If you want to write a testimonial about your experience at Noble Academy, please email us at [email protected]
To Whom It May Concern: I am writing this letter of support in behalf of Noble Academy Cleveland (NAC). By now you have reviewed all the fine statistics and achievements there is to read about Noble Academy Cleveland. I would like to introduce you to a child who makes up one of those stats. His name is Brandon (the name has been changed to protect his privacy). Brandon came to NAC in the fall of 2008, beginning his sixth grade year. He struggled with Math. He had not mastered his basics skills such as multiplication, division, etc. After all Brandon had attended eight different schools, while living in three different states, moving from school district to school district over a three-year period. Nonetheless, what NAC did with Brandon to aid in his academic growth and development was phenomenal. Without biased they set up a tutoring program for his academic achievement that provided both for his psychological and academic comfort. Their efforts were something he had not experienced in public school. Teachers’ expectations in the past had not been encouraging. At NAC he was tutored after-school, twice weekly, and every Saturday morning. If he needed extra help in a subject, or before taking a test, staff took time to assist him. It was like they “circled the wagons”, to help him and make him feel good about himself. It took effort on both the part of school and his family, but it was worth it! He passed the State exam for his grade in Math and he earned a B. His other academic grades were A’s, B’s, and a C. He had a great school year. He did well enough to earn a trip to Cedar Point. Their model for success with Brandon has been the practical application of their belief system, “expect excellence from all students”. He enjoys attending NAC and I enjoy him being there. I recall once when I was in school hearing a teacher say “if a child fails too learn, the teacher is failing too teach”. In conclusion, I can say they are teaching everyday at the Noble Academy Cleveland! It is with the greatest of hope you will act favorably upon their request. Regards, Thelma Shepherd
Dear Governor Kasich, I hear that you’ll be visiting one school in my local community of Cleveland, Ohio this year. It’s such a relief to know that even though our city is at an economic low point, our government cares enough to reach out to our students and encourage them personally. The children we are raising today are the ones who will ultimately shape the future of our community and our government. Visiting a school filled with hopeful and driven students would go a long way to motivating students to keep giving their best. And as a proud parent, I’d like to nominate Noble Academy of Cleveland for that awesome opportunity. For the last three years running, Noble Academy has received a rating of Excellent on Ohio’s official school report card. The school stands apart by working with children AND parents to ensure the best quality education. Class sizes are kept small so that teachers can focus on the needs of each student individually. Success is expected at Noble Academy. In fact, any child with a grade below a C average in math or science must attend a full day of class on Saturday! This practice is not seen as a punishment, but instead as a chance to encourage, tutor and motivate each student until they soar above average and gain confidence in their work. As a result, Noble Academy produced test scores in reading and math that exceeded the performance of other students in Cleveland by more than 30%!! (Ohio Department of Education) These achievements mean a lot, but more important in my eyes is the drive I now see in my own child. Noble has taught my daughter that she is nothing less than a “Top Quality Student”. And even at 5 years old, she is proud to say that she can get good grades, she will grow up and go to college, and she won’t let anyone tell her she can’t. In fact, on her first day of school, I looked on as Dymond’s kindergarten class threw the word “can’t” out of the window! It was then that I knew that Dymond had a real shot at greatness here and that the staff was in her corner. So when you select a school to visit this year, consider going to Noble Acaedmy and showing our students that it is not just the parents and staff that believe in them, but our community and government too. Thanks for your consideration, Darleane Pollard
Welcome Mr. & Mrs. Hall to our neighborhood. We are happy to have you as our new neighbors. Do you have any children?
Yes, we have a boy and a girl ages 11 and 13. They will be going to the fifth and seventh grade. Do you know a good school my children can attend in August?
Yes my two boys, Dante and Davante Callahan, attend Noble Academy located in Euclid, Ohio. There school is a charter school which was rated excellent during the 2008-2009 school year. They were also rated excellent with distinction during the 2009-2010 school year. During the 2010-2011 they were rated excellent. As a parent of two Noble Academy students, I like Noble because they give homework daily. This enhances their academic knowledge. I also like how a parent can look up their child’s grades and attendance. You can see your child’s assignments such as classwork and homework and any messages posted by the teachers. This is available to the parents seven days a week, 24 hours a day on the Noble Academy Website. Also one of my mother’s co-workers mentioned how pleased he was with Noble Academy. He and his wife are big supporters of Noble Academy. I am so glad I made the decision to send my boys there. The teachers and staff have done an excellent job educating my children to their full potential. I feel my children will be prepared for higher education once they leave Noble Academy. Also there is a zero tolerance in the school building. Every year Noble Academy takes part in an Annual Concept School Science and Engineering Fair at Cleveland State University which includes doing a display board and a written report on a science project. My son Dante received a silver medal and a gift certificate to McDonalds for his science project on Reflectors. Throughout the school year the students and staff go on school outings. The school offers Saturday classes for three hours once or twice a month starting in late fall and ends until mid April. This is getting students prepared for the OAA test in May. If the students pass all parts of the OAA test, they are rewarded with a trip to Cedar Point with all expenses paid. I will now let you hear from Dante and Davante on how they feel about Noble Academy:
“Noble Academy offers tutoring to students who need extra help and a better understanding for example math, science, and writing skills. They have after school social clubs such as basketball,art and math. Also, they offer foreign language such as Turkish. This will allow us to be further ahead with our foreign language skills in high school. We like using the Study Island Program because it allows us to learn science and other education programs.”
