Respect...Responsibility...Curiosity...Creativity...Integrity...Hard Work
MLK Day 2010 on Quinn Campus
To celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2010, 90 volunteers from throughout the Waco community joined Rapoport Academy staff, students, and families for an afternoon dedicated to beautifying Quinn Campus. Thank you to all who supported this event!
Rapoport Academy Partners With Time Warner Cable's New STEM Initiative
Rapoport Academy is proud to be part of the CAMM (Connect a Million Minds) initiative launched in November 2009 by Time Warner Cable. Waco was the initial Launch Site for Texas with Rapoport Academy, Girls Scouts and the YMCA receiving $5,000 checks from Time Warner Cable to support afterschool STEM activities. R.A.’s Robotics Club, Rocketry Club and the International Club’s Film Festival will use those funds to continue STEM activities throughout the school year. Read below for more information on this nationwide effort to stimulate interest in STEM careers.
The Obama administration is attempting to marshal private-sector power in a campaign to encourage students to take a stronger interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or “STEM” studies and careers. Corporations, foundations, and other organizations have committed $260 million in financial and in-kind support for the effort, called “Educate to Innovate,” which will play out on several fronts.
Time Warner Cable has committed $100 million over five years for a campaign to connect students to after-school activities. Discovery Communications will fund a five-year, $150 million campaign to create commercial-free programming and online math and science content. Sesame Street, with backing from PNC Bank, will make STEM themes the focus of a number of upcoming episodes, and promote science and math for young students in other ways. And science and engineering societies, with philanthropic backing, will promote hands-on and project-based learning. Finally, corporate and technology partners are launching a set of competitions to design free, STEM-focused videogames for children.
The White House has asked Sally Ride, the first female astronaut, and corporate leaders to build support for STEM at the state and local level. Check out the website for CAMM at www.connectamillionminds.com. View the video below to learn more about "Connect a Million Minds":
The Allergan Foundation Supports Rapoport Academy Music Program
The Allergan Foundation awards Rapoport Academy $5,000 to purchase musical materials. Rapoport Academy believes that students who participate in music and other fine arts programs tend to be more successful in core subjects such as math and science. This generous grant will enable students of all income levels to participate in the innovative and challenging music program at the Academy.
Chris Rios accepts the grant award at the Allergan Foundation luncheon.
From left to right: Dr. Dianne Sawyer (R.A. Board member) Dr. Nancy Grayson (R.A. Founder and Superintendent), Chris Rios (R.A. music teacher) and Dermot Manton (Vice President/GM North America Operations, Allergan Pharmaceuticals).
In Memoriam: Paul J. Meyer
We at Rapoport Academy are among the many who are feeling the loss of a great friend and benefactor, Mr. Paul J. Meyer. Paul, along with his wife Jane, was a generous supporter of a wide range of charitable organizations in Central Texas and beyond. Their support of Rapoport Academy's educational program is commemorated in the name of our high school, Paul and Jane Meyer Public High School. For decades, Paul Meyer has inspired individuals to fulfill their potential for a productive, rewarding and generous life. At Meyer Public High School, we seek to provide students with the academic and professional skills necessary to be successful in any profession they choose and the social awareness to contribute positively to the communities in which they live and work. Rapoport Academy's Meyer Public High School will be part of the broad and rich legacy of Mr. Paul J. Meyer. We extend our condolences and our warm wishes to his family.
One Author, One School
Jorge Hernandez, editor of the current One Book One Waco selection (Sun, Stone, and Shadows), recently spoke to Meyer High School English and Spanish students about his collection of 20th-century Mexican literature that all Waco is reading.
Left: Iliana Zamora with Jorge Hernandez
Below left: students and community members enjoyed Hernandez's engaging discussion.
Below right: Dr. Lewis Snell (Director of MCC's University Center) and Alex Schmidt (Vice-Chair, One Book One Waco) with Meyer High students.
