Charter school tempe: Uh oh. We’re very sorry.

WHO WE ARE — New School for the Arts & Academics

Who We Are…

New School for the Arts’ first graduating class in front of the original Scottsdale location.

New School for the Arts & Academics (NSAA) founder Ron Caya had a vision: to open a high school that would give students an advantage in the arts with the primary goal of producing graduates who are prepared to enter the professional fields of art and education. It was very important to Dean Caya that NSAA build a faculty of professional artists to act as knowledgeable and highly-qualified teachers in order to inspire excellence from it’s students. He recognized that in order to develop a successful community, NSAA teachers needed to be among the best in their field and active artists within the community. NSAA’s teaching philosophy would place tremendous value in active, experiential hands-on learning and would focus on the integration of arts in the academic classroom. In 1995, Ron Caya’s vision became a reality, as New School for the Arts & Academics opened its doors in Scottsdale to its first class of young artists.

Making Tempe Our Home…

The iconic Electric Ballroom in Tempe, later to become the home of New School for the Arts & Academics.

It didn’t take long before NSAA outgrew its original location, but where would we go? It was important to Dean Caya that NSAA’s new home embodied the unique, artistic spirit of its students and faculty, so when the facility that was once home to the Electric Ballroom (a local music venue which had presented many iconic artists of the 90’s) became available, it was a no-brainer that this should become the new home for New School for the Arts & Academics. In August of 2002, NSAA opened its doors, and for the first time in a long while, music & art once again fill the halls of this distinctive, charming building as students rehearsed for performances on the very stage where the likes of No Doubt, Weezer, Phish, Nirvana, and Iggy Pop had once played.

Founding NSAA Middle School…

After 9 years of operating a successful high school, Founder Ron Caya decided it was time to open a middle school with a quality and comprehensive arts and academic curriculum to feed into the high school; this occurred in 2003. The middle school physically joined the high school campus in 2005 and shares teachers and staff, which brings continuity between the two schools; however, the two charter schools are separate in some teaching practices, each school implementing methods conducive to the specific grade levels. 

Building Our Legacy…

Over the course of several years NSAA high school and middle school have progressed in state performance labels ranging from Performing Plus, Highly Performing and, Excelling based on the Arizona Department of Education criterion. NSAA’s on-going goal is to continue meeting the excelling criteria of state and national standards, and to offer college preparatory courses as the founder and charter.  

An enormous part of our successful community relies on the NSAA faculty and staff. We take pride in hiring staff who are qualified teachers and professional artists. NSAA teachers are among the best in the field and continue to grow and develop according to the needs of the school and the community and evolve with the demands of teaching pedagogy and practices. Our students are privileged to have a diverse group of faculty and staff to support and guide them.

NSAA in the Community…

NSAA is proud to participate in various Valley events and host community festivals to bring the community closer and provide exhibit and performance experiences for our talented artists. NSAA is recognized as an Arizona Civic Engagement School— School of Distinction— for making a difference in the civic life of our community and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make that difference.

Although NSAA has a teaching philosophy unlike traditional public schools, the requirements for public charter schools remain the same as for other public schools. NSAA must demonstrate progress from year to year in student achievement and growth, which is measured by a variety of data including attendance, performance on state testing and graduation rates. NSAA complies with all legislation, both federal and state, regarding the expectations and operating procedures of a public charter school. NSAA is obligated to fulfill the goals and items described in the charter contracts with the Arizona State Board for Charter Schools. If NSAA does not meet these requirements, funding and the integrity of the charter contract may be questioned and possibly revoked.

In addition to the Department of Education and School State Board, NSAA must be in compliance with the AZ State Board of Charter Schools. NSAA is a member of the AZ Charter School Association and is accredited by AdvancED.