I hope that you are convinced that Noble Academy is a great school to send your children too.
Dear Governor Kasich, It is my understanding that you will be in the Cleveland area and are deciding on a school to visit. To this, I am writing to you to encourage you to consider visiting Noble Academy of Cleveland. While I am confident that there are many schools equally deserving to be honored with your presence, the students and staff of Noble Academy have consistently demonstrated academic excellence in such a way that it distinctively sets them apart. Noble Academy of Cleveland is a Concept School, and true to its name, the staff equips the students with the fundamental conceptual skills to be successful. Each student is transformed as the teachers work together with parents to cultivate their love of learning. Here, the students are not only given the tools to succeed, but more importantly they are taught how use them. As the students matriculate through their respective curriculums, they acquire the ability to apply what they have learned to new situations. Though I understand that you are an opponent of the Evidence Based education model, there is compelling evidence that the Concept Education model instituted at Noble Academy is successful. This was readily demonstrated during an Ohio State Reading Exam in which 100% of all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders passed their reading exam, earning Noble Academy of Cleveland the honor of excellence with distinction. As a single parent and a college graduate with a master’s degree in early childhood education, I fully understand the importance of a high-quality education and how it will shape my child’s future. Therefore, choosing to have my daughter educated at Noble Academy has been the single most important educational decision to date and I am more than pleased with her current progress. Noble Academy is providing a fundamental foundation that will empower her to achieve at the highest levels. Her future is truly limitless. In closing, a visit to Noble Academy of Cleveland will afford you the opportunity to observe this progressive learning environment firsthand. You will experience an atmosphere of expected excellence, where academic excellence is the norm and not the exception. I am confident that upon visiting our school and meeting with the extraordinary students and staff you will be inspired and encouraged to learn that the educational futures of these students are indeed promising. Thank you for your time and consideration as I look forward to meeting you on your visit. Continued success as you govern the great state of Ohio. Regards, Yolanda Parker
I just met my new neighbor from next door. They just moved from the inner city and are unfamiliar with the schools in Euclid. I explained to them about Noble Academy of Cleveland and other schools. I told them that Zharria has been there since the beginning. The process of interviewing and getting to know what the school was about. Noble was different, Noble was selective about who they considered for their school. They showed an interest in Zharria and I liked that! My neighbor spoke of the different school policies that they were use too. I told them at Noble there is a strict dress code. A lot of schools have dress code and you can’t even tell because the kids just have to wear the same colors… Not at Noble! You have to buy the shirt from them and anything else is unacceptable. The girls have red shirts and the boys have blue shirts. You can purchase long or short sleeves. Both girls and boys wear khaki bottoms. There is no fingernail polish, crazy hairstyles, and jewelry. Those are thing that distract kids. They realized what they need to do to make students focus on what was important, their education and not what they wear to school. I think I had their attention then but I wasn’t done. I had to tell them about the free tutoring after school. Their mouth dropped as I continued to tell them about the transportation if you are a Euclid resident. If a student is struggling or needs that extra help they can get it. Noble works with students so they can be their best and give them that confidence they need in life. Noble Academy has pride is their academics. The students are taught that science and math are not hard but are subjects that challenge their minds. They are taught to embrace these subjects, by projects and fairs with their sister schools. Its a chance for the students to compete with their peers and themselves and enjoy it at the same time. Noble has high test scores and is voted a school of excellence in the state of Ohio. I had to let them know what Noble has done for my child. It was hard to find a school that gives so much to their student body and their families. Noble helps build the foundation for the students to transform them for excellence in their lives. The students know there are standards to uphold in everyday life and that the support and knowledge they get at Noble Academy will guide them through their adult lives.
