Happy New Year, Central Academy!
Dear Central Academy students and families,
I’ve heard more than one person say that 2024 was a tough year. I know I’ve felt that way, too. I have also been circumspect in my approach to 2025–guarding my optimism for the coming year against the doomsaying of the prognosticators.
Last night, as my family recounted the milestones of 2024, it struck me that I have allowed the losses to overshadow the joys. In the waning months of 2024, my family lost five members, including one of my parents. But I realized that we have also experienced hard won triumphs, incredible good luck, and wondrous moments both silly and wise. While there was definitely struggle and hardship, there was also opportunity and success.
Last January I could not have predicted all the quirks and turns of history that have brought me to where I am now. And as I ponder the many depressing predictions for 2025 that have passed for news, it occurs to me that the people making those predictions are basing them as if the natural push and pull of surge and resistance operate in isolation of each other. But the natural world is more nuanced than that.
There will be some challenges in 2025– some predictable, some surprising. But there will also be some exciting developments, too! I am looking forward to the Re-imagine Education proposal for DMPS coming out later this month and the community conversations that it will spark. In February, Central Academy and Central Campus will be teaming up to host a high school dance for the first time in years! And of course, I look forward to celebrating the remarkable achievements of our graduating seniors in the class of 2025.
As the eventual hardships present themselves in unpredictable ways in the coming year, I resolve to not turn away too soon and risk missing the opportunities that inevitably arise as well. Happy New Year, friends!
SEMESTER 1 ENDING:
Classes are scheduled to resume on Thursday, January 2. The last day of semester 1 is Wednesday, January 15. Semester grades are due by January 17. There are no classes on January 16, 17, or 20. The first day of semester 2 is Tuesday, January 21.
RE-IMAGINE EDUCATION PROPOSAL:
Details about the proposed Re-imagine Education Plan are scheduled to be presented at the School Board Meeting on January 21. Learn about the proposal and find out how to participate in Community Forums to provide feedback and ideas as the plan is developed. You can watch school board meetings or watch recordings on YouTube.
MAP TESTING:
At the start of semester 2, all 9th and 10th grade students in English classes and all Algebra I and Geometry students, will be taking the the NWEA’s MAP assessment in class. It will allow us to have a better picture of student progress on the individual level, the classroom and building levels, and the district level.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH VENDING MACHINES:
Soon students will be able to get their school meals through specialized vending machines in the Academy lobby. Student IDs can be used instead of money to select a meal without walking all the way to the cafeteria. The Cafeteria workers will stock the vending machines with fresh meals every day.
CENTRAL WINTER FORMAL FEBRUARY 15:
Winter Wonderland Formal Dance is February 15 from 7 PM – 10 PM for high school students. Each ticket is $10. PURCHASE TICKETS HERE. Each Central Academy and Campus student in grade 9 or higher may invite one guest. Guest forms can be found in the main offices at Academy or Campus and must be turned in by 3 PM on February 14– no exceptions. Tickets must be purchased in advanced– no tickets at the door.
The dance will take place in the gym between Academy and Campus. Refreshments provided by the Culinary program. Music by the Broadcasting classes. Come have an evening of fun with your friends: dancing, 360-video machine, photo opportunities and more! Please wear semi-formal dress: dress pants, shirts, ties, dresses, pant suits, skirts, etc.
Supervision will be provided by DMPS and Central staff, DMPS Public Safety, and a DMPD officer.
Happy New Year, friends!
Dr. Gogerty