CCA Communicator Volume 4

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April 18, 2014 Volume 1, Issue 4
CCA Communicator
Visit our website at
www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org
Inside this issue:
Seventh Grade’s View of
Columbia College
2
Adler Planetarium Trip (Cont’d) 3-4
Eighth Grade Activities 5
Celebrating Women in Media 6-8
Countdown to Spring Break 9
Did you Know? 10
Spring Poetry Corner 11-14
Athletic Awards
15-16
Superintendent’s Commission
17-18
WIN Awards
19
Teacher’s Appreciation 19
Mr. Scott’s 2-Way Street 20
“A Trip to Outer Space”
By Kayla Rias
On March 14, 2014, the seventh graders from Creative Communications
Academy boarded a yellow “spaceship” and headed toward space. The trip was
to the Adler Planetarium as a follow-up to our study of Astronomy in Science
class. There we learned about gas and air pressure in space and on Earth using a
marshmallow, liquid water, and shaving cream. Next, we explored all the plan-
ets, including the Sun using IPADs. We also saw how meteors are formed. We
then headed downstairs to view telescopes from the past and we saw the four
moons revolving around Jupiter as Galileo had seen. (Continued on page 3)
Outdoor view of the Adler Planetarium.
Page 2 CCA Communicator
Our Trip To Columbia College
From left to right: Joslyn Bailey,
Deverrea Kelly, Donya White,
Khamal Williams, Mia Scott
(Filming) Sean McSmith
Shawnna Evans ready to
take the perfect picture.
From left to right: Joshua
Counts, Charles Reed, Cornelia
Grant, Tamia Townsend
Terrell Miles-Johnson is
focused and prepared
for conducting a photo
shoot.
Pictured on the left: Alyssia
Smith, Dashan Harris, Corey
Thomas, Tamia Townsend,
Joshua Counts, Cornelia Grant
“I’ve got this” Romel
By Kayla Rias
Shortly after lunch, we went to the Omnimax Theater to view how other stars in space might have
a solar system, but only one planet is somewhat Earth-like. The last place we went to before heading back
to school, was the Worldwide Telescope and the Northern Lights exhibit. The worldwide telescope is
where you can really see outer space. The northern lights were about how they are formed using a plasma
ball. This was a very enjoyable and educational trip. Thank you to Ms. Gentles for teaching us the pre-
activities we needed to know and for allowing us the opportunity to visit the Adler Planetarium.
“A Trip to Outer Space” Continued
Page 3 Volume 1, Issue 4
Pictured to the left: Finding
new planets exhibit.
Pictured below: Our beloved
Planet Earth
Pictured to the right:
We think it’s Saturn
Pictured below: Planet
Earth
Pictured above from left to right:
Tyrin Redeaux, Tyler Barnes,
Kayla Rias, Shawnna Evans,
Joshua Coleman, Donya White, Mia
Scott, and Josean Weisinger.
Page 4 CCA Communicator
Pictures from Alder Planetarium
(Cont’d)
Pictured above from left to right:
Joshua Coleman, Kayla Rias, Donya
White, Josean Weisinger, Shawnna
Evans, Mia Scott, Lavonya Pointer,
Tamia Townsend, Tyler Barnes, Je-
lynn Jaggers,
We love this
Quote!!!!
How the Earth rotates.
To the left: Part of Chicago’s
Skyline viewed from the
Adler Planetarium
Beautiful Sculpture outside
of the Adler Planetarium.
Page 5 Volume 1, Issue 4
Eighth Grade Graduation Activities