Dear Governor Kasich, It is my understanding that you will be in the Cleveland area and are deciding on a school to visit. To this, I am writing to you to encourage you to consider visiting Noble Academy of Cleveland. While I am confident that there are many schools equally deserving to be honored with your presence, the students and staff of Noble Academy have consistently demonstrated academic excellence in such a way that it distinctively sets them apart. Noble Academy of Cleveland is a Concept School, and true to its name, the staff equips the students with the fundamental conceptual skills to be successful. Each student is transformed as the teachers work together with parents to cultivate their love of learning. Here, the students are not only given the tools to succeed, but more importantly they are taught how use them. As the students matriculate through their respective curriculums, they acquire the ability to apply what they have learned to new situations. Though I understand that you are an opponent of the Evidence Based education model, there is compelling evidence that the Concept Education model instituted at Noble Academy is successful. This was readily demonstrated during an Ohio State Reading Exam in which 100% of all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders passed their reading exam, earning Noble Academy of Cleveland the honor of excellence with distinction. As a single parent and a college graduate with a master’s degree in early childhood education, I fully understand the importance of a high-quality education and how it will shape my child’s future. Therefore, choosing to have my daughter educated at Noble Academy has been the single most important educational decision to date and I am more than pleased with her current progress. Noble Academy is providing a fundamental foundation that will empower her to achieve at the highest levels. Her future is truly limitless. In closing, a visit to Noble Academy of Cleveland will afford you the opportunity to observe this progressive learning environment firsthand. You will experience an atmosphere of expected excellence, where academic excellence is the norm and not the exception. I am confident that upon visiting our school and meeting with the extraordinary students and staff you will be inspired and encouraged to learn that the educational futures of these students are indeed promising. Thank you for your time and consideration as I look forward to meeting you on your visit. Continued success as you govern the great state of Ohio. Regards, Yolanda Parker
Hello Neighbor, I am glad that you are thinking about sending your children to Noble Academy. My grandchildren, Corey and Chloe, are students at there. Noble Academy is a great school for your children to attend. Here are three reasons why you should choose it. One reason why your children should attend Noble Academy is because of the academic prospects. Because of the great education Noble Academy provides, my grandson, Corey, is involved in the Ivy League Mentoring Program, also known as IMP. IMP is a program that prepares students, beginning in the sixth grade, for the ACT and SAT tests. This program also gives students, like Corey, the opportunity to visit Ivy League colleges, and provides ideas for the children to strive in the future. No other school gives students this great opportunity. This is one reason why your children should attend Noble Academy. Another reason why your children should attend Noble Academy is because of the after school programs the school provides. While other schools are cutting back programs for students, Noble Academy has many programs for your children to choose from. The clubs that are available for your children include Math Club, Art Club, and Basketball Club. My granddaughter, Chloe, is currently involved in the Girl’s Basketball Club at Noble Academy. As a fourth grader, Chloe is getting a head start in sports. Chloe is learning the basic skills of basketball, and building a foundation for advancing in the sport in the future. Great activities offered to students is another reason why your children should attend Noble Academy. Another reason why your children should attend Noble Academy is because of the school’s cultural diversity. There are students and teachers of all different races and cultures at the school. With the diversity of Noble Academy, this will give your children a better understanding of other cultures. Also, diversity will help your children in the future, as far as communication and knowledge of people different from them. Diversity is another reason why your children should attend Noble Academy. Overall, Noble Academy is a great school for your children to attend. With its great academics, excellent activities, and diverse environment, your children will become well-rounded individuals, which will carry over into adulthood. I hope you decide to send your children to Noble Academy. You will not be disappointed in the quality of education Noble Academy provides for their students. Sincerely, Deborah Malloy
Hello fellow neighbor, It is my pleasure to welcome you and your family to our neighborhood. My name is Renaldo Hammett. I am single parent of two beautiful children: Jaylen and Shar’da Hammett. This is an excellent area we live in especially if you are raising a family. I am pleased to let you know if you have any kids, there is an excellent school called Noble Academy off of 200th st. in Euclid. This school is a charter school that specializes in and focuses on your child to bring out the best in his or her ability. Both of my children have been educated in this school. My daughter now is 16, a proud graduate of Noble Academy which is a sister school of Horizon Science Academy in which she now attends.