Administration — New School for the Arts & Academics

EXECUTIVE DEAN

Katy Ferrell-Cardenas

EXCEPTIONAL STUDENT SERVICES DIRECTOR

Jason Silva

FACULTY & INSTRUCTIONAL DIRECTOR

Jo Anne Craig

INSTRUCTIONAL COACH

Luke Young

BUSINESS MANAGER

Barbara DeGruccio

MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT / TEACHER LIAISON

Jane Dowell

HIGH SCHOOL REGISTRAR

Martha Pena

VISUAL ARTS COORDINATOR

Kyllan Maney

PERFORMING ARTS COORDINATOR

Amy Abbruscato

FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

Jean Rusen

ACADEMIC COORDINATOR

Jaimie Moldt

PARAPROFESSIONAL / ENRICHMENT COORDINATOR

Dymond Ferrell

PARAPROFESSIONAL / ACADEMIC INTERVENTION

Natalie Bennett

KATY FERRELL-CARDENAS – Executive Dean | MEd

On Faculty Since: 2003

Office Hours: By appointment

Katy Ferrell-Cárdenas graduated in Health Education in 1993 from U of A, and joined the Peace Corp for a tour to Sana’a, Yemen. Upon returning, she worked as a community educator for the County Health Dept. In 1996, Mrs. Cárdenas moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where she also worked for five years in private instruction. Mrs. Cárdenas earned three Master’s Degrees; Curriculum and Instruction, Education Leadership and Applied Behavior Analysis from ASU and holds Principal Certificate and has passed the State Superintendent exam. Dean Cárdenas has written charters and been a consultant on curriculum development for many Arizona public charter schools and is a passionate supporter of Charter Schools. In 2003, Mrs. Cardenas joined the NSAA organization as Principal for the Middle School, and a full time teaching position. Dean Cárdenas accepted the position of Executive Dean for NSAA in 2006, upon the retirement of its Founder, Dean Caya. Katy teaches high school Algebra 1-2 and is the OCR 504 Accommodation Plan Coordinator.

AMY ABBRUSCATO – Performing Arts Coordinator | BFA

On Faculty Since: 2014

Office Hours: Monday & Thursday 9:00am- 3:00pm

Amy graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatrical Production with an emphasis in Acting.  While attending the U of A she completed the rigorous Actor’s Training Program where she focused on American Realism, Chekhov, Shakespeare, Commedia Dell’Arte, Moliere and Restoration acting styles. She is also a certified actor-combatant in rapier and dagger, broadsword, and unarmed by The Society of American Fight Directors. As the Musical Theatre & Acting teacher at NSAA, Amy has directed over 20 productions including Hair, Moon Over Buffalo, A Chorus Line, The Crucible, Chicago, Rumors, Sense & Sensibility, Legally Blonde and many more!

Amy has had over 20 years of dance training in styles such as Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern, Musical Theatre, Hip Hop and more! She performed for several years with the Tucson Regional Ballet Company as a member of their Senior Company. Amy has also trained in voice for over 17 years both privately and as a member of numerous vocal ensembles. As a vocalist, she has more than 20 musicals under her belt and has played such roles as Velma in Chicago, Marta in Company, Cassie in A Chorus Line and Nancy in Oliver.  

In addition serving as Performing Arts Coordinator, Amy teaches Musical Theatre and Acting at NSAA. She currently lives in South Tempe with her husband, son & daughter, and adorable pug, Lucy. In her free time she enjoys crafting, cooking, and binging True Crime series.

NATALIE BENNETT – Paraprofessional/Academic Intervention

On Faculty Since: 2022

Natalie is an alumni of NSAA and is working as a paraprofessional and faculty support. She is working on her Bachelors of Science at Arizona State University with a focus in Human Development and Psychology. Her goal is to become a Counselor or Psychotherapist.

