A Note from FoCA CO-PRESIDENTS
The 2022–23 school year marked a period of change for FoCA and Chester A. Arthur School. The year was packed with all the normal school growth, student learning, and activities in the school building, but many areas changed and required FoCA and the school community to adapt.
Several things for FoCA looked familiar this year: we held successful events including the Back to School Jam, gathered for Little FoCA meetups, collaborated with HSA, and, of course, hosted our annual FoCA Night Out — which raised $110,000 to support the school. We remain grateful to all who have given their time and talents serving on various committees, attending and volunteering at our events, and donating to support all that we do for Arthur students, each of whom matter and all of whom benefit from your generosity now and in the years to come.
Through its fundraising efforts, FoCA was able to support several initiatives, projects, and events. In 2022–23 we raised a total of $124,233, which was used to fund teachers’ needs in the classroom, continue Spanish instruction, provide art education, offer professional development, and support the Makerspace to help direct STEM learning. Of course, none of these successes would have been possible without the vital contributions of the larger FoCA community.
As mentioned, FoCA and Chester Arthur School also saw a great deal of change this year. Those changes included a transition in school leadership from Dr. Libby to our new principal, Dr. Patterson, as well as the departures and additions of several teachers and school staff. FoCA would like to say thanks to all the folks who left this year, as well as those that are new, for their tireless work at the school. We would also like to express our gratitude for the resilience and strength shown from the students and their families.
The biggest change this year was the process to change the school’s name. This student-led initiative involved students, staff, parents, and community members. This was a democratic process in action for all to participate. A committee engaged in a process that entailed gathering input on potential new names, identifying top contending names, allowing the community to vote, presenting the winning name, and submitting the official name change to the school board for final approval. In the end, the school changed its name from Chester A. Arthur School to Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy (this is how we will refer to the school in the remainder of this report). This is an exciting moment in the school’s history to honor a musical and civil rights icon who lived just blocks from the school! As the school transitions in name in the 2023–24 school year, FoCA will do the same with its name to represent the change.
This year also saw the departure of several key FoCA board members: Noah Buboltz, Matt Katz, Keola Harrington, and Rose Harris. FoCA would not be what it is today without their dedication, leadership, and tireless support. Please join us in thanking these members for their incredible service to the school community. FoCA is bringing on five new board members for the 2023–24 school year: Rae Ritter, Rachel Schwartz, Alexandria Walker, Ariel Greenstein, and Marley Shropshire.
Thanks to everyone who supported FoCA this year. We look forward to more exciting changes in 2023–24.
Sincerely,
Noah Buboltz & Jason Miller
Arthur Principal Dr. Mary Libby and Dr. Nicole Patterson
We are inspired by the incredible diversity of our students and the strong sense of community that permeates throughout our school. Our students come from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, and we firmly believe that this diversity is our school’s strength.
When Dr. Patterson, Ms. Walls, and Ms. Thurmond joined Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy in July 2023, our robust community welcomed them with open arms. The community has embraced the foundational work of Dr. Libby, educators, scholars, and families to start the 2023–24 school year with an expanded leadership team; Playworks support toward more structured, safe, and meaningful play; and of course a new school name! We encountered educators, families and scholars that brought so much excitement and joy to the start of this school year.
One of the highlights of Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy is the high level of scholar self-efficacy and our community’s commitment to fostering an environment where scholars are empowered to express their thoughts, ideas, and concerns. We strongly believe that when scholars have a voice in their education, they become active participants in their own learning and development. The creativity of our dedicated educators also sets us apart. Their innovative approaches and commitment to providing a nurturing learning environment are truly commendable. Without them and the unwavering support of our parents we would not be able to ensure a vibrant learning environment/community for our students. Your continued involvement and partnership is crucial to our students’ success.
With a new name and new leadership, Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy remains committed to building strong relationships with our scholars, educators, and families, as well as ensuring our parent and community groups reflect our school’s diversity. We know that by providing leadership opportunities for all and ensuring representation and inclusion our collaboration with all stakeholders will create an inclusive and enriching educational environment for our scholars.
In service and partnership,
Dr. Mary Libby, Principal through June 30, 2023
Dr. Nicole Patterson, Principal as of July 1, 2023
A Note from the HSA
The Home and School Association (HSA) is the direct link between Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy families and student life. Our board continues to focus on the work of our mission statement: The HSA engages students, families, and staff to strengthen relationships within the school and enhance the Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy experience.
As we move forward, we strive to work together to support activities that will build relationships and community with the students, families, and staff at Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy. Some of the events that HSA and Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy have held over the past year include: celebrating our teachers and staff during teacher appreciation week, holidays, and report card conferences; hosting a movie night with popcorn and candy; resuming field day for the first time since before the pandemic, hosting a fall potluck for families, supporting Back to School Night, Math Night, Literacy Night, Art Night, and our annual Scholastic Book Fair; and providing soft pretzels to our students and staff every month throughout the school year.
Partnership between the HSA and FoCA remains central to our success and has expanded in the 2023–2024 school year. The HSA has partnered directly with the FoCA Events Committee to jointly support school and community events. Both organizations regularly collaborate to assist the amazing teachers and staff in their efforts to ensure a fun and safe educational experience for all Marian Anderson Neighborhood Academy students.
Sincerely,
The HSA Board: Jennifer Souder, Shannon Breslin, Alexis Hart, Courtney Wolk