Hello Neighbor: First, I would like to welcome you and your family to the neighborhood. I hope that you find our neighborhood a place where you want to make a home for years to come. By now, I know that you are looking to make some decisions that will affect the lives of you and your most important asset, your children. I am sure you have look into places to play, places to dine and most importation, where to send you children to school. As with most of our community, education plays a vital role in the success of our children and our community. I was faced with some of the same decisions when we joined the community and sending my children to a school conducive to learning growth and structure were paramount. I am here to tell you my friend; I have found all of those things at Noble Academy. As I was sifting through pamphlet after pamphlet of schools and what they would provide my child by way of education, ratio of teacher to child and teacher experience, I found that as a charter school, Noble Academy had everything we were looking for. Having just a year under their belt in 2006, it had small enough classes to focus on my child and after meeting with the teachers and Mr. Kose, I knew that there would be more than enough emphasis placed on the growth of my child. I am proud to say that I have had two students attend Noble Academy. My oldest daughter is now in Euclid High School and upon leaving Noble Academy has been more than prepared with positive study habits, respect for classmates and a thirst for knowledge that I had not seen in their attendance at public school. My second child is still enrolled and is enjoying an even more positive learning experience which shows me that not only is the staff growing my child, but them too are growing and learning. Mr. Adler, President of the Ohio Coalition for Quality Education and Ms. Angela Thi Bennett, presented Noble Academy with an Honor Roll Award recognizing the Noble Academy staff and students. Noble Academy earned an “Excellent” school report card for the 2010-2011 school year. My daughter has had an abundance of opportunities to travel and to join clubs such as student council, cooking club and the basketball club. I feel this has and is making her a better-rounded student. She is pumped about what she gets to do because her grades are so good and they (Noble Academy) are the reason for this. Sincerely, Deon Reed
My Son came from a public school and really wasn’t excelling due to lack of attention he received there. He was labelled as a little disruptive child who was barely passing. He came to Noble in the third grade and had a little trouble adjusting to the discipline and school work. He was barely reading at a 2nd grade level. By the 4th grade following year, he became a merit roll student, reading at his proper grade level and a happier student because they challenged him and made him better. This school is the best decision I made for my family and I am happy to say my child is now in the 7th grade passed both his OAA tests and was treated to a Cedar Point trip. Trust me, this school will prepare your child for his her career and future. Noble Academy Cleveland was the best investment I made for my children. Sincerely, Your Neighbor
Hello Neighbor, In 2008, our family relocated to the City of Richmond Heights from out of state. Not wanting our children’s lives to ever be left to chance, we prayed for guidance as we learned of the low report card in the city’s school system. We were blessed to find Noble Academy Cleveland, a neighborhood charter school that is focused on academic quality with future success. Please allow us to introduce you to our choice in education standards. True knowledge and understanding begins with and comes from the Lord. We enrolled our children into this safe, caring, local school in Euclid by acknowledging and experiencing the presence of God and inviting His presence into our lives and circumstances. Noble Academy Cleveland, a school of excellence with distinction report card for three consecutive years, believes that education is a shared responsibility between students, parents and staff. With the support of Concept Schools, the nonprofit school management and consulting organization for NAC, the faculty attends professional development and enrichment conferences to bring new and exciting learning environments to our students. The Parent Teacher Organization encourages active communication, participation and involvement in all school functions ranging from local and national guests spotlighting education in Ohio, Science and Mathematics exhibitions, spelling bees, and holiday events (Black History Month, Earth Day, etc). We are excited about our family’s cohesion with the school. As parents of four children ranging from ages 5 to 21, we believe our children’s ability and desires to learn cannot be taken for granted and a partnership with the school is essential. One of the greatest influences in our children’s lives is their friends and role models. We have come to enjoy the dedication of the helpful, knowledgeable and committed staff. The efforts made by the entire faculty to discipline, guide and help the students learn to make good choices are appreciated. The concentration on the core subjects along with the extra curriculum clubs enhances the superiority in and out of the classroom. The Ohio testing and national comparison scores exalt the accomplishment of the student body in conjunction with field trips, assemblies and community service activities. The top charter school ranking in Ohio completes the education package of Noble Academy Cleveland. In choosing a school to enroll your child, we pray that you will receive the wisdom, power, and protection that our family has enjoyed from God. To be a parent, there is nothing as fulfilling and exhilarating yet so depleting and exhausting. It is the best of jobs and it is the most difficult of jobs. It can bring the greatest joy and it can cause the greatest pain. But to have the peace of mind that our children are at a charter school that can instill a desire to attain knowledge and skill, and have joy in the process, affirms our decision to enroll our children at Noble Academy Cleveland. Sincerely, Robert and Teresa Sims