JO ANNE CRAIG – Faculty & Instructional Director | JD, MEd, BA

On Faculty Since: 2005

Office Hours: Monday & Thursday 3:15-4:00 pm, Lunch by appointment

The 2019-20 school year will marks Jo Anne Craig’s fourteenth year with NSAA, teaching both Social Studies and English Language Arts at both the High School and Middle School. This year, she will teach Humanities (Honors) and English Composition & Literature as well as work as the Rio Salado instructor for Dual Enrollment Government. In addition to teaching, she serves as the NSAA Director of Faculty and Instruction. She received her J.D. degree from Wayne State University Law School and a secondary education post-baccalaureate teacher certification from Arizona State University. She graduated in December 2016 with a Masters degree in Educational Leadership from Arizona State University. Mrs. Craig’s philosophy for teaching is that every student can learn and reach successful learning outcomes. She provides numerous opportunities for students to succeed through discussion, collaborative group work, Socratic seminars, critical reading and writing exercises, and art integration. She is also a big proponent of experienced-based learning. Mrs. Craig loves to have her students think critically and challenge existing viewpoints. Her favorite Historian is Howard Zinn, who wrote the celebrated book, A People’s History of the United States. Outside of school, she spends time with her husband, children and three adorable dogs.

BARBARA DEGRUCCIO – Business Manager

On Faculty Since: 1995

Barbara DeGruccio, Business Manager, has over 20 years experience in budgeting and accounting. She majored in business at Queens College in New York. Ms. DeGruccio’s responsibilities include overseeing NSAA’s annual budget, teacher & classroom supplies, and building maintenance. Barbara is a parent of an NSAA graduate.

JANE DOWELL – Middle School Parent/Teacher Liaison | BS

On Faculty Since: 2003

Office Hours: Monday & Thursday 3:45-4:30 pm, By appointment

Jane Dowell has been with the middle school since 2003. However, she has been teaching for longer than that. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a teaching certificate. She has taken the examination required to make her “Highly Qualified” to teach middle school science. She is a daughter, sister, aunt, wife, mother and grandmother; all roles in which she is all proud to claim, but being a teacher, especially a teacher of science, explains the core of her being. Ever inquisitive she searches to find the unknown and make it known to her students. She is a lover of learning, penguins and space, especially planet Neptune.

DYMOND FERRELL – Paraprofessional/Enrichment Coordinator

On Faculty Since: 2019

Dymond is an alumni of NSAA and a certified state Paraprofessional and Substitute Teacher. She coordinates the NSAA Achieve 3000 Enrichment Program and works with students in all grade levels to help organize their learning goals and offer support on an individual basis. She is here to support the faculty and staff as needed. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and spending time with family.

KYLLAN MANEY – Visual Arts Director | BFA

On Faculty Since: 2002

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 12:05-12:35 pm, By appointment

Kyllan Maney works with aspects of nature that draw upon feelings of tranquility, discovery, spirituality and awe when looking closely at plants and objects. This is the visual foundation of Kyllan’s work… rooted in radial patterns, maps, biomorphic shapes, human relationships and inspirations from past and current artists. Kyllan enjoys the inventive, creative process of large- scale murals, mixed media work and drawing.

Kyllan has also been teaching Painting and Mixed Media for over eighteen years at New School for the Arts and Academics in Tempe, Arizona. She has been the Visual Arts Department Director for the past eleven years. She finds that teaching is an ever-evolving process which inspires her artwork. Her education includes an internship at the National Museum of Natural History along with a BFA with a specialization in Painting and Post Baccalaureate classes from Arizona State University.

Throughout the year, Kyllan creates commercial and residential interactive murals and collaborative community art projects and workshops around the valley, including Intel, Paypal, City of Tempe, Danelle Plaza, Downtown Tempe, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Arts, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and Phoenix Art Museum. In 2014, she was recognized as one of 100 Creatives by the New Times publication. Her work can also be seen at Art One Gallery in Scottsdale and Practical Art in Phoenix. Please visit her website- www.kyllanmaney.com for more images.

MARTHA PENA – High School Registrar | BA

On Faculty Since: 2007

Office Hours: Daily 12:00-12:30 pm & 2:15-3:00 pm

Martha Pena teaches Fashion Design I-III. She recently graduated from the Art Institute of Phoenix with a BA of Arts in Fashion Marketing. Before attending the Art Institute of Phoenix, she attended Phoenix Community College. Her interests are art, photography, shopping, researching trends, sewing, and designing. Some of her work experiences include visual merchandising, photography, and fashion design.

