Propel http://blog.propelschools.org Propel Schools blog Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:29:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Support Propel WEST http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/support-propel-west/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/support-propel-west/#comments Thu, 09 Feb 2012 16:33:16 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1686 With 2400 scholars enrolled in Propel Schools and more than 3100 that remain on our waiting lists, Propel continuously seeks to offer opportunities for school choice. While Propel Montour is developing hundreds of scholars from the Sto-Rox School District, students and families desire a 9-12 option. 10% of children in the district are on Propel waiting lists hoping to into a K-8 school and though there is demand, there is no Propel High School within a reasonable distance to Sto-Rox. Last fall, we submitted an application but need to convince the School Board that there is strong community support. We will resubmit our application and encourage you to sign and share this online petition. We look forward to your continued support as we pursue Propel West. We invite you to join us by adding your name to the growing list of supporters.

Click HERE to show your support for Propel West!

 …

]]> With 2400 scholars enrolled in Propel Schools and more than 3100 that remain on our waiting lists, Propel continuously seeks to offer opportunities for school choice. While Propel Montour is developing hundreds of scholars from the Sto-Rox School District, students and families desire a 9-12 option. 10% of children in the district are on Propel waiting lists hoping to into a K-8 school and though there is demand, there is no Propel High School within a reasonable distance to Sto-Rox. Last fall, we submitted an application but need to convince the School Board that there is strong community support. We will resubmit our application and encourage you to sign and share this online petition. We look forward to your continued support as we pursue Propel West. We invite you to join us by adding your name to the growing list of supporters.

Click HERE to show your support for Propel West!

 

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/support-propel-west/feed/ 0 Don Kelly visits Propel Braddock Hills High School http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/don-kelly-visit-propel-braddock-hills-high-school/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/don-kelly-visit-propel-braddock-hills-high-school/#comments Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:26:35 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1665 Last week, baseball player Don Kelly came to Propel Braddock Hills High School to talk with students during a special visit! Kelly currently plays for the Detroit Tigers baseball team, and also happens to be the brother-in-law of Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Neil Walker.  This past season, he was very instrumental in leading the Tigers to the playoffs as he came in in critical situations and rose to the occasion.  In November, Kelly was received the “Tenth Man Award,” honoring a player who has shown tremendous versatility, hard work and talent.

During his visit, he  spoke to each grade level in differnet groups.


He focused his discussion character, keeping up your grades, and hard work. Kelly shared how he believed in the importance of setting goals while in high school, and about career plans thereafter.

The students had a great time, and asked him questions about his life as a professional baseball player, and a family man; Kelly told students that even as his baseball career was progressing, he still went back to school to complete his degree.

A BIG thanks to Don Kelly for taking the time to visit Propel!

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]]> Last week, baseball player Don Kelly came to Propel Braddock Hills High School to talk with students during a special visit! Kelly currently plays for the Detroit Tigers baseball team, and also happens to be the brother-in-law of Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Neil Walker.  This past season, he was very instrumental in leading the Tigers to the playoffs as he came in in critical situations and rose to the occasion.  In November, Kelly was received the “Tenth Man Award,” honoring a player who has shown tremendous versatility, hard work and talent.

During his visit, he  spoke to each grade level in differnet groups.


He focused his discussion character, keeping up your grades, and hard work. Kelly shared how he believed in the importance of setting goals while in high school, and about career plans thereafter.

The students had a great time, and asked him questions about his life as a professional baseball player, and a family man; Kelly told students that even as his baseball career was progressing, he still went back to school to complete his degree.

A BIG thanks to Don Kelly for taking the time to visit Propel!

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/don-kelly-visit-propel-braddock-hills-high-school/feed/ 6 In the Press! http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/press-1/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/press-1/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:45:59 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=7 Public’s Edge: District’s can make AYP even if a school fails – Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Pitcairn Borough buy could help charter school – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Propel Moves into Pittsburgh School District – from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Propel applies to open in Sto-Rox; district worries about impact – from the Post-Gazette

TreeVitalize and Brighton Road Development in the Northside – from Pop City Pittsburgh

Energy alliance program to help Propel Schools unplug – from the Tribune Review

State laws pit public school districts against charter schools- from the Tribune Review

Newsmaker: Lee Ann Munger-from the Tribune Review

Propel East receives Charles Gray Award 2011 – from BroadwayWorld.com

Propel secures lease of Columbus Middle School building – from the Northside Chronicle

A newsmaker you should know: Propel Administrator Receives Mentoring Award – from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette

