Celebrating Success - Phase 4 Learning Center

Summer 2014
Celebrating Success
A publication that honors the students, teachers and the staff of PHASE 4 Learning Center, Inc.
Students + Staff = SUCCESS
As you look through
PHASE 4’s end-ofyear newsletter, I
ask that you take
time to look into
the smiling and
proud faces of
PHASE 4. Each of
the students, parents and staff pictured is a true reflection of what
acceptance, respect and belief can do. The
result is the hope that is ever-so-visible in
each smile, each face, each life.
As a statewide non-profit and having worked
with thousands of individuals, PHASE 4 is
completely committed to our students. We
are extremely grateful for our partnerships
with the school districts that entrust their
students’ academic, social, emotional and
future planning needs to us. We also value
all of our partnerships that provide opportunities for our students and strengthen the
programs through various ways.
PHASE 4’s unique philosophy and approach
are critical in providing students with the
professional, yet welcoming environment
that creates a culture that helps students
thrive academically and with their own
self-esteem. Also critical to our students’
success is our staff. Each individual
administrator, teacher and counselor has
had an impact on our students through
mentoring and providing not only academic
instruction and individualized/group
counseling, but a trusting relationship
with a caring adult.
The result of the equation
Students + Staff = SUCCESS
sums up the essence of PHASE 4.
We welcome your feedback and hope that
you enjoy this 2013-2014 end-of-year
newsletter.
Terrie Suica-Reed
CEO & Founder
PHASE 4 Learning Center, Inc.
Inside Celebrating Success
EITC & NAP Programs
PHASE 4 Harrisburg
PHASE 4 Brentwood
PHASE 4 Beaver
PHASE 4 Philadelphia
Student Highlights
Our Last Chance
PHASE 4 Learning
Center’s Students
Continue to Succeed
Transforming Lives
Through The EITC &
NAP Programs
Ten years ago, it was only a dream. The goal was to
create an educational environment to help at-risk
6th-12th grade students earn their high school
diplomas.
If your business or employer pays Pennsylvania
state taxes, those dollars can be directed toward
high school programs and scholarships for motivated, low-income students. The state of Pennsylvania offers tax credits to corporations as incentives to donate to schools and tuition scholarship
funds that serve low-income children in the state.
The leadership team at PHASE 4 knew that if we
could help these at-risk students, we could put
them on a road to a bright future of hope and
success.
After ten years of helping young people in
Harrisburg, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PHASE
4’s team has watched nearly 2,000 students step
forward to receive their high school diplomas.
The national graduation rate is currently listed at
63%. With the expertise, caring and leadership,
PHASE 4, is proud to announce that once again,
our graduation rate is 98%.
2014 - 239 graduates
2013 - 206 graduates
2012 - 196 graduates
2011 - 222 graduates
2010 - 229 graduates
2009 - 144 graduates
2008 - 183 graduates
2007 - 143 graduates
2006 - 120 graduates
2005 - 65 graduates
Businesses that pay any of the following state
taxes are eligible:
• Corporate Net Income Tax
• Bank and Trust Company Shares Tax
• Capital Stock Franchise Tax
• Title Insurance Company Shares Tax
• Insurance Premium Tax
• Mutual Thrift Institution Tax
• Personal Income Tax of S Corp. Shareholders
or Partnership Partners
Businesses that make a charitable contribution
to PHASE 4 Learning Center, Inc. are eligible to
receive a 90% tax credit for a two-year commitment or a 75% tax credit for a one-year commitment. The credit reduces your bottom line state
obligation.
Detailed information can be found at the State
webpage: www.newpa.com — search for “EITC”.
For more information contact PHASE 4 at 412650-9004 and ask for Eric Raphael.
All Aboard . . . Next Stop,
Elizabethtown College.
PHASE 4 Learning Center is more than a school:
it’s a learning environment where the teachers and
administrators care about their students.
The team at PHASE 4’s Harrisburg school goes well
beyond the classroom to bring new opportunities to our
students. This year, our Harrisburg students were able to
take the Amtrak train to Elizabethtown College and
Messiah College.
The goal was simple . . . it was to introduce our students
to the college experience and hopefully influence their
desire to attend college upon graduation. For most of the
students, this was their first visit to a college, and also
their first train ride.
