Spectrum Charter School had the great honor of having artist, Alison Zapata, come teach at the school through the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts & Media’s Artist Residency program. Alison, who is an talented teaching artist with decades of classroom experience, worked with the students from November to February, to create a beautiful and unique mural to display at the school. From the initial concept-design sessions, to the final detailing of the mural, Spectrum students were a part of every aspect of the creation of this mural. The students’ creativity, attention to detail, and ability to work together as a group, shined through.
To celebrate the 2022 Winter Olympics, Spectrum students selected a country to represent their class. Each day during their Physical Movement class, students would add medals to the bulletin board where their countries were represented. Mrs. Yurkovich’s class – Japan, Mrs. Rosendale’s class – Austria, Mrs. Garbin’s class – Germany, Mr. Stedina’s class – Spain, Mrs. Piligno’s class – Russia and Mrs. Simcic and a very patriotic student chose the U.S.A. As the Olympics came to a close, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place countries (total medals received) were awarded with gold, silver and bronze (paper) medals. Students proudly wore their medals for the day!
I’m studying Computer Networking Security at Forbes Road Career and Technology Center. While attending my course, I am often given the chance to hone practical skills by working with actual computers in realistic scenarios. There are also student organizations within the school, like the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and SkillsUSA; both of which offer competitions relating to the fields we study. In FBLA, I hold the position of Vice president and placed second in Impromptu Speaking, and earned third place in SkillsUSA for Information Technology. The program also assists in the creation of professional portfolios in which we can put our experience on display for future job opportunities. After graduating, I intend to attend University overseas in Germany for a focus of Computer Hardware Engineering. During that time I intend to use the experience from the program to get a job in Networking to better pay for living expenses.
Diamond Kinetics has become our newest community partner, providing volunteer work experience to one of our students. Starting in January, Spectrum student, Jake, has gone once a week to the facility where he counts parts and assists in packaging and assembling kits. Located in Penn Hills, the Diamond Kinetics warehouse packages smart baseballs and softballs, which can track a player’s pitch or swing.
This semester in English Language Arts, students have been enjoying reading and performing William Shakespeare’s theater! Students read William Shakespeare’s Hamlet and enjoyed acting out the scenes of the iconic play! During class, the students would enjoy not only reading the play in a modern translation, but also delving into Elizabethan English and the culture of the day. Students have also begun reading the timeless classic, The Outsiders. This novel resonates with students as they analyze the story and feel connected to the teenage experiences echoed in this adolescent novel. Students continue to be encouraged to read outside of school as they document their readings in a monthly reading log. Our Spectrum ELA motto for this year is clearly, Reading Rocks!
Snow Make-up Day
(School in Session)
In-Service Day
(No School for Students)
Spring Day Dance
Snow Make-up Day
(School in Session)
Spring Break
Last Day of School for Seniors
Spring Break
