valor ms press kit 2014 15
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The Drive to Achieve. The Commitment to Succeed.
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR A NEW SCHOOL FACILITY
AT 15136 NORDHOFF STREET
A Note from Bright Star’s Executive Director
Dear Community Member and/or Supporter:
Please allow me to give you an introduction to Bright Star Schools and our Valor Academy Middle School.
Since 2003, Bright Star Schools has operated some of the strongest tuition-free public schools in Los Angeles. Students from all across the Los Angeles Unified School District are eligible to attend our schools, and they participate in a program that features rigorous academics and rich life experiences. Our students thrive academically and socially because our core operating principles, which include high expectations, attention to detail, clearly defined standards of accountability, and continuous improvement, provide a framework for success.
In 2009, Hrag Hamalian and his founding Valor Academy Board of Directors saw a need and made the decision to improve the educational opportunities for families near Panorama City by founding a 5th through 8th grade middle school. The school has since grown and thrived, achieving Academic Performance Index (“API”)scores in the high 800s and being named a California Distinguished School by the California Department of Education.
Now in its 6th year, Valor Academy is fully enrolled but needs a school facility that will provide our students with the resources they need to learn and play. Our new home on Nordhoff Street will provide Valor with the space and facilities required to fully implement its program, and to continue to serve the same communities for the long term.
We’re excited about Valor Academy as it steps into its next chapter in a beautiful new facility, but the school needs your help to make sure that it has the financial resources necessary to get our new home ready for occupancy. We appreciate any and all assistance you can offer. If you have any questions or would like to set up a visit the school, please do not hesitate to email or call me.
Sincerely,
Ari Engelberg
RISE KOHYANG MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grades: 6th—8th
Principal: Eliza KimLy
(424) 789-8338
3020 Wilshire Blvd, Ste. 250
Los Angeles, CA 90005
STELLA MIDDLE CHARTER ACADEMY
5th—6th Grade Campus
Principal: Elysa Vargas
(323) 406-7155
2636 South Mansfield Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
7th—8th Grade Campus
Principal: Olivia Eagleson
(424) 209-4262
5431 West 98th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90045
BRIGHT STAR SCHOOLS BRIGHT STAR SECONDARY CHARTER ACADEMY
Grades: 9th—12th
Principal: Monique Bonilla
(424) 789-8837
5431 West 98th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90045
VALOR ACADEMY CHARTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
Grades: 5th—8th
Principal: Maurice Regalado
(818) 830-1700
8755 Woodman Avenue
Arleta, CA 91331
VALOR ACADEMY CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL
Grades: 9th—12th
Principal: Evelyn Licea
(818) 934-8910
8015 Van Nuys Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 91402
WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION Valor Academy prepares middle school students to excel in demanding high schools and colleges. Within a rigorous, accountable, and supportive school community, students become high achieving, self-advocating, responsible scholars engaged in their community.
Our school realizes its mission through proven techniques, including an extended school day, exemplary staff members, supplemental academic support, a disciplined school structure that teaches self-respect, frequent communication with families, and an intense focus on literacy and math.
Valor Academy Charter Middle School is a 5th through 8th grade charter school serving the communities of North Hills, Arleta, Pacoima, and Panorama City. Our school was founded in 2009, and each day since we have been committed to guiding every child on a clear path to college and a professional career. We strive to provide a school culture that engenders strong character, self-advocacy, and a responsibility to pursue education at every level.
Valor students and staff are constantly surpassing our expectations, and due to these achievements we were recently honored as a California Distinguished School. With each successive year we continue to set new heights for our students, our staff members, and our school.