Dance May 16, 2014 Middle School Gymnasium




Class Trip May 27, 2014 Springfield – State Capitol




Luncheon May 28, 2014 Crestwood – Condesa del Mar




Graduation June 2, 2014 Thornwood High School



Congratulations to the Class of 2014!
Page 6 CCA Communicator
Celebrating Women in Media (Past-Present)
By: Jovoney Morton
While celebrating women’s history, we should all keep in mind not only the past, but
present contributors to our modern society. Although media has changed throughout
time, all these women interpreted stories, news, and opinions in their own unique way.
All these women also have a passion for influencing the public on political, celebrity, and
worldwide issues.
Ida B. Wells (1862-1931)
Ida B. Wells was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi and died in
Chicago. During her life, she was known as an anti-lynching cru-
sader, suffragist, women's rights advocate, journalist, and
speaker. After her hometown suffered a case of Yellow Fever
which killed her parents and youngest sibling, Ida took the re-
sponsibility of caring for her younger siblings. While moving to
Memphis in 1884, her fight on a train triggered her career as a
journalist. After multiple white men dragged her off a railroad
car because she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger,
Ida sued the railroad company. Not only did she write about her
own experience on the train, but other people were interested in
her story. Throughout the rest of her life, Ida B. Wells created
women suffrage organizations, lynching organizations, and cre-
ated a newspaper.
Helen Thomas (1920-2013)
Helen Thomas was the first female member of the White
House Press Corps. She was also the United Press International’s
first female White House bureau chief and the first female member
of Washington's historic press group. Helen knew she wanted to
become a journalist since high school. In the 1940’s, she was pro-
moted to a reporter by Washington Daily News, and covered stories
about women. Over the next few decades, Helen covered Washing-
ton celebrities, government agencies, and press briefings and con-
ferences of President John F. Kennedy. She sparked many female
journalist careers with her persuasion and talent. Helen Thomas
became known as the “First Lady of the Press”.
In Loving Memory of two GREAT moms:
Ms. Sherby Smith –Mother of Lt. Smith and Mrs. Dorothy Blair –Mother of Angela Blair
Page 7 Volume 1, Issue 4
Nancy Hicks Maynard (1946-2008)
Nancy was one of the first African-American female
reporters for The New York Times. Along with her husband,
she published The Oakland Tribune and founded the Insti-
tute for Journalism Education. Which was later renamed
Maynard Institute for Journalism Education after her hus-
band’s death in 1992. She became interested in journalism as
a teenager when a fire destroyed her school in Harlem. Out-
raged by the way news media portrayed her community,
Nancy felt that she could change that. Throughout her ca-
reer she covered black riots, teacher strikes, education and
science departments, and President Robert F. Kennedy’s
accounts of life.
Robin Roberts (1960-Present)
Born and raised in Pass Christian, Mississippi to a Tus-
kegee Airmen pilot, Robin became involved in athletics and
worked hard to achieve academic success. Following her sister’s
footsteps, Robin earned a journalism scholarship and attended
Southern Louisiana University. After obtaining a degree in
communication, Robin went on to become a sports reporter
and anchor for a local TV station in Mississippi. Later, she was
hired by ESPN to become an anchor for Sportscenter. After
that, she was a co-anchor of Good Morning America! Robin
took leave of the show for a while to treat a blood disorder she
got from chemotherapy for breast cancer. She was honored the
Arthur Aspe’s Courage Award at the 2013 ESPY’s. When she
returned to the show in early 2014, she confessed that she was a
gay woman.
Page 8 CCA Communicator
Cheryl Burton (1962-Present)
Cheryl Burton was born and raised in Chicago on December
25, 1962. She attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Her early journalism career in the 1980’s included being a host of
the nation’s first African-American owned TV network, BET.
Cheryl’s broadcast career started as a co-anchor and reporter for
ABC 7 Chicago News. She has worked with the company for 22
years. Cheryl has won numerous journalism awards like several
Emmy Awards, the 2009 Proctor and Gamble Pioneer Award, and
the 2008 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Salute
to Excellence International Award. She has covered historic and
entertaining events like President Barack Obama’s Inauguration
and the opening of Oprah’s Leadership Academy in South Africa.
Aside from her journalism and broadcasting career, Cheryl also gets
involved with her community. She founded the annual winter toy
drive and donates to multiple charities.
Oprah Winfrey (1954-Present)
Oprah first started her broadcasting career after winning the Miss
Black Tennessee Pageant when she was 18. It led to her earning a
part-time news position on a black radio station. She later moved
to Baltimore to host a show called People Are Talking for 8 years.
Then a Chicago news team recruited her to host A.M Chicago.
This morning talk show later became the Oprah Winfrey Show
which aired for 25 seasons. After gaining popularity nationwide,
Steven Spielberg gave her a role in his 1985 film The Color Purple,
earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Af-
ter earning ownership of her talk show from ABC, she drew it un-
der her own production company (HARPO). She became the first
black woman to host a nationally syndicated daily talk show. She
was also the first black woman to become a billionaire in the U.S.
In the past decade, Oprah has co-founded Oxygen, created her
own television network, and has donated over $51 million dollars
to charities. She is a well-known talk show host, producer, entre-
preneur, philanthropist, film actress, and television producer.
Countdown To Spring Break
Page 9 Volume 1, Issue 4
By Kennedy Austin