They’re going from Nitwits to Fitwits at Propel school in McKeesport – from the Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Montour ponders Propel high school plan – from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

School board approves Propel Northside – from the Northside Chronicle

Robots lead student warriors to engineering careers – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Charter School for Pittsburgh wins approval – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Two Propel schools again honored with national award – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Hugs at Propel Montour for Lt. Gov Cawley - from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Be Bold, Dr. Lane – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Propel, other charter schools seek growth in Pittsburgh – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

Propel Performs – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Hip Hop on L.O.C.K. teaches youngsters leadership through music” -from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Waiting in Pittsburgh: Why won’t local schools partner with Propel to help disadvantages students?” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Mentoring programs cast wider net” – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

“Propel propelled further by$3.4 million federal education grant” – from Pop City Pittsburgh

“Propel Charter Schools awarded $3.4 million federal grant” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Propel schools net $3.4 million in federal funds” – from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

“Moratorium sought on new charter schools” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Never enough hours in the class day” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“New school building, new focus on tap at Propel for new year”- from Pittsburgh Tribune Review

“Brand new Propel Braddock Hills School opens for classes” – from Pop City Pittsburgh

“Hundreds visit new Propel Braddock Hills school” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Woodland Hills School Board renews charter for Propel East” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Hitting the right note: Five local schools excel in music”

“Propel McKeesport is top charter school” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Propel McKeesport receives top honor among charter schools”-from Pop City Pittsburgh

“Propel McKeesport gets Gold Gain award” – from The Daily News- McKeesport

“McKeesport charter school receives national award” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Making the Grade” – from Pop City Pittsburgh

“For Good” –  from Pop City Pittsburgh

“Turtle Creek school’s greenhouse teaches sustainability” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“Schools just keep getting SMART-er” – from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/press-1/feed/ 1 Propel Plays News: Braddock Hills is getting a playground! http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/propel-plays-news-braddock-hills-is-getting-a-playground/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/propel-plays-news-braddock-hills-is-getting-a-playground/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:35:24 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1634 As part of the Propel Plays initiative, Propel is committed to building dynamic, imaginative playgrounds critical for our students and their imaginations. These playgrounds will be community assets, helping all children in the neighborhood to grow healthy, happy, and successful through an experience of exploration, activity, friendship, and adventure. These playgrounds, like our schools, contribute to the revitalization of Pittsburgh, helping to make these communities a great place to live and work.

In April 2011, Propel EAST was the first school to get a KaBoom! Playground, built by Propel faculty, staff, students and community volunteers:

This year, in April 2012, we are thrilled to share the news that Duquesne Light has selected Propel Braddock Hills as their partner for a KaBOOM! playground, benefiting our students and the community. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play for America’s children. Their mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. To date, they have built over 2,000 innovative, kid-inspired playgrounds for over 5.5 million children.

Over the next few months, KaBOOM!, Duquesne Light and Propel Braddock Hills will be planning and designing a dream playspace for our students…and we need YOUR help! A “Design Day” will take place on Wednesday, February 8th and a “Build Day” on Friday, April 27th.

Propel Braddock Hills is looking for parent volunteers to be part of this exciting project. Please contact us ASAP, at mburleson@propelschools.org to confirm your participation in either the Design Day, Build Day or …

]]> As part of the Propel Plays initiative, Propel is committed to building dynamic, imaginative playgrounds critical for our students and their imaginations. These playgrounds will be community assets, helping all children in the neighborhood to grow healthy, happy, and successful through an experience of exploration, activity, friendship, and adventure. These playgrounds, like our schools, contribute to the revitalization of Pittsburgh, helping to make these communities a great place to live and work.

In April 2011, Propel EAST was the first school to get a KaBoom! Playground, built by Propel faculty, staff, students and community volunteers:

This year, in April 2012, we are thrilled to share the news that Duquesne Light has selected Propel Braddock Hills as their partner for a KaBOOM! playground, benefiting our students and the community. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit organization dedicated to saving play for America’s children. Their mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. To date, they have built over 2,000 innovative, kid-inspired playgrounds for over 5.5 million children.

Over the next few months, KaBOOM!, Duquesne Light and Propel Braddock Hills will be planning and designing a dream playspace for our students…and we need YOUR help! A “Design Day” will take place on Wednesday, February 8th and a “Build Day” on Friday, April 27th.

Propel Braddock Hills is looking for parent volunteers to be part of this exciting project. Please contact us ASAP, at mburleson@propelschools.org to confirm your participation in either the Design Day, Build Day or both!


