Archive for March, 2011

16 Mar

Magnolia Science Academy | Busting Gulen charter schools myths

Posted by stdstd in Charter schools, Diversity, Education, Magnolia Science Academy, Teachers, Testimonials. Tagged: , , , , .

Magnolia Science Academy 1 in Reseda, is a great school in terms of academics, teachers, friendly environment and diversity. There are over fifteen different cultures represented and all the students get along in its small, interactive, and hospitable environment.Almost all of the  previous students have been attending the school since the start of middle school, so being in the building, having classes with the teachers and hanging out with your friends feel like being at home with your family. It is common to see the old graduates visiting the school often, only to see their old teachers and see familiar faces.

MSA has a very diverse student body with many traditions, but are not limited to Mexican, El Salvadoran, Filipino, Ecuadorian, Armenian, Persian, African-American, Turkish, and Indian. Every class has its own unique blend of cultures and somehow manages cooperate extremely well. The students are very open and welcoming and I have never seen any bullying. It’s easy to speak out in class, and people are always very interested to hear your perspective on different issues.

I had always thought that high school would be a scary place as they show it in the movies. The students’ friendliness at MSA have always surprised me in this aspect and I think that kids coming in from middle school to high school would love MSA for this too.I have seen many students scared of this transition, and I think that MSA helps to combat this fear by being a friendly and diverse school.

Related articles

14 Mar

“Gulen charter schools” accusers do no good for our nation | Busting Gulen charter schools myths

Posted by Anonymous in Charter schools, Diversity, Education, Gulen charter schools, Magnolia Science Academy, Teachers, Testimonials. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

Official rendering of the obverse side of the ...

Image via Wikipedia

I always feel welcomed with open arms, the moment I step foot into the school that my child has been attending for four years. The staff and the environment at Magnolia make me rest assured that my son is being well taken care of. A lot of communication between the principal and the teachers across the school is obvious. It does seem like a team effort.  The safety of our children is priceless, and this caring team has done a wonderful job preventing every single bullying, teasing, violence, vandalism, drug or any other problems even before they occur.

There is an ongoing communication with the parents that keeps both the parents and the staff on the same page. The online student information system is so effective that I know how my child is performing at his school. In addition, the teachers come to my home to talk about my child and help us make a daily studying schedule for him.

Unfortunately, there are a few accusations about the school on the Web, labeling the school as Gulen charter schools? Did anyone hear that kinda thing before? What is wrong with having an international teacher staff, as long as they are all dedicated and qualified? These well-trained people want to share their experiences and contribute to our education, and I support them from the bottom of my heart. Remember, we are a diverse country and we always voice “E Pluribus Unum“. This diversity, I believe is a richness to a school environment, not something being afraid of.

What else can a parent expect from a school other than quality education, success, and safety? Accusers are doing no good for our nation by talking about something that lacks even a single trace of evidence. Whoever have questions or concerns can visit the school and observe himself/herself.

My child is and will be excited to be at Magnolia, and I am proud of being a Magnolia Parent.

Related articles

12 Mar

STEM Education at Magnolia Schools | Busting Gulen charter schools myths

Posted by msabell in Charter schools, Education, Gulen charter schools, Magnolia Science Academy, School activities, STEM Education, Teachers, Testimonials. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

As a person who suffered from an education system that can not fulfill the needs of students with high potential, all I can say is HATS OFF for Magnolia Science Academy at Bell. I believe you cannot find an equivalent school to Magnolia Science Academy in terms of quality of math and science curriculum, and academic enrichment programs. For a couple of years, we have been only hearing  news about lack of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education, and complaints about students not being motivated in math and science. However, at Magnolia you witness students who don’t want to be ever dismissed from the school’s Advanced Math and Science program. They have after school classes and so much fun.

You cannot imagine how big an opportunity this is if you are not raised in a neighborhood in poverty. Students in such conditions are mostly Latino and African-American kids where the current education system fails to provide robust education and services to them. At Magnolia, this need is already addressed with the quality of education. Moreover, it is always assumed that such demographic populations and girls generally do not engage in STEM education. In contrast, about 40% of the students in this program are girls. The enthusiasm of the students is unbelievable. Recently, I searched the website of Magnolia on the web. Despite this marvelous dynamics in this school, I came up some websites claiming  some ties with a person or group called Gulen charter schools in a hateful tone. I don’t know much about this person and it is not my concern now. Yet,what made me concerned is that the websites publish despicable articles about our beloved school Magnolia. I know my child’s teachers for almost six months, I have spent a lot of time with some of the teachers. I just laugh at these baseless “Gulen charter schools” claims, about devious ideas to take over the country, whatever… I can’t understand the accusers’ logic; I guess it is another cheap way of assault by writing abusive articles without actually visiting the school in person and learning about these dedicated teachers.

What I only care is whether this school really inspires our kids for the STEM education or not. That’s obviously what we need for our country. The rest is pointless…

You cannot deceive kids when it comes to understanding. If you strive for their benefit and happiness, they will appreciate it. Kids will follow the teachers who care about them and are sincere in their behaviors. What I’m very sure about is that if people continue their disgracing behaviors and actions against this sort of exemplary schools, our children will miss an excellent opportunity to improve their math and science education.

