Public Charter School Offers Educational Options to Local Community
'Reach One/Bring One' -
Meeting for Interested Students and Families on August 14, 2003
PITTSBURGH, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire/ -- The Renaissance Academy of Pittsburgh
Alternate of Hope Board of Directors announced the launch of the Renaissance
Academy of Pittsburgh Alternative of Hope (RAPAH) Charter School on Monday,
August 11, 2003. RAPAH is a tuition-free public charter school that offers
Pittsburgh families a new choice in public education. RAPAH's mission is to
heal and nurture the minds of young people to enter into the world as
"ambassadors" with high self-esteem and a sense of individual responsibility.
RAPAH founder, Dr. Kenneth Stevenson, a Pittsburgh native said, "The
opening of the RAPAH Charter School this September represents the culmination
of more than 6 years of intensive team effort by the founding Board to make a
positive contribution to the education of Pittsburgh children. If we truly
believe in 'no child left behind' then alternatives like the RAPAH are key to
a new beginning."
RAPAH will open its doors to approximately 250 K-2 students beginning in
September 2003. It will expand to include third through fifth grades over the
next three years. The school will offer an academic program established by
Edison Schools, the country's leading private partner in the operation of
charter and other public schools. Last school year, Edison served
approximately 80,000 students in 150 schools in states across the country.
The program at RAPAH will include a research-based, rich and challenging
curriculum, with clear and ambitious standards, and a focus on math and
reading; a longer school day, to provide more time for learning; a technology
rich environment, with laptop computers for teachers; and schools divided into
smaller units called academies, to name a few special features.
RAPAH will also focus on creating a school culture that promotes academic
achievement and success. Dr. Stevenson added, " School uniforms, and a
disciplined environment will serve vital components of RAPAH's school design.
It is important for us to create both student and parental pride in our
school."
"We are thrilled to be opening this world-class school and to offer the
children and families of Pittsburgh new educational opportunities," said Fred
Romig, Board Vice Chair. "With its special features and strong academic
program, RAPAH will help diverse groups come together to form a cohesive
community of learners and achievers."
RAPAH will open in a temporary location in the heart of East Liberty at
120 South Whitfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206, next door to the Carnegie
Library. RAPAH will pursue opportunities to expand as soon as September 2004,
opening at a permanent site less than 1/2 mile away, where we will be able to
accommodate up to 600 students in grades K-5.
RAPAH Instructional Leadership
RAPAH's principal, Alecia Gibbs, has been an educator for over twenty
years. Most recently she served as an elementary principal with the
Wilkinsburg School District supervising a school site with an enrollment of
more than 450 children and 45 educators. Ms. Gibbs, a graduate of the
University of Pittsburgh, with an Elementary Principal's Certification, has
vast experience with research-based programs, curriculum standards and
assessments, and effective instructional practices. Her personal philosophy
includes the belief that children should be taught to be lifelong learners. "
I am so excited with the opening of RAPAH. I will take special care to
encourage the natural curiosity and joy of learning in our young students
while we lay a strong and structured academic foundation," said Ms. Gibbs.
"Reach One/Bring One" -- A Student Recruitment Event on August 14, 2003
RAPAH will host an information gathering and sharing event -- "Reach
One/Bring One" -- on Thursday, August 14, 2003 from 6 to 8 pm. The event will
be held at Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, which is located at 5911 Penn Avenue,
Pittsburgh, PA.
During the session parents will meet RAPAH's principal, teachers and Board
members and learn more about the school's philosophy, curriculum, and
policies. All are invited to attend to learn more about RAPAH or to register
a student, as there are limited spaces available. To learn more information
about this upcoming event or to register a student, call Angela Nicholson at
412-362-8818.
RAPAH is free, public charter school open to all elementary students in
the Pittsburgh-metro area.
RAPAH Board Members
Dr. Kenneth E. Stevenson, RAPAH founder
Teacher, University of Pittsburgh, English Department
Founding Pastor, Everlasting Covenant Cathedral, Pittsburgh, PA
Asst. Professor, English Department, US Air force Academy
William "Skip" Bowyer, RAPAH Board President
Disabled Retired Military/U.S. Postal Service, 30+ years; Instructor
EEO/Human Relations
Community Activist, Mayoral Candidate (Wilkinsburg)
Naomi Bowyer, Board Secretary
SPOC Coordinator, Allegheny County, CEO, Feed my Sheep ( non-profit org.)
Elise Bennett
Retired teacher, 30+ years in elementary schools, 21 years in Pittsburgh
Public Schools
Eileen Stevenson
Retired Medical Records Librarian, 30+ years, C. Howard Marcy State
Hospital, Children's Hospital, Montefiore Hospital (Asst. Director)
Fred W. Romig
Commercial sales and marketing, 30+ years; Currently Vice President,
Western Pennsylvania Company; inventor of 6 patents of a $7 million steel
buildings manufacturer
Margaret Black
School Teacher, Pittsburgh Public Schools
RAPAH School Address and Contact Information
120 S. Whitfield Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
(412) 362-8818 or 8797
SOURCE Renaissance Academy of Pittsburgh Alternate of Hope
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Related links:
http://www.edisonschools.com
CONTACT:
Mr. William "Skip" Bowyer, Board President,
+1-412-589-0394, or Dr. Kenneth Stevenson, Founder and Assistant
Vice President, +1-412-908-1010, both for Renaissance Academy of
Pittsburgh Alternate of Hope; or Ramon Dourado of Edison Schools,
+1-412-243-0211
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