What are the two words students look forward to after winter? Spring Break of course!
After staying the house for months, I’m sure everyone is excited about getting into the
warm weather. The common plans for today’s teens are walking around the mall with
friends or going to the park. Doesn't that eventually get boring? Why not try something
new?
Start pedaling! Bike riding is a convenient form of transportation, as well as a
fun way to race friends. Rollerblading is another Spring Time Sport that is both chal-
lenging for beginners and fun for all. If that doesn't interest you, try educating yourself.
Communication is more than just the name of our school. Learn more about it by visit-
ing the Communication Broadcasting Museum.
I would also suggest exploring many other museums in the city of Chicago
such as the Planetarium. Did you know that when our teachers and parents were in
school, Spring Break was called Clean-Up Week? It was a time to put away the old
and bring in the new. Clean-Up Week included packing away winter clothing, painting,
redecorating, and -you guessed it- a lot of cleaning.
See, Spring Break isn't just about sleeping in. Lose yourself in the endless
activities and opportunities that are out there. It is good to keep an open mind. Learn
and try something new everyday. Creating a schedule is a great idea too, but make
sure you leave some time to relax and enjoy the break!
By: Jazmyn Webb
Every year on March 17
th
, we celebrate St. Patrick’s. St. Patrick was the
patron saint of Ireland. Wearing green is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition. St. Pat-
rick’s real name is Maewyn Succat. All over the world on St. Patrick’s Day many
have a parade, and sometimes color the river green in celebration.
On April 1
st
we celebrate April fool’s Day. April Fool’s Day many like to
play practical jokes on each other. It is not a national holiday but is wildly recog-
nized. Some like to prank your siblings, or even your friends.
Mardi Gras is a holiday celebrated in New Orleans. Mardi Gras became a
holiday in 1582. It is about music, parades, parties, floats and
excitement. Mardi Gras is usually celebrated on March 4
th
.
Mardi Gras is also called Fat Tuesday. Many wear masks, and
beads around their neck in celebration.
History of Spring Holidays
Happy April Fools Day!!
CCA Communicator Page 10
DID YOU KNOW?
Illinois State Constitution Facts…
By: Ms. Grimes

 Illinois has had FOUR constitutions!
 The Governor of Illinois is pat Quinn and Lt. Governor is Sheila Simon.
 In order to be a House of Representative you must be at least 21 years
old.
 Both the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives meet in
Springfield, have lawmaking responsibilities and are elected by the
people.
 The Illinois Senate’s term is two years.
 Illinois government has three branches of government just like the
federal government.
 The capital of Illinois is Springfield; NOT Chicago.
 The largest item of the Illinois state spending is EDUCATION!
 There are 102 counties in Illinois. Do you know which county you live
in?
Page 11 CCA Communicator

(According to The Teachers & Writers Handbook of Poetic Forms by Ron Padgett. “The word acros-
tic comes from the Greek word across (outermost) and stichos (line of poetry). As a literary form,
the basic acrostic is a poem in which the first letters of the lines, read downwards, forms a word a
word).