JEAN “QUEEN JEAN” RUSEN – Middle School Registrar & Front Desk Manager | BA

On Faculty Since: 2013

Office Hours: Daily 8:00am-4:00pm

Jean Rusen-Keyser received a B.A. in Social Science from Maryland’s Salisbury University in 1992. In addition to her various  administrative duties at NSAA (Middle School Registrar, Middle & High School Attendance Clerk, Prom Committee Sponsor, Human Bell System, & self-proclaimed “Queen of the Front Desk”), Jean also lets her “artist flag” fly through her professional skateboarding career and her involvement in the local valley music scene. She serves as a lead & backing vocalist with some of Tempe rockabilly legend Kevin Daly’s projects. In the skateboarding world, Jean made history as the first woman to compete in a World Cup Skateboarding men’s event back in 2009 (grandmasters/40+) & still competes with “the old guys” at select events. She was also the oldest active competitor in the WCS Women’s Pro Bowl division for several years, before stepping into her current role of judge at many of the major women’s events. She takes great pride in the fact that two of her sponsors, Silly Girl Skateboards (La Habra, CA) & Sidewalk Surfer (Scottsdale, AZ), have partnered with her to benefit NSAA & the students (through fundraising opportunities & art/design/business experience).  Both of Jean’s daughters (aka: Spawn 1 & Spawn 2) attended NSAA & her saint-of-a-husband has played a massive (100% volunteer) role in Prom Committee, & keeping Jean (somewhat) sane.

JASON SILVA – Exceptional Student Services Director | MEd (Special Education), MEd (Educational Administration)

On Faculty Since: 2017

Office Hours: Daily 10:30-11:30 am

Mr. Silva works in administration as the school Exceptional Student Services Director. Mr. Silva holds a Master’s degree from Arizona State University in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from Grand Canyon University. In addition to his administrative duties, Mr. Silva also teaches the film workshop class studying great films in the history of cinema, filmmaking techniques, and film analysis. Mr. Silva lives in Tempe with his family and in his free time works as a freelance photographer. Jason also works as an adjunct professor at Northern Arizona University. He teaches courses through the Institute of Human Development in the areas of Exceptional Children in Regular Programs and Methods and Materials in Special Education

ESS RESOURCES

LUKE YOUNG – Instructional Coach | MEd, BFA

On Faculty Since: 2012

Office Hours: Tuesday 3:15 – 4:00pm, Wednesday 12:10 – 12:45pm

Luke Young earned his BFA in Theatre Production from the University of Arizona, and his MEd in Instructional leadership from Northcentral University. He completed Rio Salado College’s Teacher Preparation Program in 2013 and he is currently finishing a certificate in creative writing from Phoenix College. He has worked for NSAA since 2012. His duties as Instructional Coach include gradebook and report card configuration, mentoring teachers, Commonapp applications and college and career readiness.

Two Rivers Public Charter School / Twenty Seven Architecture Studio

Two Rivers Public Charter School / Twenty Seven Architecture Studio

Two Rivers Public Charter School is a network of high performing public charter schools in Washington, DC. The new high school on the Yanga campus, designed by Studio Twenty Seven Architecture, is a state-of-the-art facility with large classrooms, allocated common space, a full-size gym, outdoor courts, a sun-drenched atrium, and signature sitting steps in the foyer. This school serves students in grades 6 to 8 and is connected to the existing elementary school by an elevated bridge. Special classrooms include art, drama, music, Spanish, a science lab, and recreational study spaces. nine0003

The property on which the building is built is bounded by a dense property line and a 15-foot setback. The design had to creatively fit into this space along with student traffic. The use of a cantilever display provides a welcoming entrance and has helped us achieve several goals: an indoor outdoor seating area protects waiting and gathering students in front of the school from adverse weather conditions, and allows for more green roof space. This gives more play space behind the building, because the building can cover part of the circle of the cliff, as well as a more welcoming and less intrusive view of the street. nine0003