Dear Governor Kasich, I am writing to you on behalf of my four nieces, all students of Noble Academy Cleveland. Tinya Woullard is a kindergarten student, Veyonce Woullard is in the third grade, Angel Fitzgerald is in fourth grade, and Destiny Smith is now a fifth grader. We would like to extend an invitation for you to visit our school. There are a few things that we would like for you to know about our school. First Noble Academy Cleveland has only been in existence for 5 years. In 2010 Noble Academy Cleveland was the only charter/community school in Ohio with the Excellent with Distinction rating. Noble is also unique as being one of the few schools that still conduct home visits. This is good not only for the student, but also for parents and teachers to communicate in a more relaxed atmosphere. We at Noble Academy Cleveland offer many after school activities, clubs, and even tutoring on Saturday to help in the overall learning experience for the Noble students. Also offered are music, art, foreign languages, and computer classes beginning with our kindergarten students. Our Pen Pal club allows Noble students to communicate with students all over the world and let them know how wonderful there school is. The administration and staff understand the importance that field trips play in the growth of our students. Great Lakes Science Center, Beck Center for Arts (Lakewood), Hiram Farm, Severance Center to see the Cleveland Orchestra, and Play House Square are just a few of the places visited. Noble Academy Cleveland also participates in a Math and Science Camp where our student actually spend a weekend away from home. All of these learning experiences are geared to helping our student become well-rounded individuals. Noble Academy Cleveland already has high standards that are expected to be met by not only the students, but the administration staff, teachers, and parents as well. I would like to quote Mr. Hakan-Principal of Noble Academy Cleveland “As a community we need to remain committed to these high standards and inspire our student to shoot for the moon. Even if they miss the moon they will land on stars.” In closing, I would like if chosen for a school visit for you to attend our International Dinner. This is an excellent time for you to witness the diversity of Noble Academy Cleveland in language, culture, food, and music. We will contact you with the date of our International Dinner in the near future. We all look forward to meeting you then. Sincerely, Barbara Tobias
Dear Governor, I am writing this letter in hopes of convincing you to visit my son’s school, Noble Academy in Euclid, Ohio. Noble Academy has been rated as a School of Excellence for three years in a row by the State of Ohio. As a proud parent of a third-grader at the school, I too, give them an excellent grade. Here are some of the reasons that they deserve this prestigious ranking. 1. The teachers. In my experience, my son’s teachers have been wonderful. They are always available, willing to spend extra time, if necessary, and most of all, they are caring and kind. My son has adored each of his teachers – from kindergarten to his current teacher. 2. The school is obviously doing a great job at teaching the children the subject matter needed to pass the state tests. 3. Noble Academy is clean and safe. What a relief it is to me to know that every day my child is being dropped off in an environment that is safe and clean. 4. The extras: the fun yet educational field trips, the extra-curricular activities provided in the form of a variety of clubs, tutoring and the regular family dinners. However, as efficient of an educational institute as Noble Academy is, there is some room for improvement. Here are my thoughts and suggestions: The No Child Left Behind Act has, in effect, put some restraint on how schools teach our children. The focus has become more on getting kids to pass state tests and less about addressing learning styles, boosting self-esteem and focusing on a child’s interests and natural abilities. This is a major disservice. It, in my opinion, is one of the contributory factors, in why children become frustrated with and eventually drop out of school. Our children are being told that they cannot stay on task, that they are disruptive and are failing. But in actuality, they are not being taught conducive to their learning style, they are bored and they don’t have the opportunity to develop as a complete student. Secondly, young children, in particular boys, have a lot of energy. At times, that energy may come out at inappropriate times in the classroom. Often this leads to punishment, which quite frankly just might be unjust. I agree that kids must be taught restraint and discipline to a point. As educators and parents, we know that a lot of children are naturally high-energy (and I am not referring to hyper-activity). Why should we punish a child for something that is natural? Perhaps, in an effort to address this issue, some form of morning calisthenics can be provided. Even though recess is scheduled daily and gym class once a week, this is truly not enough for my eight-year old during the course of a seven hour school day. My last suggestion would be to offer a course in developing organizational and study skills. As a mother who has always been organized, I am very perplexed by my two children who are very disorganized. I have no understanding of messy rooms, sloppy desks and lockers, losing homework in between school and home or missing what the teacher is saying because I’m still trying to find my pencil! I don’t get it!! But I have come to understand that yelling, grounding and the like have no effect. It would be helpful to my children and I if someone who can teach that skillset, could do so. If parents and schools could find a way to incorporate some of these suggestions as a part of our children’s daily educational experience, I believe that this would benefit them greatly. It would certainly boost their self-esteem and help to create a happier student. So, Governor, I hope that you will consider paying a visit to our beloved School of Excellence – Noble Academy. I also hope that this letter will do a little to persuade you to give more attention to our schools and provide our educators with the resources that they need to give our children the best education that is so vital in making their American dream a reality. Thank you. Sincerely, Jacqueline King
