scholars!

Whether it's support of the annual Scholar Showcase or a gift in support of school operations, Charles & Prudy Harker have been champions of TLA from the start. We are so grateful for the Harker's investment in expanding learning opportunities for scholars to explore and pursue their dreams. Thank you, Charles & Prudy, for your commitment to supporting a choice-filled life for scholars!

As an independent charter school, TLA receives less per pupil funding than the traditional public school. It is imperative that we make up the funding gap, partnering with our generous community to ensure we can offer an environment that will give each and every scholar a chance to succeed. Click on the donate button below to learn more and join us in being part of something transformational!

Wow!! We can't believe the school year has come to an end. Thank you for sharing your child(ren) with all of us here at TLA. Please know that the time we get to spend with them, whether it is in the classroom, on the playground, in the cafeteria, or on field trips, is impactful to each of us. Your partnership this school year helped make it the success it was!! THANK YOU!

As we look ahead to 2024-2025 school year, we are excited that we will have all grades (4K-12) and are already starting to plan for ways that we can take what we've learned this year and continue with our growth mindset. Our focus will continue to be creating opportunities for rigorous academics, career exploration and character development that will help scholars find joy and grow each and every day!! 🦁

Two of our staff members were recently recognized for their contributions to scholar learning, growth and education. 📣

Mr. Schultz was recognized by Wisconsin Business World as a 2024 MET Awardee for demonstrating a commitment to advancing manufacturing, engineering and technology principles in the classroom, equipping students with skills and knowledge they'll need in the workforce. Congratulations!

Mr. Gonzalez received the Jane Howell Aspiring Educator of Color Award through the Wisconsin Math Council. The Council is dedicated to connecting, supporting and empowering the diverse mathematics community in the state of Wisconsin. Mr. Gonzalez is an online-accelerated undergraduate student at Concordia University Wisconsin. Congratulations!

8/1 - Family Athletic Code Meeting (5:30pm)

8/21 - NEW Family to TLA Orientation with School Leadership Team (5pm)

8/22 - K4 Scholar Orientation (4:45-6:30pm)

8/26 - Back to School Open House (4-6pm)

8/28 - 1st Day of School (K5-12th)

8/28 - K4 (Last names A-L only) start/attend school

9/2 - NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

9/3-9/5 - K4 (Last names M-Z only) start/attend school

9/6 - All K4 scholars report for school moving forward

Interested in exploring a career at TLA or know someone looking to make a change? We are hiring for the 2024-2025 school year! Learn more about available opportunities by visiting our website.

The Lincoln Academy (TLA) is a K4-12th grade public charter school serving Wisconsin residents and committed to reflecting the diversity of Beloit. Built with input from the community, access and equity drives TLA as an innovative, high quality, free public-school option. We expect ALL scholars to graduate from high school with a clear pathway to success.

Email: info@tlabeloit.com
Website: https://www.thelincolnacademybeloit.com/
Location: 608 Henry Avenue, Beloit, WI, USA
Phone: (608) 690-5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TLABeloit
Twitter: @TLABeloit