(Summer Stephens – 7C)
(Amy Guindo – 7A)
Sunny Days Sun Shining
Painted Blossoms Planting Flowers
Rainy Season Rainy Days
Indigos Blooming Inspired Activity
Neon Colors Nice Weather
Gorgeous Skies Growing Trees


(Joshua Coleman – 7D
Spring is a time for fun and
People to
Relax and enjoy themselves on the
Internet or outside with friends and
No bad weather to ruin your day, just
Good times!


Spring Acrostic Poetry
Ms. Vance’s Seventh Grade Classes
Poetry Corner
Page 12 Volume 1, Issue 4
(Jylen Jones – 8B) (Briera Lewis – 8C)
Sunny Mornings Spectacular Weather
Peaceful Outside Pretty Flowers
Rainbow Skies Radiant People
Ice Melted Ice Melting
Nice Weather Nice Colors
Grass Green Gentle Winds


(Zavion Tharbs – 8D)
Sunny Days
Puddles Everywhere
Rain Drops
Incredible Flowers
Nature’s Life
Gardens Growing
Spring Acrostic Poetry
Ms. Vance’s Eighth Grade Classes
**If you would like to have one of your poems featured in the Poetry Corner, notify Ms. Vance (Journalism teacher),
Mrs. Smith (8th grade math teacher), or your grade’s editor, Jovoney Morton and Kayla Montgomery.**
Page 13 CCA Communicator
If I Were an Animal…
(6th Grade Poems)
By: Antonio Mason
I would be an eagle so I can fly in the sky.
I would fly above the clouds, see the sun set, and
would be a dangerous animal.
I would be the biggest bird with the largest
wings.
I’m capable of flying very fast.
I could pick up a cow.
I would be able to build a bird’s nest.
I’d find a lady eagle and have kids.
We will all hunt for food together.
We will use the bathroom where ever we want.
I will be really strong.
No one could kill me because I’m an endangered
species.
By: Nehemiah Stevens
If I were an animal, I would want to be an
insect.
The insect I’d want to be is an ant.
I want to be an ant because they’re like
armies.
Ants are also in groups such as worker ants,
babysitter ants, defensive ants, and food
scavengers.
Ants together are similar to small king-
doms.
If I were an ant, I would march with others
to find food.
When we have found some food, we will
carry it back to our hill.
After everyone has had their share, we will
store some food away.
I would also have to guard the hill with the
other ants.
If enemies like ant eaters try to invade, we
will fight by biting him.
We would have to tell the other ants to go
in the hill to get the food because we were
now under attack.
If one ant dies, we will not stop fighting.
We will fight until we’re dead.
The worker ants will rebuild what the ant
eater destroyed, and I will help them.
Depending on the damage, it may take all
day to rebuild.
At nightfall, most of the ants sleep while
others continue to guard the hill.
I am traveling through the caves making
sure everything is okay.
I would be surprised to live another day.
By: Darion Wilson
If I were born an animal, I would
want to be a dog.
I would want to be a dog because
it is a fun pet to play with.
I want to be a dog because they
can do lots of tricks like play
catch, walk on two feet, and run
really fast.
Sometimes, dogs can see things
people can’t such as ghosts.
Dogs also have good ears.
They can probably hear a car
that’s 8 miles away.
Volume 1, Issue 4
Page 14

By: Franshawn Floyd
If I were born an animal I
would be a leopard.
I would be able to do any-
thing I always wanted to
do, but I would miss my old
life.
I think a leopard is one of
the fierce animals in the
wild.
I would think about what
it is like to have hands
again, and getting things
given to me and not to have
my mom/family kill each
other just for food.

