Operation PASS a hit at Lincoln Park

Testing Coordinator Rachel Williams of HOPE Academy Lincoln Park reported a successful Boot Camp Saturday for Ohio Achievement Test prep.

"There were 26 students in attendance," Williams said. "The session was organized by me, the students were led by Mr. Borders (Intervention Specialist Assistant) and we were also assisted by Mr. Terry, the principal and Ms. Hines, the administrative assistant."

Williams said activities for the day included discussion about the importance of the OAT, math minute drills, lunch, exercise and solving math problems in teams.

"There is a lot of buzz about our next boot camp," she said. "We may add more dates."

Operation PASS stands for Preparing All Students for Success.

Testing will be held the week of April 27.

Celebration pictures

Here are additional photos from HOPE Academy Canton's Black History Month celebration held Friday.

School marks Black History Month

HOPE Academy Canton sixth-grader Allan Hively, not pictured above, had a huge smile on his face as he danced along with students celebrating Black History.

"This is what HOPE Academy is all about," he said.
Staff members and students at the diverse Canton school marked Black History Month with a special program on Friday.

Students shared facts about Black History Month, Black Facts, the Underground Railroad, Harriet Tubman, Stark County's role in the Underground Railroad and Massillon educators.

In addition, biographies were shared about Stark County Black History Makers, including: business owner William Powell, educator Delores Pressley, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Eric Snow, singer Macy Gray and HOPE Academy Canton principal Tony Townsend.

An African-American dance presentation was also offered.

"This month, we're celebrating Black History, but in truth, we're celebrating American History month," Townsend said.

The principal added that the school is the most diverse in the county.

"We're not just educating children, we're preparing them for the world," Townsend said.

Boot Camp planned

HOPE Academy Lincoln Park will hold a OAT Test Boot Camp for third through sixth grade students 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday at the school.

The event is part of the school's Operation PASS theme for testing, which stands for Preparing All Students for Success.

Testing will be held the week of April 27.

Test prep night productive

Testing Coordinator Rachel Williams of HOPE Academy Lincoln Park said the school's Ohio Achievement Test preparation night was productive.

"The information was well-received," she said. "Parents asked a lot of questions."

Door prizes were available from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.

Canton school to mark Black History Month

HOPE Academy Canton will hold a Black History program 2-3 p.m. Feb. 22 at the school, 1379 Garfield Ave. S.W.

The event will feature songs, spotlights on notable African-Americans in the community, a discussion of the Underground Railroad, an African-American dance featuring female students in Kindergarten through second grade, the fifth-grade class will sing the Black National Anthem.

Spotlighted African-Americans will include:

William Powell --- An East Canton resident who is the only African-American to design, build, own and operate a golf course in the United States.

DeLores Pressley --- 27-year veteran of the Canton School District. She also has a modeling agency for plus-sized women and also is an author and motivational speaker.

Eric Snow --- Point guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Canton McKinley graduate also has played for the Seattle Supersonics and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tony Townsend --- Principal of the school and Massillon City Councilman.

Macy Gray --- R&B and soul singer who was born in Canton.

The school will also hold a Cross-Cultural Week from Feb. 25-29 where the importance and contributions of Native Americans, Asians, Hispanics, Italians and Irish people will be discussed.

Dance will be rescheduled

Due to inclement weather this week, HOPE Academy Canton officials have announced its Valentine's Day dance will be rescheduled.

No makeup date has been announced.