Dear New Neighbor, Hello and welcome to the neighborhood! We are very excited to have new neighbors and are looking forward to getting to know you and your family better. We live in a wonderful community with many great neighbors and plenty of ‘family friendly’ activities. But one of the best things about living in this area is the school my daughter attends; Noble Academy of Cleveland (Noble or NAC)! Noble is a K-8 charter school that is currently rated as Excellent by the State of Ohio! Not many schools have earned this rating, and we are very proud of this fact, but when you walk through the doors of Noble Academy of Cleveland you can tell that the excellence of Noble is not just in the academics. It’s also in the staff; from the school secretary to the gym teacher; everyone has a genuine goal of making this one of the best schools in the state! This excellence is also apparent in our parents. Everyone is very friendly and willing to share ideas with each other; we are a real community coming together to help our students/children! Which brings me to the students; they are the ones who really make Noble a great place to go to school! The children of Noble Academy of Cleveland are kind, generous and helpful; I’ve seen many students offering help to each other; be it help with assignments, help getting through a rough day, or including everyone in a game at recess. These children have big hearts! Noble also offers many ‘extras’ that you might not expect from a tuition free school; there are free afterschool clubs such as Cheerleading Club (which my daughter thoroughly enjoys) or Math Club. They also have free afterschool and/or Saturday morning tutoring if needed. Field trips, rewards, award ceremonies, name it and Noble has it! Noble feels like a private school but its tuition free! I’m glad I decided to send my daughter there and if you make the same choice I know you will be too. Please feel free to contact me with any questions about our wonderful neighborhood and/or our Excellent school; Noble Academy of Cleveland! Thank you, Julie Plesec
Dear Neighbors, Welcome to the neighborhood! We are glad to have you and your children here. I would like to take a minute to introduce you and your children to a great school, the school our children attend – Noble Academy Cleveland located at 1200 E. 200th Street, Euclid, Ohio 44117. It is a wonderful concept school that focuses on science and technology. The students learn to use state of the art technology from teachers who take pride in their jobs. The teachers are fully engaged and empowered to help the children learn all subject matter, no matter how long it takes. The teachers’ dedication to the students doesn’t stop on Fridays’. In addition to tutoring sessions offered during the week, they offer Saturday school to help anyone that might be struggling with any of the concepts learned during the regular school week! The school also tries to enrich the students’ lives by offering a variety of after school clubs. My kids really enjoy participating in the various clubs like S.T.E.M. (science, technology and engineering math), art, cheerleading, and student council. Our school goes the extra mile to encourage the students to do their very best. They send out notices to remind parents and students of upcoming standardized testing and the need for the proper amount of sleep to be successful. They offer free breakfast and snacks on testing days to ensure students are testing at their optimal levels. And they also offer incentives like trips to the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame, the Science Museum, or everyone’s’ favorite Cedar Point – the largest amusement park in Ohio. The results are undeniable, for 3 straight years we have been rated as a school of excellence with distinction! The school is only 5 years old – so the facts speak for themselves. In a relatively short amount of time the teachers, administration, and parents have transformed this institution into a premiere learning establishment. You won’t find any other public school in our district or surrounding districts that can boast this accomplishment. This school is our answer to overcrowded classes with no enrichment or after school activities. It’s the combined efforts of the school and the parents that help make this partnership so successful. We ALL believe in our children, whether it means carpooling to get to school, chaperoning one of the events, volunteering at the community festival, or standing in protest of the possibility of cut funding to concept schools – WE ARE UNITED! WE ARE ONE TEAM – standing together to ensure that our children receive the best education available. As a parent, we always want the very best for our children, and we believe that Noble Academy Cleveland is a great start! So we hope you will take the time to tour our school and talk to some of the students – including ours, before making your final decision. We would love to have your children as part of our Noble family. If you have any questions contact me or the school. Welcome again! Sincerely, Angela Coleman
