!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

!Back to School Carnival

By Imani Mack

This years District carnival was bigger and better than ever! It was held Saturday, August 23rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Caroline Sibley School. The theme was Get Fit II with a focus on healthy eating, exercise, and family resources.

The purpose of the carnival was to provide the community with a motivation for school. There was a train ride and face painting station for small children. The carnival had jumping jams, an area for dancing, and a fruit & vegetable stand. Plus, it also had a Pre-K book giveaway and a raffle. Inside the school, there was an opportunity to use raffle tickets for prizes and a healthy lunch. Overall, the carnival was a huge success. A good time was had by all who attended.

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BACK TO SCHOOL !SUMMER SPOTLIGHT

CCA STUDIO !DID YOU KNOW?

CURRICULUM ! POETRY CORNER

PRINCIPALS DESK !SPORTS

Pictured: Superintendent Shelly Davis-Jones and District Office personnel

CCA COMMUNICATOR

Visit our website at www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org

!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Columbia Links By Shawnna Evans !

This past summer I spent my time at Columbia College Summer Arts Camp. I was really nervous when I began attending, but as I continued to attend, I began to look forward to it daily. I learned more than just filming; it also involved music, art, and theatre. In filming, I worked with two professors. They were great mentors to me, and I really learned a lot from them. Before the summer camp ended, the camp had a showcase where we put everything we learned into one huge performance. Columbia also has an art gallery that contains all the art that we produced during the summer. Plus, we made movies in different types of genres. Overall, I had a wonderful time being there and I hope to go back next summer as an eighth grade graduate. I would love to eventually attend Columbia College for my undergraduate studies. ! !

ASNE Reynolds Institute By Cherita Smith and Kenya Trice !

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Trice had the honor and privilege of attending the Reynolds Institute of the American Society of News Editors at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in Phoenix, Arizona. During the two weeks of intense training from June 15-27, 2014, they were guided by professors and educators in the field of journalism and mass communication. They first learned the foundation of story ideas. They did story-mapping, brainstorming, reporting, and interviewing. They also learned photojournalism. Mrs. Trice learned the basics of digital photography and In-Design page layout, while Mrs. Smith went beyond the basics to learn advanced Photoshop and audio. After the video training, they did a group multimedia project applying editing skills, using B-roll and audio with Adobe Premiere software. Once the CCA students learn about this, teachers can float between the studio and the computer lab giving students flexibility to do other things, as long as it is productive and constructive. The goal is to now publish a monthly issue of The CCA Communicator instead of a quarterly one. We look forward to continuing the partnership with Columbia College and fostering more learning for the students. We also will have someone to visit the school and offer writing workshops for them. This will be a productive school year where the students can really thrive. If students are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful in journalism, the new studio/production lab will be utilized to its optimal potential.

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!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

C.C.A Studio Evolution By Daysia Williamson !

The Creative Communications Academy studio has come a long way since last year. In the beginning it was just an old room, or so the students thought. Then workers started coming in and changing it. They repainted the walls first, and then started putting in tables, a smart board, bean bag chairs, and finally Mac computers. Now we have a microphone, a professional piano and multiple pictures of previous students. Our liaison, Mr. Spitz, brings students from college to guide and teach us on how to do different things and properly use the equipment. Lastly, Mr. Scott has picked well-behaved, trustworthy, disciplined C.C.A students to come and do things like edit videos, work on our school newspaper, or even assigned projects. Hopefully, every student will eventually be able to utilize the studio even more. ! !!