Related articles

7 Mar

On Magnolia, Gulen charter schools, grants, and jealousy.. | Busting Gulen charter schools myths

Posted by Angel1965 in Charter schools, Education, Gulen charter schools, Jealous bloggers, Magnolia Science Academy, School activities, Teachers, Testimonials. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

Magnolia Science Academy is a great school. It offers everything I want and expect: an outstanding education in small classes, individual awareness to my son’s needs, and opportunities to try new things in a safe environment.

First of all, the curriculum is unique. The curriculum is rigorous enough to challenge my son. As a result, his self-esteem has improved remarkably.

Secondly, class sizes are legitimate. My son gets immediate attention when he needs. Small class size provides not only immediate help but also individual focus on students.

A wide spectrum of extracurricular activities offer my son great opportunities to build his afterschool program. He attends Magnolia Science Academy basketball team besides the Lego Robotics club. Moreover, Magnolia Science Academy provides expedition and exploration programs. My son has attended national and international trips, camps, and competitions with his friends and teachers.

Furthermore, Magnolia Science Academy continues to understand and emphasize a global experience. Understanding global diversity, accepting different cultures and relationships between them is vital in contemporary times. Magnolia Science Academy promotes international awareness and interest through its curriculum, philosophy, and practice. I continue to support Magnolia Science Academy in its quest to explore and cultivate such global appreciation and understanding.

Thanks so much to Magnolia Science Academy and its staff for all they do for my son. For the first time in a long time, my son enjoys learning and going to school.

And a few words to those who are jealous(?) of success of this wonderful education environment: why do you keep on and on posting junk on the web? Why do you insist on labeling it as “Gulen charter school” (whatever it means) without any evidence? You even shamelessly highlight donations from some corporations and foundations as if they were something illegal. What could be more natural than a SUCCESSFUL school being granted and awarded? Is jealousy only reason or is there any hatred out there?

Related articles

3 Mar

On “Gulen Charter Schools” Bloggers | Busting Gulen charter schools myths

Posted by prosparent in Charter schools, Education, Gulen charter schools, Jealous bloggers, Magnolia Science Academy, Pacific Technology School, STEM Education. Tagged: , , , , , , .

 

Photo portrait of John F. Kennedy, President o...

Image via Wikipedia

As a prospective parent, I am searching schools in Orange County area for my kids and ran into a charter school ran by Magnolia Foundation. Although I am confused with different school names on their web sites (Magnolia Science Academies and Pacific Technology Schools) Magnolia’s STEM focus seems to be very attractive.  I pursued my search deeper I found some alleged connections between Magnolia/Pacific Schools and “Gulen Charter Schools“. I was frustrated with inflation of information about “Gulen Charter School” which seems to be virtually established by some bloggers.

First, I did not get the bloggers point if they are promoting “Gulen Charter School” or attacking to Magnolia Schools. After reading a few articles it is obvious that there are really jealous people out there who are not happy with Magnolia’s schools.  Ironically their level of attacks really convinced me that these schools are very successful and I decided to enroll one of my kids to Orange county site. If I were one of those bloggers I would start an online charter school to serve the community instead of wasting time to defame current successful schools and make connection to virtual “Gulen Charter Schools“.

As John F. Kennedy says “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talent”.  Yes we are all different but differences are far less than similarities. The elderly world has enough space for all of us. We should be all working for our youths and be more passionate about spreading JFK’s message.

Related articles

 

1 Mar

Parent Testimonial | Busting Gulen charter schools myths

Posted by theworldofmine in Charter schools, Education, Magnolia Science Academy, Teachers, Testimonials. Tagged: , , , , , , .

Dear MSA Family!

I have a special-ed student at Magnolia Science Academy and I am very happy to have my son at your school. As I greet you by “MSA Family”, I believe and feel that we are like a family where we build mutual trust, cooperation and convenience for the benefit of my special-ed child. Thank you so much for creating such a warm and caring environment for the students who need extra time and care during the special education. Being the mom of a special ed-student is challenging, my child was struggling to adapt to his old school. At Magnolia Science Academy it is so great to know that he has special ed teachers ready for help. They are in class during the weekdays and do one-on-one help to my child both with class assignments and with his homework.

I sincerely appreciate the time that special ed teachers spend reviewing my child’s goals and recommending strategies to meet them. The teachers’ recommendations are very helpful and give me perspectives on available opportunities for my child at MSA. It is a great opportunity for parents of special ed students to evaluate these strategies through the help of family(or parent/guardian) – school cooperation with MSA! This paves the way for more success for special ed students.

MSA family’s enthusiasm and ability to motivate the special ed students have resulted in a significant increase in my child’s productivity. He is now more dedicated to his class assignments and homework, and more concentrated on his goals at school. Before, he even did not want to bring his school supplies at school! I think this is the success of special ed teachers’ endless patience by pushing my child into mainstream with support or pulling him out from the class as needed.

MSA Family! Please accept my sincere gratitude for the support of my child and your teaching services throughout his education in MSA.

Related articles
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 30 other followers