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RTA students celebrate academic accomplishments at award ceremony

RTA students celebrate academic accomplishments at award ceremony

Students at Rebecca Turner Academy were recognized for their academic achievements at their award ceremony on Thursday, December 19, 2024. Students received awards such as high honor roll, honor roll, the “Credit Recovery All-Star Award,” and other distinctions marking their success in the first marking period. 

Principal Troy Newbey spoke to students before the ceremony, urging them to work hard in the second marking period and take advantage of their opportunities as the school year progresses. School Counselor Jennifer Goire-Peralta then began calling students to receive their hard-earned awards. 

“This is an opportunity for reflection; this is also an opportunity to support your classmates,” said Ms. Goire-Peralta. “Whether you received an award or not, this is your opportunity to ask yourself, ‘Should I be doing something differently? Can I be doing something differently?’... Everyone here has gone through something, so we want to make sure that you know we appreciate you, we care about you, and we just want to support you.”

The first award announced was the Most Improved Award. Parents and classmates cheered on winners as they were announced. 

“I feel accomplished,” said Isaac Ferrell, a 12th-grade student at RTA who received a high honor roll award. “This just proves that you can do anything that you put your mind to, and you can’t let anybody tell you that you can or can’t do something. It’s up to you really. I just stay focused and put my mind on one thing. I just want to finish school, get done with what I have to do, and get out of here.” 

Students enjoyed cupcakes together after the ceremony before they were dismissed for their well-deserved winter break. 

Mom and her daughter with awards.
Student and her family at honor roll celebration.
Student and father at honor roll ceremony.
RTA student and mom
Student receiving award at ceremony.
Student receiving honor roll award.
Student receiving award from principal.


 

Students lined up in auditorium

Students at Rebecca Turner Academy brought the fight for voting rights to life in "Votes for Women," a powerful production by fifth- and sixth-graders. Portraying trailblazers like Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Ida B. Wells and Alice Paul, scholars explored the long journey to the 19th Amendment while sharpening their performance skills along the way. A true collaboration across grade levels and a meaningful lesson in justice and equality. Kudos to Ebony Cooper for guiding this inspiring experience!

A young person in a pink shirt is sitting on the floor of a gymnasium, with other people and equipment visible in the background.

Students at Rebecca Turner Academy combined literacy and movement as they read their way across the country through engaging passages and an exciting obstacle course experience. This activity highlighted literacy across content areas, integrating reading, physical education, art and geography in a meaningful and engaging way.

A classroom setting with a large "Black History Month" banner, a teacher standing in front of students, and various educational materials and displays visible.

Students in Class 4G at Rebecca Turner Academy recently celebrated Black History Month by researching influential African American figures who helped shape our nation. Each student selected a historical figure and created an in-depth research poster highlighting the person’s life, accomplishments, character traits, and lasting impact.

The image shows a group of people, including adults and children, gathered in what appears to be a school or community setting. The adults are interacting with the children, possibly in a teaching or mentoring capacity, as the children hold what seem to be books or other educational materials.

Rebecca Turner Academy’s Pre-K scholars led this month’s grade-level assembly last Friday with a presentation on the Montgomery Bus Boycott. RTA's youngest scholars took on important roles, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, the bus driver, police officer, passengers, and protestors holding signs.

A group of people, mostly young adults, are seated on steps in front of a large colorful display that reads "TOGETHER AGAINST HATE".

On February 6th, Rebecca Turner Academy came together for our “Together Against Hate” assembly! During the assembly, students from Pre‑K through grade 6 participated in a schoolwide presentation that explored the concept of identity and how understanding ourselves—and one another—helps create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive school culture. A student-led skit showcased examples of kindness, standing up for others, and appreciating differences in everyday situations.

A group of young students standing in a colorful and vibrant classroom setting, with various educational displays and decorations visible in the background.

Third-grade students in Ms. Saroya Brown's class at Rebecca Turner Academy recently completed an engaging research and writing project celebrating trailblazing African Americans. Each student selected an influential historical figure and conducted research to learn about their life, accomplishments, and impact on society.

A group of people wearing red and holding children's books stand in front of a bulletin board in what appears to be a school or educational setting.

Rebecca Turner Academy was proud to host the New Rochelle-White Plains Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. for their National Day of Reading on January 23. Several fraternity members, including the Polemarch (President), visited classrooms to read aloud, engage scholars in meaningful book discussions, and connect with them through thoughtful conversation. Their presence made literacy come alive and reinforced the importance of reading, mentorship, and positive role models. Our scholars were fully engaged and truly enjoyed the experience.