My son is a 7th grade honor roll student at Noble Academy Cleveland (NAC). NAC stands out due to the following achievements: • NAC has achieved the prestigious Award of “Excellent” for the 2008-2009 and 2010-2011 school years as well as “Excellent with Distinction” for the 2009-2010 school year from The Ohio Department of Education. • NAC students have met (third grade reading) or extremely exceeded (3rd through 8th grade reading, math, and science) the state’s requirement that 75% of students must meet or exceed Proficient level. NAC attained these accomplishments through the work and dedication of outstanding, certified, and professional instructors, coupled with hard working students determined to succeed. In addition, NAC provides outstanding academically based field trips and retreats that enhance the students’ core curriculum and leadership skills. Unfortunately, the largest percentage of food, transportation, and accommodation expenses for these enhancements rests on NAC’s director and faculty. In addition, the faculty utilizes their personal vehicles often to transport students to avoid the expense of obtaining rental vehicles. In addition, they purchase groceries to minimize restaurant dining expenses. However, 69.6 % percent of NAC students are economically disadvantaged. Therefore, if NAC requires that the parent(s) of the participatory student contribute financially to assist with expenses, the amount is minute to ensure that the parent(s) will not experience financial burden in an attempt to ensure that the student does not miss out on the enhanced learning opportunity. NAC has no on-site nurse. However, a 2008 Fact Sheet from (Health 2008)the Department of Health stated “Elementary schools require the services of school nurses more often than any other grade level”. (Health, Ohio Dept of). Therefore, NAC students would benefit greatly from this provision. Therefore, a financial grant to NAC will assist with the ability to: • Secure an on-site part-time position nurse certified by the Ohio Department of Education from the hours of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. These hours encompass scheduled gym classes, recess, and lunch. A nurse can assist students with: o A minor injury during gym and recess o An occasional upset stomach during lunch o Administering medication (such as, for example, a kindergartener who requires daily asthma medication) • Purchase two 15-seat passenger vans to transport students to various field trips. NAC faculty would not have to utilize their personal vehicles for transportation. Providing a financial grant will benefit the school tremendously by providing long-term value-added improvements that shall be appreciated and utilized by NAC students, parents, faculty, and staff.
Excellent education is a fundamental need for all children. As parents we want to provide our children with that need. But how can we provide that need to our children when the public school districts are failing? This was exactly my dilemma as a parent of four school age children. My son went to the local public school for kindergarten and it was one of the worst experience for myself and even harder for my son. During the year he was there his teacher continuously complained about the lack of resources she had in the classroom for her 29 kindergarten students. At my first parent teacher conference I stated that my son needed more of a challenge academically. The teacher said “that due to the large number of children in the class and the behavior problems she could not get through many of the lesson nor have time to challenge him”. I know what you may be thinking now probably exactly what I thought at the time. Was this teacher really teaching the class at all? Excellent education is a fundamental need for ALL children and my son along with the entire class was not being provided that in that classroom. So my search was on and after many days and many school visits I lucked up on Noble Academy a small school that don’t look like much on the outside but is packed with a lot of EXCELLENT things on the inside. My first conversation with Ms. Britton went well, I had a million questions and she answered each question unrushed with ease. After hanging up the phone I was impressed by the sheer fact that the school receptionist could answer all my questions because during my search I had been transferred or had to leave a message with the receptionist and sometimes didn’t even get a call back. I guess what is said about first impressions is true because Ms. Britton had given me an excellent first impression about the school. However, I was a little reluctant about the school because it is a charter school and with all the negative press in the news about failing charter school and mismanagement of school funding I didn’t want to have my children go through the same or worst experience that we had with the public school. So, I took a dive not only into Noble Academy but also into Concept school as a whole and found a school that is devoted to academic success from top down. Concept school enriches their students with a unique mix of culture, academic, co-curricular programs, and technology. The teachers and staff are highly trained and communicate effectively with students and parents. Lastly, but not least Noble Academy has been rated Excellent by the Ohio department of education for three years in a row! My choice was made and my need as a parent to provide my children with excellent education was satisfied when I sent my children to learn and grow at Noble Academy. Sincerely, Karena Nickson
Dear Governor, My name is Ethel Green. My grandchildren attend Noble Academy Cleveland . The purpose of this letter is to invite you to visit Noble Academy. This is a K-8 community school. It is managed by concept schools. This is a “school of excellence”. For three years now, they have earned this title. No doubt, you would like to see all schools with this title. When you visit you will see the results of the OAA tests this year. Once again the title was earned. This test was given to grades 3-8 in Science, Math, and Reading. The staff here is great. They help the students in every way possible. Their personalities match their skills. The staff put forth great effort to help the students after school to be responsible in turning in their homework. This is called Eagle Academy. One staff member will stay after school to help them get caught up on their homework. I appreciate this because it helps the children get back on track. The teachers expect all students to be responsible and to respect the homework policy. You agree, no doubt, with this homework policy also. The Eagle Academy Program is working well. Noble Academy strives to maintain the title “school of excellence”. The Uniform Policy is working well also. The parents cooperate with this dress code as it benefits the children. They look very nice in their uniform. This spares them from theft and bullying, which in some schools this takes place. This school also has Extra-Curricular activities for the children after