By: Kyriel Johnson
If I were born an animal I would have
to be a tiger.
They run fast and they mark their ter-
ritory.
They are very sneaky when it comes to
its prey.
Tigers always take care of their babies.
Then when they are grown up they
leave their mother and father.
Once a baby tiger grow up their
mother and father thinks they are try-
ing to take their prey.
So it is no longer safe for the children
to stay with their parents.
The mother and father will try to kill
the child over their prey.
By: Breana R.
If I were born an animal I
would be a red nose pit bull
puppy.
I would want to be a puppy
because they have a human-like
life. They are smart as they
grow up without having to go
to school.
I don’t want to be a blue nose
because I’m not use to blue
nosed pits.
If I was a wild pit, I would be
very wise and careful because I
wouldn’t want to get hurt by
other animals.
If I were an owned animal I
would be an obedient dog be-
cause I don’t want to cause
stress for being disobedient.
SPRING
By Kieanna Miller-Hall

Colorful flowers
Bright sun
Moist grass
Finally, we’re free at last!

Leaving behind
the cold chills of Winter
approaching the rainy days of
Spring
and looking forward to
what summer’s sun will bring.

Athletic Awards Banquet
By: Shawnna Evans
Page 15 CCA Communicator

This year, the athletes who participated in the fall and winter sports were rewarded with a banquet. It was a cere-
mony to honor the girls and boys basketball team, as well as the cheerleaders. It started with awards for all participants and
included special awards for outstanding athletes like: Leadership, Most Improved, Sportsmanship, etc.
Dinner included pizza from Italian Fiesta and refreshments from A’viands. Dr. Scott, Director of Athletics and Dr.
Davis-Jones, District Superintendent were presented with plaques from the girls basketball team’s winning season to be dis-
played at the district office. The ceremony concluded with all the athletes being congratulated for the completion of a season.
Special thanks was also given to the coaches for their hard work and dedication throughout the year (Coach Brooks, Coach
Brown, Coach Russell, Coach Smith, Coach Vance, Coach Walker, and Coach Watson.)
Pictured: Daniel Hunt, Joshua Counts, and
some of the seventh grade basketball team.
Iyanna Singleton receiving
her reward.
Coach Smith presenting awards
Coach Watson and Coach Brooks
presenting the seventh grade Basket-
ball Awards.
The eighth grade cheerleaders rock.
Coach James-Walker receive a
Coaches Award from the Head
Cheerleading Coach, Coach
Brown
Pictured in Blue: Jalen, Clinton, Cezuan,
Brian, and Orlando of CCA and the 8th
grade basketball team.
CCA Communicator Page 16
7th grade basketball players
8th grade basketball players
8th grade basketball players
8th grade basketball players
Coach Vance is appreciated.
8th grade basketball players
7th grade basketball player
7th grade basketball players
8th grade basketball players
8th grade cheerleaders
8th grade basketball players
Page 17 Volume 1, Issue 4
Superintendent’s
Commission
Paraprofessionals, Teachers, and
Administrators
Attend Annual Regional Conference
By: Ms. Vance