Neighborhoods Served North Hills, Arleta, Pacoima, and Panorama City
Demographics 89% of our students qualify for the Federal Free and Reduced Price Lunch Program 29% of our students are classified as English Language Learners
The percentage of Students with Disabilities that we serve is 13%
Ethnic / Racial 89% Hispanic or Latino 5% White 4% Asian or Pacific Islander 2% Filipino
OUR SCHOOL PROFILE
THE NEED FOR VALOR
Our Academic Performance Index (API) score for 2012-13: Outperformed average for all schools in the LAUSD by 122 points on the API. See below chart showing Valor’s performance on the California State Tests compared to the other public Middle Schools serving the community:
67
83 8286
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
Language Arts History Math Science
Valor Academy Sepulveda Middle Vista Middle Pacoima Middle
880
A key path to a better life is a quality education. Yet too many young people in Los Angeles are not presented with promising opportunities that help them develop the skills and knowledge needed for success in college and life. Los Angeles public school students are not achieving at the same level of educational performance as their peers across the state and nation. These differences in academic performance, known as the achievement gap, have se-rious implications for the future opportunities of students and our society at large.
Valor does not accept the status quo, and instead is acting as an incubator for systemic education reform.
Valor endeavors to introduce, adapt and demonstrate new and successful methods of learning to improve student attitudes and academic performance.
Valor is developing students who embrace a spirit of community, a goal of service to others, and a desire for self betterment through a college education.
Valor is delivering on the Bright Star promise of equal educational opportunities for all children.
Valor is creating a lasting impact by contributing to the narrowing of the academic achievement gap in Los Angeles.
The 15126 Nordhoff Street School Facility represents the culmination of an extensive
search for a suitable site to house our school in a safe, affordable, and easily accessible
location. The new home for Valor Academy will provide adequate space to support the
school at its full capacity of 512 students. And, the facility will allow for the operation of a
well-rounded academic and extra-curricular program.
With this capital campaign we are seeking to raise in excess of $500,000 in order to help
offset our required contribution of $1,500,000 in project equity.
PROJECT COSTS PROJECT FINANCING
Property Acquisition $4,717,000 New Market Tax Credit $9,217,000
Construction $5,500,000 PCSD “PRI” Equity $1,750,000
Design and Soft Costs $918,000 Bright Star Equity $1,500,000
Financing $725,000 Total $12,467,000
Project Management $407,000
FF&E and IT $200,000
Total $12,467,000
Meeting our fundraising goal will allow us to create an inspiring and distinctive place to
learn. Every dollar raised during this campaign will go directly toward offsetting the
design, construction, furniture and IT cost related to the new project.
Valor Academy and Bright Star Schools ask that you consider giving an amount that is
meaningful to your organization or family. Donations are tax-deductible and can be
made anonymously, if you prefer.
OUR FACILITY NEED
Over 29,000 SF of school facilities with exclusive use by Valor Academy
16 general purpose classrooms.
4 additional flex classrooms.
Connections (counseling) program space with offices and private work areas.
Large front office with administrative offices, conference space, and parent center.
Staff lounge with kitchenette.
Large multi-purpose room with food service area.
Large outdoor courtyard and play area.
Dedicated pick-up and drop off area and 40 parking spaces.
NORTHEAST CORNER
NORTHWEST CORNER
SOUTHEAST CORNER
SOUTHWEST CORNER
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please consider one or more of the following actions:
Donate: All tax deductible cash contributions to the Capital Campaign will be used exclusively for the development of our campus to provide a suitable learning environment.
Corporate Matching: Some employers match your donations dollar for dollar, enabling you to have twice the impact!
In Kind Contributions: Extensive amounts of materials will be required for both buildings and grounds to complete the school expansion project. In Kind contributions are a great way to reduce the overall cost of the project.
If there are other ways that you would like to contribute, please contact us. We appreciate any kind of support!
Contact Us:
Valor Academy Charter School
Principal: Maurice Regalado
(818) 830-1700
8755 Woodman Avenue
Arleta, CA 91331
www.facebook.com/valormiddleacademy www.twitter.com/valoracademy www.youtube.com/user/valoracademy
Help us build our new school home!
Visit our website:
www..valoracademy.org