school. The children get to choose for themselves what activity they are interested in. They benefit from choosing one of these such as Student Council, Math Club, and Stem Club (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) etc. They enjoy these activities too. The loving concern of the teachers is shown too by the Tutoring Program. There are students that need extra help and the teachers go an extra mile to do this. They want the children to excel in their work. This makes their teaching purposeful. I’m sure you’ll be impressed about this. Noble Academy has started an IMP Program (Ivy League Mentorship Program). This is a multifaceted program, designed to prepare selected students for top colleges. This is something special for advance students in grades 6-8. The teachers again are putting forth great effort as volunteer mentors. They strive to meet these students needs. To make this a success, we as parents must put forth effort too, by encouraging and supporting the students and mentors. I’m sure we will do this because Noble Academy has excellent parent involvement. You will learn more about this IMP when you visit Noble Academy. I know you have heard it said Governor, “little things can mean so much”. I have experienced this in the parking lot at Noble Academy. When school is out the traffic in the parking lot, coming and going, runs smoothly and orderly. Parents are very cautious driving as the children come out. There are no problems in this area. How commendable! Noble Academy Cleveland is the school to visit. This is just a few highlights about Noble Academy Cleveland. I could go on and on about this great school but you will see for yourself when you visit. So, Governor, we do hope that you will consider this invitation. The staff as well as the students will be honored to have you visit Noble Academy Cleveland. I’m sure this will be a source of encouragement for the students and staff. It is a school continuing on the Path of Excellence. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Ethel Green
On a warm and sunny day in July, I was awakened by the beeping sound of a truck backing up. I jumped up from my bed to take a peak out the window. To my surprise there was a family moving into the house next door that had been vacant for almost a year. I woke my Husband up and said “honey…there is a family moving in next door with 2 small children”. He then jumped up to see for himself (as if he didn’t believe me). I am sure you may be wondering why I am so excited to have neighbors. I have 2 school age children myself and there are no other kids in the neighborhood for them to play with so you know what the means… “Mommy could you come play catch with me… Mommy could you come play jump rope with me” so to have children their age moving in next door was the highlight of my summer. The next morning my family and I decided to go next door to introduce ourselves to the new family in the neighborhood. We were greeted by Mr. Johnson who appeared to be in his mid to late 30’s. “Hello how could we help you” said Mr. Johnson. “Hello we are the Weaver’s the family that lives next door and we just wanted to and introduce ourselves and welcome you to the neighborhood.” As we stood in the door way we could hear the Johnsons’ children playing in the background. “Kids come here I want to introduce you to the Weavers” shouted Mr. Johnson. As the Johnson children entered the room I could see the excitement in their eyes as well as the excitement in my children eyes. We introduced the children and they hit it off instantly. Over the next few days the children had played all day long. One night when Mrs. Johnson came over to pick them up she began to ask me questions about the schools in the neighborhood. She was not familiar with the area due to them relocating to Cleveland, OH from Pennsylvania. I advised her that I would not suggest sending them to a Cleveland Public School. As we sat at the table I thought this would be the perfect time to tell her about the Concept School that my children go to. “Mrs. Johnson please let me call Ms Britton the Admin at Noble Academy to see if we could setup an appointment for you to take a tour of the school. If you like it, which I am sure you will Ms Britton could setup an appointment to have you bring the kids in for testing… so what do you think?” Mrs. Johnson sat there and thought for a minute. She was taking too long to answer so I found this as my opportunity to try and convince Mrs. Johnson that Noble Academy is not only rated an excellent school but the school in general is EXCELLENT! “Mrs. Johnson, let me tell you a little more about the school because I can tell that you are still undecided. My daughter began at Noble Academy when she was just in the 2nd grade. The staff there is great! The one thing that I like best about the school is that it is very diverse. For example my child is learning Turkish as her second language and how many American children do you know that could speak Turkish?” I could tell that now I had her full attention and was starting to convince her. So what did I do….continued to rave about Noble Academy. I went on to tell her how the teachers actually care about the students and take time out of their busy day during the week and on the weekends to help the students if they need the extra help, which is not common in most schools. I also explained to her that the school has been rated Excellent with Distinction for several years and they encourage the students to learn and to become successful in life. “So what do you say Mrs. Johnson should I call Ms Britton for you or what?” She sat there and thought for a moment as she spoke under her breath and nodding pointing out some of the things that I had sat there and talked her to death about Noble Academy. “YES Mrs. Weaver…go ahead and give her a call I am convinced! That was music to my ears. “I promise you will not be disappointed.” I could not get to the phone fast enough to give Ms Britton a call and let her know that I had convinced another parent to send their children to Noble Academy. Who knows maybe I could get a school shirt or some sort of reward since they are all about recognition at Noble Academy.