Scarlett Middle School events honor achievement, welcome newcomers
A Chuck Close-style abstract grid portrait by Mr. Cerniglia's eighth grade art students from Scarlett Middle School. This portrait, alongside another, greeted families of current and future Scarlett students as they arrived for community events last week.
Farnham | Contributor
Spring is here, and we are thinking of new things again. For many parents like me, this is when we get busy planning and preparing for new schools next year.
Scarlett Middle School Principal Gerald Vazquez has been busy too. My family had an evening school event every second day last week and, in each instance, Mr. Vazquez was there as well, talking about his new school, our middle school.
It began with Scarlett’s Academic Honors Society celebration on Thursday, March 4. Principal Vazquez was the featured speaker that evening, his first Academic Society event since coming to the school. His speech focused on hope, and this audience of students and parents was large and receptive.
This was my first opportunity to hear Principal Vazquez speak and to get some of his perspective on the work ahead, and I certainly liked what I heard. It helps that the circumstances bringing the community together is one to celebrate the students who are truly thriving and succeeding. There were approximately 230 students acknowledged this quarter, and most were in attendance with their families.
Academic Honors Society evenings acknowledge student achievement after each grade reporting quarter. Students with all As, As and Bs, and ones and twos in citizenship are awarded medals and certificates for their academic achievement and community service. Perks are also announced at the awards event for the students to enjoy.
Roughly 42 percent of students at Scarlett achieved Academic Honors Society standing this past quarter, with one cohort performing at nearly 50 percent. This represents a steady increase in student achievement each year from an average of 164 students in 2005-2006 when the program began under Principal Ben Edmondson.
On the following Tuesday, Principal Vazquez spent the evening with us again, this time at Pittsfield Elementary’s PTO meeting. Parents of soon-to-be sixth graders had an opportunity to meet with their middle school principal in a smaller, familiar setting to hear what life at Scarlett might be like next year for their students. A Q-and-A followed Vazquez’s talk, with many fifth grade students asking what was on their minds about next year. All aspects of student life were discussed, from sports and clubs to classes and passing time.
The final Scarlett event of the week was last Thursday, March 11. We attended the In-Coming Sixth Grade Orientation evening with our younger daughter in the Scarlett building. It was her first official Scarlett event of her own. As parents of an eighth grader, we are familiar with all of what the school has to offer but this was yet another opportunity to hear Mr. Vazquez as he hosted the large gathering from all Scarlett’s feeder schools.
These schools don’t just feed the middle school with students. They also feed them with new challenges and opportunities. Questions were raised two days earlier at Pittsfield by parents looking to expand on the extensive Spanish language instruction students have received in their elementary school since first grade (through FLES since 2005-06). Vazquez announced that an Advisory Spanish opportunity is being explored with Spanish instructor Angie Barricklow. This would allow the students, and the community, to take the language instruction initiative begun at the elementary school and nurture it through to high school.
Finally, he spoke of what my family agrees are some of the great advantages of the school - the commitment of the staff, the celebration of student achievement and the diversity of the Scarlett community.
It was a welcoming, positive message for parents and students alike. My fifth grader and I are looking forward to next year and all of what Principal Vazquez’s Scarlett has to offer.
Ann Farnham is a community volunteer, personal organizer and proud mother of two South Ann Arbor AAPS students. Follow her at Ann of Ann Arbor.
Comments
racerx
Wed, Mar 17, 2010 : 1:46 a.m.
As a parent of one former Scarlett student, and one currently, I also attened the Honors program for my child was being awarded for her hard work for getting all A's & B's. It is encouraging to know that the school acknowledges excellences. Despite the perception that Scarlett might have received in the past, it is a wonderful school. As noted above, both Dr. Edmonson and Mr. Boom has served both the students and community well. I have no doubt that Mr. Vazquez will continue in this manner too. Kudos to you Ann for this, Scarlett is one of the best kept secrets in the district. Maybe the board should pay more attention to see what is working.
Go Blue 123
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 : 7:01 p.m.
We too were at the academic society event and the incoming orientation meeting. Scarlett Middle School is a very impressive place with an enthusiastic and dedicated staff. The success of Scarlett is largely a result of the work, dedication, vision and love of Dr. Edmonson, principal of Scarlett for 4 or 5 years until this past fall. His leadership transformed Scarlett from the middle school Ann Arbor didn't want to talk about to the middle school most Ann Arborites who truly knew what was going on at Scarlett (granted, many don't know and don't even want to) would want their children to attend. Having heard Dr. E's replacement speak twice now, to different groups under different circumstances, I'm optimistic that he will be able to build on all that Dr. E accomplished. In addition, the continued presence of Asst. Principal Mr. Broom is an outstanding asset. He was a big part of Scarlett's metamorphosis, held serve as interim principal, and continues to do so as Mr. Vazquez learns the rope. Scarlett Middle School is a special part of the AA system. I'm eager to see it continue to prosper.
Ann Farnham
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 : 4:51 p.m.
Glad to hear this! These are rich options the kids have for 6th grade. Instead of choosing Choir or Orchestra, they can do Advisory Choir and sign up for Orchestra class. The option of an Advisory Spanish also allows them to take French, something both my daughters have wanted to explore because of their French Canadian heritage, doubling up on their world languages. Deb Katz's Transition Program (thanks to the AAEF) for 6th graders will kick in, too. Lots of lessons learned at the school to help these kids succeed from the moment they arrive at Scarlett.
Paula Gardner
Tue, Mar 16, 2010 : 4:06 p.m.
Ann, Thanks for writing about this experience! I also enjoyed the March 11 event, and am happy to report that my daughter is highly enthusiastic about attending Scarlett next year. We felt like we learned a lot that night. I think the thing that put me most at ease what how they plan to return to a 6th grade-only lunch and locker corridor. We also got very enthused about the music program.