Our middle school students kicked off the dance season in style with the "Peace, Love, & Dance" event! They had a fantastic time dancing, playing games, and enjoying pizza and treats from Peace, Love, & Little Donuts. The students truly dressed to impress, with some even embracing the theme by showing off their best '60s-inspired outfits. Social events like this are so important for middle schoolers as they promote bonding, create a sense of belonging, and give students a chance to unwind in a fun, supportive environment.

We recently hosted our Annual International Night, showcasing 13 countries and representing every continent. Students and staff came together to curate vibrant tables, featuring clothing, decorations, housewares, and cuisine from their chosen countries. Families enjoyed exploring the event with passports in hand, collecting stamps as they learned about each culture. The countries included Turkey, Lebanon, France, Kurdistan, Italy, America, Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Greece, Jamaica, Japan, and Pakistan.

Exposing students to different cultures is an essential part of their education. It encourages open-mindedness, fosters global understanding, and helps them appreciate diversity. Events like International Night allow our students to engage with the world beyond the classroom, enriching their perspectives and deepening their connection to global communities. Through this exploration, we cultivate a more inclusive school environment that prepares our students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. We’re proud to offer these opportunities and look forward to even more cultural celebrations in the future!

This month at Horizon Science Academy, the elementary students focused on the character trait of Kindness. To promote kindness, inspiring quotes were shared weekly, such as:

1. "Kindness gives birth to kindness." - Sophocles
2. "No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted." - Aesop
3. "Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." - Mark Twain
4. "Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." - Mother Teresa

Congratulations to the 18 students recognized for embodying kindness:

• Kindergarten: Connor S., Joelia O., Rylie G.
• 1st Grade: Bethany W., Brielle R., EJ N.
• 2nd Grade: Alannys M., Zayley G., Anhelys E.
• 3rd Grade: Amiyah H., Conor B., Olivia C.
• 4th Grade: Thais G., Janelys L., Safiye O.
• 5th Grade: Mahaleeah C., Delilah C., Josiah R.

For October, we’ll focus on Responsibility. To encourage this trait at home, try reading these books with your child:

• Peace Week in Miss Fox’s Class by Eileen Spinelli
• Berenstain Bears and the Blame Game by Stan and Jan Berenstain
• The Good Egg by Jory John and Pete Oswald
• Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
• The Paperboy by Dav Pilkey

These books are also available on YouTube as read-alouds! Let’s continue to promote these values both at school and at home!

We were thrilled to host our 2nd Annual Middle School Role Model Breakfast! This special event is designed to allow students to honor the positive influences in their lives. After learning about the significance of role models, students select one, invite them to breakfast, and present a heartfelt project as a token of appreciation.

The morning was filled with joy, gratitude, and meaningful connections, highlighting the bond between students and their role models. To learn more about this inspiring event, check out the article in the Morning Journal article below.

Our 1st Quarter Family Night was a blast, and we extend our gratitude to everyone who attended the screening of Super Mario Bros. This event provided an excellent opportunity for families to connect and engage with one another, reinforcing our school community.

Research shows that family engagement has a significant impact on student education; students whose parents are involved are 20% more likely to achieve higher grades and test scores. If you missed this event, we invite you to join us on October 15th at Skate World. Tickets are still available through the HomeTown app. Let's continue to build strong relationships within our community!

Mr. Kelly’s middle school classes enjoyed a dynamic and engaging lesson focused on geology. Utilizing play-dough, students created models of the Earth’s layers, from the crust to the core, bringing the subject to life in a colorful and interactive way. This hands-on approach not only made learning enjoyable but also deepened their understanding of complex geological concepts.

Research shows that hands-on learning significantly enhances information retention, with students often remembering up to 75% of what they actively participate in compared to only 10% of what they hear. By allowing students to create tangible representations of their learning, Mr. Kelly provided them with a memorable educational experience.

At Horizon Science Academy, we are committed to employing a variety of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles. By incorporating interactive projects, we not only foster academic growth but also encourage creativity and collaboration among students. This diverse approach to education helps cultivate well-rounded learners who are equipped for future challenges.

Through activities like these, we continue to inspire our students and promote a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom. We look forward to seeing more innovative lessons in the future that engage our students and reinforce their understanding of the world around them.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Wee Care Closet for their generous donation of bookbags filled with school supplies for our students! Your kindness not only equips our students with the necessary tools for success but also fosters a supportive community that values education.

Community donations like these play a crucial role in enhancing our students’ educational experience, increasing their chances of graduation. By providing essential resources, we are collectively making a positive impact on our students’ futures and helping them achieve their academic goals. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed this school year!

Our Concept School's Young Scholars Program (CYSP) recently launched the year with a successful first Saturday School. Students in grades 6-12 engaged in various activities, including community service projects that involved weeding the school's flower beds and enhancing the overall appearance of our campus grounds.

The CYSP offers students valuable opportunities for personal growth and community involvement. To learn more about this enriching program, visit our website for details https://rb.gy/dwlsld

. Together, we can cultivate a sense of pride and responsibility among our young scholars.

We have some wonderful news & a heartfelt thank you to share with you.

Please take a moment to review our state report card here:
https://reportcard.education.ohio.gov/school/011533

We were thrilled to host the Future Leaders Initiative (FLI) program presentation for our seniors, where they explored financial assistance and skill development opportunities for both high school and college.

Special thanks to Lara and Hakan from the Future Institute for sharing their invaluable insights with our students. Future Institute offers Concept graduates the FLI program, allowing participants to prepare for their college, adulthood, and career goals through various professional development opportunities that enhance their leadership, life, and career skills.

For more information about the Future Leaders Institute, visit their website. We are excited about the opportunities this program will open for our students and look forward to seeing their futures flourish!

We are proud to celebrate 12th-grade student Liam K. for successfully completing the TECH CORPS summer Work-Based Learning program, Student WEB CORPS, where he earned his pre-apprenticeship certificate. This program, provided by Tech Corps, equips high school students with essential web development, project management, and professionalism skills.

Liam applied his skills by building websites for small businesses and nonprofits in our community. We are excited about the tech-based opportunities available to our students and eagerly anticipate what’s next for Liam!

We are thrilled to announce that our recent ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new gym and cafeteria has been officially recognized by the Ohio Senate. This acknowledgment is an incredible honor and reflects the hard work and dedication that made this milestone possible.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this project and to the Ohio Senate for this recognition. Be sure to check out the letter we received detailing this honor!

Although Horizon Science Academy of Lorain does not have its own soccer team, we take immense pride in our seniors Iyanna A., Marjohn B., and Alyah R., who play for Lorain High. Our dedicated staff and enthusiastic students rallied together to support them during Senior Night, where they received well-deserved recognition on the field.

At Horizon Science Academy, we value the importance of nurturing our students both academically and socially. This commitment to supporting them outside the classroom is integral to their growth and success. Congratulations to our seniors—your hard work and dedication continue to inspire us all!