(Pictured Above: C.C.A. student Kaia Raye and Mr. Jeff Spitz from Columbia College) !!Evolution of the CCA Studio

By Amari Brooks and Deonte Williams ! The studio is a place where the students of CCA can go to work on certain things like projects and after school activities. What used to be an old dusty class room is now transforming into the heart and soul of CCA. At the beginning of the last school year it was just an old and dusty classroom wasting space. They had to strip the old carpet and replace it with a new one. They knocked down walls to create windows. They also closed off a door to create a sound proof room( or at least its going to be one). They had to move everything out and start from scratch. We use the studio for the school newspaper, ceremonies and certain presentations. The studio was finished at the end of last school year. The studio was created to give opportunities to students and create different activities for them. The studio is downstairs in front of the main entrance so that everyone who walks in can see the masterpiece of CCA, while students and teachers are utilizing it hard at work. Now, its truly becoming a real working studio.

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!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

!Did You Know? (Illinois Constitution Facts) !

By Tyler Barnes !Did you know that National Constitution Day was September 17, 2014?

Did you know that the next general election in Illinois is in November 2014? Did you know that Illinois has had four constitutions?

Did you know that Illinois has had three capitals? Did you know that the Illinois Senate has 59 members?

Did you know that the Illinois House of Representatives has 118 members? Did you know that the Illinois Senate term is four years?

Did you know that the Illinois House of Representatives term is two years? Did you know that Illinois has three branches of government?

Did you know that Illinois has three main courts? !

!Did You Know? (Illinois State Facts)

By Darell Jones

Did you know that the state tree is a White Oak? Did you know that the state flower is a Native Violet?

Did you know that the state bird is a Cardinal? Did you know that the state capital is Springfield?

Did you know that the state nickname is The Prairie State? Did you know that the statehood of Illinois was Dec 3, 1818?

Did you know that our states admittance into the Union was the 21st state? Did you know that our state has 102 counties?

Did you know that our states largest cities are Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora? !!4

!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

!Pictured above: CCA students Miles Scott and Shamari Brown in Science class. !!

Common Core at Work By Franshawn Floyd !

In sixth grade, I did not like Science and experienced mostly failure. As a seventh grade student in Ms. Washingtons Science class, I am already experiencing some success. Her method of teaching and explanations are easy to understand. The tests we have are as easy as 1-2-3. The information that she provides is outstanding because I am now receiving much better grades on individual assignments. She teaches us vocabulary like: analysis, placebo, and hypothesis. When Ms. Washington has something important to give us every Monday, she puts up a sign that says, DO NOT ERASE. In the first half of the quarter we have been focused on the scientific method. Ms. Washington has us working on data research, observation, and the solar system. Being in Science this year is the best, and I hope all of the students who are engaged in her class will experience just as much success. !!!

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!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

!Back To School

By Amari Brooks !

Welcome back to school Where were learning new rules

We have five new classes So put on your thinking glasses

Were going on more exciting trips And doing more with Mr. Spitz The teachers are working harder

Enhancing our minds and making us smarter We hope to have a wonderful year

Embracing this experience without any fear !!!From the Principals Desk

By Gerald Scott

The school year has gotten off to a great start! I would like to welcome the newest edition to the CCA family, our Reading teacher Ms. Saundra Smith. We are also excited about the return of our seventh grade Science teacher, Ms. Lajoya Washington and we welcome her back to the team.

I would like to thank the more than 200 parents who attended the seventh grade Orientation on August 12th. New students received a tour of the school and received instructions and expectations for the coming year at the middle school. So far our students are exceeding all of our expectations.

Our students have also been working hard with our new Thematic Coach Mrs. Crystal Pedroni. CCA students will be working on the Public Relations aspect of our future Sculpture Garden at the Middle School. Thanks to Mrs. Pedroni, our students are fired up! Many of our students are writing out their ideas to cover the event and spread the news throughout the community.

We are looking forward to our continued partnership with Columbia College. Together we are working to incorporate an extended day program that will enhance and further develop our students and teachers media skills, making it an extension of the classroom learning process.

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!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

!!!CONGRATULATIONS!

7th Grade Girls Basketball Team Coach Smith !