]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/02/propel-plays-news-braddock-hills-is-getting-a-playground/feed/ 0 East City Engineers! http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/east-city-engineers/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/east-city-engineers/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:57:13 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1654 This past Saturday, Propel East participated in the Engineer’s Week Future City Competition, held at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland.  Propel East students were honored with the special award for Best Communication Systems! We are very proud of these students and what they achieved to be able to participate – and win an award at – this event!

Here are a few pictures recapping the competition:


 

 

 …

]]> This past Saturday, Propel East participated in the Engineer’s Week Future City Competition, held at the Carnegie Music Hall in Oakland.  Propel East students were honored with the special award for Best Communication Systems! We are very proud of these students and what they achieved to be able to participate – and win an award at – this event!

Here are a few pictures recapping the competition:


 

 

 

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/east-city-engineers/feed/ 1 Propel your Math Skills http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/propel-your-math-skills/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/propel-your-math-skills/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:57:50 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1632 They say practice makes perfect. When it comes to helping your child improve his or her math skills, there are many ways for parents to build math skills with children at home.

The Propel Braddock Hills Elementary Math Coach, Mrs. Carr, offers six at-home tips, recommended math websites, four fun math games,  and other simple ways that parents can help enhance their children’s math skills.


…

]]> They say practice makes perfect. When it comes to helping your child improve his or her math skills, there are many ways for parents to build math skills with children at home.

The Propel Braddock Hills Elementary Math Coach, Mrs. Carr, offers six at-home tips, recommended math websites, four fun math games,  and other simple ways that parents can help enhance their children’s math skills.


]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/propel-your-math-skills/feed/ 0 Challenge Day combats bullying, promotes kindness at Propel Braddock Hills H.S. http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/challenge-day-at-propel-braddock-hills-h-s/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/challenge-day-at-propel-braddock-hills-h-s/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:12:51 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1621 This December, Propel Braddock Hills High School hosted it’s first ever Challenge Day.  This is another measure to combat bullying in school through educating our students about its dangers, and the importance of kindness.  In the morning sessions, students were  presented with information held via workshops held by community experts on sexual harassment, race issues, poverty info, and cyberbullying.

In the afternoon the entire student body participated in a discussion with guest panelists, including representatives from Expect Respect (Pittsburgh) and Secret Agent L. Students were given real life examples of harmful behavior inflicted on others and themselves, and discussed what effects various actions can have.

Secret Agent L talked about how her Kindness Campaign began “BE KIND. NO EXCEPTIONS.”, and how it’s grown over the past two years.  She stressed the importance of “intentional acts of kindness,” as opposed to “random acts of kindness.”  Students asked tough and honest questions, and were provided with food for thought:

“No matter who, what, where, or how different another may be, every time you crush someone, you leave a lasting impression. Why not make a positive lasting impression, rather than one of destruction?”

The goal of Challenge Day was to to show students that their peers, teachers – people in general – are actually more alike than different; and that extending our hearts and hands to one another and for one another is a huge and important step toward peace.


Check out with she had to say when Secret Agent L visits Propel …

]]> This December, Propel Braddock Hills High School hosted it’s first ever Challenge Day.  This is another measure to combat bullying in school through educating our students about its dangers, and the importance of kindness.  In the morning sessions, students were  presented with information held via workshops held by community experts on sexual harassment, race issues, poverty info, and cyberbullying.

In the afternoon the entire student body participated in a discussion with guest panelists, including representatives from Expect Respect (Pittsburgh) and Secret Agent L. Students were given real life examples of harmful behavior inflicted on others and themselves, and discussed what effects various actions can have.

Secret Agent L talked about how her Kindness Campaign began “BE KIND. NO EXCEPTIONS.”, and how it’s grown over the past two years.  She stressed the importance of “intentional acts of kindness,” as opposed to “random acts of kindness.”  Students asked tough and honest questions, and were provided with food for thought:

“No matter who, what, where, or how different another may be, every time you crush someone, you leave a lasting impression. Why not make a positive lasting impression, rather than one of destruction?”

The goal of Challenge Day was to to show students that their peers, teachers – people in general – are actually more alike than different; and that extending our hearts and hands to one another and for one another is a huge and important step toward peace.


Check out with she had to say when Secret Agent L visits Propel Braddock Hills High School on Challenge Day 2011

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2012/01/challenge-day-at-propel-braddock-hills-h-s/feed/ 0 Propel Northside Cares http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-northside-cares/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-northside-cares/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:00:54 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1595 In November, Propel Northside teamed up with Channel 4′s Sally Wiggin and Highmark’s Caring Place to talk with students about the importance of caring for others.  Fasy Greevy, representing the Caring Place, spoke with the children about the role of the Caring Place for grieving children and families. Propel Northside raised $400.00 to donate towards the Caring Place, which Highmark then matched! Sally spent time talking with students and staff about the importance of caring for others.

