Back-to-School Celebrations & Activities
NHA Communications TeamNHA Communications Team
Articles by NHA Communications Team
Every year National Heritage Academies (NHA) schools do a whole variety of back-to-school activities. This includes activities with just staff, just students, and scholars and their families together. Check out what some of our schools have done below and some photos, too.
Johnston Charter Academy
Principal Amber McClure at Johnston Charter Academy (JCA) announced the 2021-22 school year theme: “Our Time to Shine!” Shine stands for: Safety First; Have a Growth Mindset; Initiate Positive Relationships; Never Assume Always Ask; and Expect Excellence from Yourself and Others.
McClure has a leadership team that is brand new to each role, and with that, JCA has come together to shine bright. The parents, students, and staff have rallied around this theme. A group of fourth graders even met independently to direct and create a video around the theme to share during the first week of school.
Also, in celebration of all students back in the building for in-person learning, the JCA Board of Directors hosted a Chick-fil-A lunch for all staff and students on the first day of school.
Metro Charter Academy
Metro Charter Academy held a large back-to-school orientation and celebration that included music, treats, a petting zoo, pony rides, and dancing with information pick-up thrown in. There was also a caricature and balloon-making artist. Everyone enjoyed this successful event.
Rolesville Charter Academy
Since its inception, Rolesville Charter has started the school year with a “School Hug.” Students and staff gather around the school building in solidarity to show connection, community, and respect. This year was especially important because everyone was virtual through April last year.
This year, there was an assembly where everyone repeated the school mantra – “You are safe, you are loved, you are home!” Also, due to COVID-19, scholars and staff were either standing beside each other or touching elbows!
Stambaugh Charter Academy
At Stambaugh Charter Academy, back-to-school activities took place for staff, scholars, and families on the same day. Staff took part in various professional development (PD) activities, including building community, discussing expectations, and assuring building safety. Director of School Quality Charlena Hunt spent the day with the team to assure alignment with all Ohio schools. Stambaugh’s deans prepared and presented during the PD day.
“The second act in the evening was the topping on what was already a wonderful day,” said Principal Bobbie Wilson. “More than 170 families attended the Back-to-School Bash. I am amazed at the community that is in place at Stambaugh. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of people to begin this most promising year.”
Walton Charter Academy
Staff at Walton Charter Academy took an August summer day to try a new team building event. They met at the school and boarded a bus that took them to a Detroit Tigers game. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost to the Angels, but Principal Mona Boersma said it was a lot of fun and will most likely be a new tradition they will keep.
Johnston Charter Academy
Principal Amber McClure at Johnston Charter Academy (JCA) announced the 2021-22 school year theme: “Our Time to Shine!” Shine stands for: Safety First; Have a Growth Mindset; Initiate Positive Relationships; Never Assume Always Ask; and Expect Excellence from Yourself and Others.
McClure has a leadership team that is brand new to each role, and with that, JCA has come together to shine bright. The parents, students, and staff have rallied around this theme. A group of fourth graders even met independently to direct and create a video around the theme to share during the first week of school.
Also, in celebration of all students back in the building for in-person learning, the JCA Board of Directors hosted a Chick-fil-A lunch for all staff and students on the first day of school.
Metro Charter Academy
Metro Charter Academy held a large back-to-school orientation and celebration that included music, treats, a petting zoo, pony rides, and dancing with information pick-up thrown in. There was also a caricature and balloon-making artist. Everyone enjoyed this successful event.
Rolesville Charter Academy
Since its inception, Rolesville Charter has started the school year with a “School Hug.” Students and staff gather around the school building in solidarity to show connection, community, and respect. This year was especially important because everyone was virtual through April last year.
This year, there was an assembly where everyone repeated the school mantra – “You are safe, you are loved, you are home!” Also, due to COVID-19, scholars and staff were either standing beside each other or touching elbows!
Stambaugh Charter Academy
At Stambaugh Charter Academy, back-to-school activities took place for staff, scholars, and families on the same day. Staff took part in various professional development (PD) activities, including building community, discussing expectations, and assuring building safety. Director of School Quality Charlena Hunt spent the day with the team to assure alignment with all Ohio schools. Stambaugh’s deans prepared and presented during the PD day.
“The second act in the evening was the topping on what was already a wonderful day,” said Principal Bobbie Wilson. “More than 170 families attended the Back-to-School Bash. I am amazed at the community that is in place at Stambaugh. I feel very fortunate to have such a wonderful group of people to begin this most promising year.”
Walton Charter Academy
Staff at Walton Charter Academy took an August summer day to try a new team building event. They met at the school and boarded a bus that took them to a Detroit Tigers game. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost to the Angels, but Principal Mona Boersma said it was a lot of fun and will most likely be a new tradition they will keep.