The Superintendents’ Commission for the Study of
Demographics and Diversity was held at the Tinley Park Con-
vention Center March 20-21, 2014. Thursday, March 20
th
was
no school for students, but their teachers were still receiving
information on how to provide quality educational opportuni-
ties. The mission of this annual conference is to improve the
instructional effectiveness of teachers and leadership develop-
ment of administrators. This year’s theme was “Transforming
the Paradigm of Educating Children.”
During breakfast, student entertainment was provided
by our very own District 149’s School of Fine Arts Choir and
Drum Line. Our keynote speaker for the morning was Dr. Igna-
cio IV Lopez who is an Assistant Professor of Education at Na-
tional-Louis University. His presentation focused on teacher
education and educational equity. He is working with several
active community organizations around new teaching and
learning frameworks existing in our schools. He also works na-
tionally with school superintendents, principals, and teachers
around various topics including: data-driven instruction, cul-
turally responsive teaching, motivation, and differentiated in-
struction.
After the first general session, there was a round of
workshops to choose from. I chose to attend the “Common
Core: College and Career Readiness” presentation. It provided
educators with what students need to know to become college
and career ready in grades 2-12, from a Common Core State
Standards perspective. The presenter was Debra Evans, a
Reading Consultant for Chicago Public Schools. (Continued on
pg. 18)
Pictured above: Dr. Pedro Noguera Professor at
New York University and Guest Speaker.
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Geddis and Superintendent
of School District 149 Dr. Davis-Jones.
Volume 1, Issue 4 Page 18
Superintendent’s Commission
Continued from page 17.
She did an excellent job of “unpacking” the Reading and Literature standards, making them more student friendly so they
know exactly what they are expected to be able to do. Since I was the first person to walk in, she rewarded me with a book
of valuable graphic organizers to help teach the standards, that I am more than happy to share with my colleagues, espe-
cially those on the Curriculum Writing team.
The afternoon began with an opportunity to visit the vendor exhibits, more student entertainment from District 144, and a
luncheon. Our keynote speaker for this general session was Dr. Pedro Noguera who is a Professor at New York University,
and also spoke at our District Institute to begin the 2013-2014 school year. He works with schools nationally and interna-
tionally as a researcher and advisor. He also appears as a regular commentator on educational issues on CNN, MSNBC,
National Public Radio, and other national news outlets. His presentation focused on how education is still the key to free-
dom, and this message is one that seems to be lost on our children.
Pictured from left to right: Darlene Gray Everett,
Bertha Jolly, April Brown, and Carmen Canales
Dr. Pedro Noguera, Professor at New York University
Pictured from left to right: Dr. Denita Scott, Doro-
thy Weathersby, and Karen Slate
Pictured from left to right: Lawanda Scott, Marissa
Greaves, Nafisseh Vossoughi-Parks, and Sheryl Lewis
By Ms. Vance
Outside of family and close friends, there are few people in a
young person’s life that have more of a profound effect than teachers.
Most kids spend at least seven hours of their day, five days a week at
school under the guidance of educators and school staff members. A good
percentage of those same students also spend more time after school in
activities, sports, and homework groups with those same teachers. With
that kind of influence and responsibility, it is vital to keep school profes-
sionals motivated and appreciated.
That’s why it’s a good idea to honor teachers before the end of the
year or semester. Teacher Appreciation in early May is just a way to make
sure it happens. In the United States of America, National Teachers
Week, also known as Teacher Appreciation Week has been held in the first
full week of May since 1985. Teacher Appreciation Day is the Tuesday
during Teacher Appreciation Week. Your teachers will welcome a thank
you card, a teacher appreciation poem, or even a small gift, for all their
hard work over the past year.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Students “WIN” Awards
By Raekwon Rogers
During a recent awards assembly in the newly remodeled CCA studio, students were recognized for making the honor
roll, high honor roll, principal’s scholar, and achievement in WIN. The Worldwide Interactive Network is tied into the Jour-
nalism program to help students become college and career ready. The topics covered during second and third quarters were
Writing and Reading for Information. Ms. Vance presented approximately 200 certificates to students who achieved 80% or
better on various levels of the program. Congratulations to the seventh and eighth graders for their achievements. They are
currently working on Locating Information and will also receive certificates for their successful completion in the fourth quar-
ter.
Page 19 CCA Communicator
Seventh graders receiving WIN certifi-
cates.
CCA Teachers Go Above
and Beyond
By Kayla Montgomery

Congratulations to Ms. Kenya
Vance and Mrs. Cherita Smith on their
selection as a 2014 ASNE Reynolds High
School Journalism Institute fellow at
Arizona State University. This summer’s
program will take place in Phoenix, Ari-
zona from June 15 to June 27, 2014.
The 2014 Institute is sponsored
by the American Society of News Editors
and funded by the Donald W. Reynolds
Foundation. The Institutes have trained
more than 2,100 teachers since 2000.
Significant resources are committed to
implement this program; therefore, it is a
privilege and honor to be selected. Par-
ticipants are required to attend all classes
and activities, since there is an intensive
nature to this Institute.
Creative Communications Academy
1650 Pulaski Road
Calumet City, IL. 60419