Principal Ariane Watson talked about the 3 B’s – be safe, be respectful, and be responsible, and how following these simple steps can do so much for others around you.

 


Sally Wiggin accepted the check on the Caring Place’s behalf, and shared why she supports the Caring Place. Her father passed suddenly when she was very young and wished she had the support of the Caring Place at that difficult time. Everyone should have someone to support and care for them in a time of need.  

One way Propel Northside raised money to donate was through a raffle drawing for a signed Pittsburgh penguins jersey – and one lucky student won a signed Pascal Dupuis jersey!

 

 

Who is going to uphold the 3 B’s everywhere they go?

Thanks to Sally Wiggin,  Fasy Greevy and Propel Northside for their support!

…

]]> In November, Propel Northside teamed up with Channel 4′s Sally Wiggin and Highmark’s Caring Place to talk with students about the importance of caring for others.  Fasy Greevy, representing the Caring Place, spoke with the children about the role of the Caring Place for grieving children and families. Propel Northside raised $400.00 to donate towards the Caring Place, which Highmark then matched! Sally spent time talking with students and staff about the importance of caring for others.

Principal Ariane Watson talked about the 3 B’s – be safe, be respectful, and be responsible, and how following these simple steps can do so much for others around you.

 


Sally Wiggin accepted the check on the Caring Place’s behalf, and shared why she supports the Caring Place. Her father passed suddenly when she was very young and wished she had the support of the Caring Place at that difficult time. Everyone should have someone to support and care for them in a time of need.  

One way Propel Northside raised money to donate was through a raffle drawing for a signed Pittsburgh penguins jersey – and one lucky student won a signed Pascal Dupuis jersey!

 

 

Who is going to uphold the 3 B’s everywhere they go?

Thanks to Sally Wiggin,  Fasy Greevy and Propel Northside for their support!

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-northside-cares/feed/ 0 Propel Montour runners http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-montour-runners/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-montour-runners/#comments Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:13:56 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1615 Congratulations to Propel Montour’s Girls on the Run team for competing in the Jingle Bell Run 5K on December 10, 2011!

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]]> Congratulations to Propel Montour’s Girls on the Run team for competing in the Jingle Bell Run 5K on December 10, 2011!

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-montour-runners/feed/ 0 Propel BHHS Helps out Toy Drive http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-bhhs-helps-out-toy-drive/ http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-bhhs-helps-out-toy-drive/#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:23:14 +0000 propel http://blog.propelschools.org/?p=1604 Braddock Hills High School hosted AIU and UPMC representatives who, along with Propel student volunteers, helped organize and load piles of donated toys to thirteen shelters throughout the Pittsburgh area.  As part of their annual toy drive, UPMC launches “Karing for Kids” at various locations, at which their employees donate new toys for those who otherwise would not have a gift-filled holiday. The AIU contributed via their “Giving Tree,” and  together with UPMC, were able to collect enough toys and gifts for 380 kids!


Propel Braddock Hills HS was happy to host the organization and loading part of the drive, where about 20 student volunteers helped to load cars, organize gifts, and assist wherever else they were needed.


Across Propel, we believe in the power of a community to lift individuals, and that it is our job to prepare children and teens to build and be part of such communities.  At Propel high schools, students learn how to better understand the definition of community and giving back through various community service efforts.

…

]]> Braddock Hills High School hosted AIU and UPMC representatives who, along with Propel student volunteers, helped organize and load piles of donated toys to thirteen shelters throughout the Pittsburgh area.  As part of their annual toy drive, UPMC launches “Karing for Kids” at various locations, at which their employees donate new toys for those who otherwise would not have a gift-filled holiday. The AIU contributed via their “Giving Tree,” and  together with UPMC, were able to collect enough toys and gifts for 380 kids!


Propel Braddock Hills HS was happy to host the organization and loading part of the drive, where about 20 student volunteers helped to load cars, organize gifts, and assist wherever else they were needed.


Across Propel, we believe in the power of a community to lift individuals, and that it is our job to prepare children and teens to build and be part of such communities.  At Propel high schools, students learn how to better understand the definition of community and giving back through various community service efforts.

]]> http://blog.propelschools.org/2011/12/propel-bhhs-helps-out-toy-drive/feed/ 2