1. Jasmine Rayford - CCA 10. Zharia Hardin - STEM 2. Raya Brady - CCA 11. Demea Johnson - SOFA 3. Denae Harris - CCA 12. Tiyana Tallie - CCA 4. Ladeja Bailey - SOFA 13. Tamera Berdley - STEM 5. Caila Hall - SOFA 14. Mikayla Brown - SOFA 6. Dayanna Collins - SOFA 15. Bria Martin - CCA 7. Precious Robinson - SOFA *Reserve: 8. Karlotta Prince - STEM 1. Dashanera Holmes - STEM 9. Savannah Williams - STEM 2. Diamond Baker - CCA !!

CONGRATULATIONS! 8th grade Girls Basketball Team

Coach Russell !1. Lavonya Pointer - CCA 10. Kayla Patton - STEM 2. Kayla Tolbert - CCA 11. Brianna Ingram - STEM 3. Jelynn Jaggers -CCA 12. Cheyenne Moses - STEM 4. JoKeyla Ryce - SOFA 13. Jadah Dunlap - STEM 5. Lunden Alexander - STEM 14. Nori Bradley - STEM 6. Maia Moore - STEM 15. Reah McDonald - SOFA 7. Kiyah Simpson - STEM *Reserve: 8. Jessica Brown - SOFA 1. Tajah Pittman - CCA 9. Jaylene Wade - STEM 2. Heaven Green - CCA 3. Nakiyra Jordan - CCA

!*Team Subject to Change* !! !!!

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!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

Girls Basketball Schedule 2014-2015 !Southwood @ DMS 3:45 - 9/30/14 !

Calumet Park @ DMS 4:00 10/1/14 !Gwendolyn Brooks @ DMS - 3:30 10/2/14 !

Coolidge @ DMS 3:30 10/6/14 !DMS @ Southwood -3:45 10/9/14 !

Park Forest @ DMS -3:30 10/14/14 !DMS @ Roosevelt 3:30 10/16/14 !

DMS @ Gwendolyn Brooks 3:30 -10/21/14 !DMS @ Coolidge -3:30 10/23/14 !!

Seton Lady Sting Classic Tournament 10/24, 25, 26 TBA !Roosevelt @ DMS 3:30 10/28/14 !

Prairie Hills @ DMS 3:30 10/30/14 !DMS @ Park Forest 3:30 11/3/14 !

Lincoln of Dolton @DMS - 3:45-11/5/14 !McKinley @ DMS -3:45 11/6/14 !

DMS @ Lincoln of Dolton-3:30-11/17/14 !DMS @ Prairie Hills -3:30 11/18/14 !

Regional Tournament 7th 11/22-26/14 TBA !Regional Tournament 8th 12/1- 5/ 14 TBA

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!SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

CCA Communicator Mission Statement !The CCA Communicator believes that public enlightenment and education aligned with Common Core goals are the foundation of our democracy. Our duty as journalists is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and comprehensive account of issues and events. !

Masthead !Editor: Daysia Williamson Sports Editor: Charles Reed Associate Editor: Shawnna Evans Layout Editor: Tyler Barnes Assistant Editor: Kayla Montgomery Reporter: Franshawn Floyd Copy Editor: Phoenix Harrell Multimedia Editor: Darrell Jones News Editor: Imani Mack Feature Editor: Amari Brooks !Faculty Advisors: Tiffany Blackman, Angela Blair, Angela Grimes, Cherita Smith, Saundra Smith, Secrett Stone, Kenya Trice, Lajoya Washington, Rodeana Williams Contributing Advisors: Jeff Spitz, Stan West, Kenya Thames, Aaron Stevens ! !!!!!!!!!

Principal Gerald Scott Creative Communications Academy (CCA)

1650 Pulaski Road Calumet City, Illinois 60409

Office: (708) 868-7585 Fax: (708) 868-1247

www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org ! We BelieveExcellence, Humanization, & Pride !

Special thanks for your CCA Vision:

School Board President, Darlene Gray Everett

District 149 School Board Members

Superintendent, Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones

District 149 Administrators

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