Phone: 708-868-7585
Fax: 708-868-1427

CCA COMMUNICATOR MISSION STATEMENT AND MAST-
HEAD
"The CCA Communicator believes that public enlightenment and
education aligned with Common Core goals is the foundation of our
democracy. Our duty as journalists is to further those ends by seek-
ing truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of issue
and events."
Editors: Jovoney Morton, 8
th
; Kayla Montgomery, 7
th

Associate Editors: David West, 8
th
, Joshua Counts, 7
th

Assistant Editors: Dasha Robinson, 8
th
; Rackwon Rogers, 7
th

Copy Editors: Kennedy Austin, 8
th
; Kydale Redmond, 7
th

News Editors: Jazmyn Webb, 8
th
; Darrell Jones, 7
th

Multimedia Editors: Clinton Oshipitan, 8th; Daniel Hunt, 7
th

Feature Editors: Ryan Kay, 8
th
; Dashan Harris, 7
th

Layout Editors: Jamiah Glover, 8
th
; Tequira Stinnett, 7
th

Spanish Editors: Melissa Rosas, 8
th
; Refugio Rosas, 7
th

Reporters: R’re’l Jones, 8
th
; Marshawn Woods, 8
th
;
Daysia Williamson, 7
th
; Jasmyn Wilson, 7
th
;
Arrayah Williams, 6
th
; Nehemiah Stevens, 6
th

Faculty Advisors: Mrs. Smith Ms. Vance
Contributing Advisors: Stan West, Jeff Spitz, Britt Williams
Principal: Mr. Scott

Microsoft
opportunities for the students. We
had previous experience with the
officers and felt secure with the
staff.
Q: How would you compare last
year to this year?
A: Ms. Lewis – Last year was a
challenge because students who
had ideas were not acknowledged.
This year, there is a stronger
chemistry with the students and
the staff.
A: Mr. Scott – Last year, I had a
lot of ideas to be implemented.
Now that we have incorporated
some of those things, we have
more ideas for years to come.
Q: What improvements have you
noticed that make the school more
communications-driven?
A: Ms. Lewis – I have noticed
more trips and assignments related
to a communication theme.
A: Mr. Scott – We have added a
Journalism class and a quarterly
newspaper is being written, stu-
dents are learning different histo-
ries, and a studio has been added
to help with real-world communi-
cation through college and career
C.C.A. – Then and Now
By Briera Lewis
I recently sat down with two
adults, Ms. Lewis (parent of Bria
and Briera Lewis) and Mr. Scott
(principal of Creative Communica-
tions Academy). We talked about
how CCA has changed and how we
can work to make it even better.
Q: How did you feel when Dirksen
Middle School split into three
small schools?
A: Ms. Lewis – I was excited
because I thought the schools
needed to reach students’ individ-
ual potential.
A: Mr. Scott – I was scared be-
cause I had just learned the posi-
tion as an Assistant Principal.
Soon after that I became a princi-
pal without an Assistant, but as I
began to learn my role, the job got
easier.
Q: How did you decide which
school your daughters would at-
tend?
A: Ms. Lewis – Once I did my
research, I fell in love with CCA
because they offered so many
awareness. We have more funds
this year and have a partnership
with Columbia College so the
students can expect better things.
Also, you see a lot of kids teaching
teachers and having fun doing it.
Q: Are there any changes you
think CCA should still make?
A: Ms. Lewis – No changes; just
keep striving for perfection and
excellence!
A: Mr. Scott – We have to keep
doing better and add more
changes. Also, we have to focus
more on students who need extra
help.
Q: How would you sum up CCA as
a whole?
A: Ms. Lewis – “Excellent school
choice!”
A: Mr. Scott – “IT IS NOT
OVER!”
For more information about CCA,
please visit:
www.schooldistrict149.org
OR
www.creativecommunicationsacad
emy.org
Mr. Scott’s Two-Way Street
Without communication, where
would we be?
Special thanks to the Superintendent, Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones, School Board
President, Darlene Gray-Everett and the District 149 School Board Members
and Administrators’ vision for CCA.
SD149
VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT
www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org

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