Oakland Avenue Charter School participates in 'Rock Your School'

Oakland Avenue Charter School recently participated in the "Rock Your School" initiative to build connections in the school community.

Rock Your School is a nationwide event intended to build up school communities by having teachers create out-of-the-box educational experiences for students. 

Fourth and fifth grade science teachers Mallory Guarino and Carrie Sikes, along with the help of Mrs. Parmer, Mrs. Epi, Mrs. Gant, Mr. Zavada, Ms. Colon, and Coach Kimpel, planned, and executed an outer space-themed day for all students across the school to participate in. 

The team transformed two classrooms and took the students on virtual trips into space, complete with explorations involving gravity, and building constellations.   

Principal Pamela Dwyer recognized the team of teachers for their hard work and dedication to the project by awarding them with Rock Your School certificates. 

Dwyer awarded Holly Hernandez, instructional coach, and Amanda Kohmetscher, Technology, and Assessment Coordinator, a Principal’s Honor Award for outstanding performance.

Dwyer said the two went above and beyond with planning, organizing, and executing timelines, schedules, staff support, trainings, and all things technology throughout the "Season of COVID."

Every year the entire faculty and staff also nominate people for the "Support Staff of the Year" award and the "Teacher of the Year" award for the prior year. 

This year's nominees for Support Staff of the Year included School Nurse Lea Berry, Instructional Coach Holly Hernandez, Technology and Assessment Coordinator Amanda Kohmetscher, Kindergarten Aide Trish Murphy and Facility Supervisor Carlos Torres.

This year's nominations for Teacher of the Year included ESE Teacher and MTSS Coach Joann Brouty, Second Grade Teacher Amanda Faraj, Kindergarten Teacher Carole Kelly, ESE Teacher and MTSS Coach Michele Murphy and Third Grade Teacher Hayley Ream. 

Torres took home the award for Support Staff of the Year, while Kelly took home the award for Teacher of the Year.