Vertical expansion – The school wanted to be able to expand in the future. The design deliberately provides additional cargo capacity for a different story for future expansion. This new facility is located in a designated watershed area that requires additional storm water management measures. To meet these requirements, we have maximized the green roof by designing a cantilevered corner roof plane, applying the green roof, and lifting several mechanical VRFs. nine0003

Critical to the project was budgeting and scheduling the project through a thorough cost analysis. Using the CPM method gave a total design time of 70 days. The project is located in the designated area of ​​the Anacostia watershed, which requires additional stormwater management measures. To meet the requirements of the narrow lot, we maximized the building’s green roof by:

Designing a cantilevered angle to maximize the 2nd floor roof plane. Raising multiple mechanical VRFs to the roof to provide maximum green rooftops. Use of permeable outdoor surfaces, including a rubberized playing surface, outdoor play areas, and a modular tile basketball court, while still allowing the break program. Storm water management around the perimeter of the building and driveway to the biocontainment area at the front of the school. Installation of permeable paving stones on all surfaces of footpaths

Savings Measures: For the existing renovation of the elementary school, parts of the existing gym floor were repaired and replaced. Uses part of an existing building for elective classes to save money and work with the program. Bridge: The physical connection between the two buildings was achieved as a result of an investigation. This made the most sense for the school in terms of programming and managing the infrastructure from the existing building. Schools share a kitchen and a nurse’s room, which avoids program duplication, saving money and giving students more space to learn. nine0003

The PEPCO transformer room was located in a section of an existing building with a utility channel that crossed our proposed building footprint. We have carried out test holes to test the location of the canal underground and built a foundation around it to avoid conflicts.

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Chartered Linguistic Academy in Orlando to be!

2020 turned out to be an unusually unexpected year. First, quarantine fell on us due to hitherto unknown covid-19, then a fire of protests and riots broke out in many parts of America. The usual way of life has disappeared and, it seems, if it returns, it will be significantly updated.

In the new living conditions, the education of our children turned out to be a weak link. Ancient wisdom says: “If you want to defeat the enemy, raise his children.” Many of us have suddenly realized that we do not control who and what teaches our children, and we do not like it. This includes the early sexualization of children, and their political indoctrination, and simply an unacceptably low level of knowledge. A separate big problem: the school has ceased to be a safe place due to bullying (bullying the weak and unlike others), and sometimes the sale of drugs on school grounds. “In the kitchens” and on social networks, worried parents began to discuss ways out of this situation. Few can afford private schooling for their children. If there are two or more children in a family, the cost of such education becomes unbearable. Homeschooling for working parents is also not an option. The charter school remained the most suitable training option in this case. nine0003

Charter School – A public school in private hands. In a charter school, the school board decides to what extent and according to what program to teach certain disciplines. You can choose specialized and additional items. At the same time, education for students occurs at the expense of state funding.

A group of enthusiasts from the Church of Christ the Savior began the process of opening a charter linguistic academy in Orlando, and on September 13, 2020 held an orientation seminar for Russian-speaking residents of the city. The process of opening a school is not easy and rather lengthy: we will have a good safe school with in-depth study of the Russian language in a year or two. It is assumed that the charter academy will organize a leadership school, psychological and mentoring support, free meals for families with below-average incomes, an extension to help working parents, sports events, and more. nine0003

According to Pastor Eugenia Frederiksen, a lot of research work has been done to find partners in the opening of the school. The main criteria were a positive experience in the field of charter schools and a high level of education of students. The Global Outreach Charter Academy from Jacksonville, headed by Sergei Soroka, became such a partner. The positive baggage of this team: 10 years of successful work, growth from a small school in a rented building to three full-fledged own schools (elementary, middle and senior) and, most importantly, the changed lives of many children of different ages and nationalities. nine0003

At present, work is underway to select the location of the future school and other organizational issues. If you see yourself as a teacher or would like to pre-enrolment your children to school, you can send an email with questions to [email protected].

Help spread this message to interested Orlando residents. And our editors will keep you updated on developments.