We hope these events provide the spark for the students
to focus on their academics and their future.
Success in
Brentwood
PHASE 4 Brentwood is now in its second year
and has had another good year. Our student
numbers increased from last year and we added
three new districts served.
In addition to growing in student numbers,
PHASE 4 Brentwood has had some staffing changes. Our new counselors are Gordon Tippett and
Rhonda Higgins. Both have worked tirelessly
counseling our students and have been
a tremendous addition to the Brentwood Staff.
The DRP program also added a staff person, Bart
Christner, who works with getting students ready
for the work-force.
There have been many good things at PHASE
4 Brentwood this year. We worked with Adagio
Health to provide supplemental health education
for students. These lessons were geared towards
pregnancy and preventing date violence. The
students actively participated in the health
course and enjoyed it a great deal.
Physical education class at PHASE 4 Brentwood
has been another highlight. Tom Branthoover has
been taking students to play basketball through
out the school year. In addition to getting a great
physical workout, the students, both boys and girls,
learned the importance of teamwork. In addition
to playing basketball, students also went on supervised walks with staff around the community to
earn their gym credits.
Food has been another highlight for PHASE 4
Brentwood. The “Doughnuts for Districts”
campaign thought up by East Liberty Site
Leader, Aaron McKinnon, was a huge success. In
addition to these informal “sweet” meetings with
districts, food has been another way to bring
students together. Everyone enjoyed the
the variety of great dishes from Rhonda Higgins
bringing in pizza and doughnuts, to Bill Dickinson’s
famous meatballs, and Elaine Good’s Tuesday
and Thursday sweet treats.
Food and the camaraderie that comes with
“breaking bread” together has been another
positive highlight.
PHASE 4 Brentwood’s students have also taken a
few field trips to places like Pittsburgh’s Tech Shop,
Empire Beauty School and a few other places
involving higher education and employment. Field
trips are a great way for students to get to know
one another, meet new people and experience
things they may not have had an opportunity to
do otherwise.
The final Brentwood PHASE 4 site highlights are
the administering of the ASVAB test and the
Celebration of Success ceremony. This test is not
only for those students interested in the military,
but it provides vital career exploration data to
any student who takes it. The ASVAB test results
provide a detailed explanation as to the types of
jobs and careers that match the strengths of the
students.
The Celebration of Success Ceremony, PHASE 4
Learning’s graduation ceremonies to honor the
hard work of our students was held on Friday,
May 30, 2014.
The Celebration of Success Ceremony may be the
last time many students will see each other and
the PHASE 4 staff. It is a happy, sad and rewarding
evening for everyone. It is an awesome experience
to see our students walk across the stage
in their caps and gowns and hear the applause
each student gets from friends, family and the
PHASE 4 team in attendance.
The 2013-2014 school year has been a very
good year at PHASE 4 Brentwood. It has been a
fun filled year with many new faces and many
highlights. While we will miss this special group of
graduating students and wish them great success
in their future, everyone at PHASE 4 looks forward
to seeing all of the returning students in the fall.
Beaver
Excellence Abounds
at PHASE 4 Beaver
The 2013-2014 school year at PHASE 4 Beaver was
one to remember. The students, teachers and staff
worked hard during the year and their combined
efforts have paid off for everyone. Some of the
highlights are:
• PHASE 4 Beaver served middle and high school
students from nine different school districts.
• 14 seniors graduated from their home schools.
• Several students took the ASVAB test administered by the U.S. Army.
• One student earned his graduation requirements during the year and enlisted in the U.S.
Army. He is currently stationed in Hawaii.
• Beaver students are doing well in math and
reading. They achieved grade level increases in
Star Reading and Star Math.
• The attendance continues to shine at PHASE
4 Beaver. Two of our classes excelled in 20132014.
• Eighth Grade - 91% attendance
• Senior Class - 86% attendance
• The students supported the community through
job fairs, the Chick-fil-A Christmas donations,
and various community service projects.
Philadelphia
a Southwest
Philadelphi
a Southwest
It was a night to remember.
On May 29, 2014, the students and staff of PHASE 4 Learning
Center in Southwest Philadelphia came together with Performance
Learning Center South and E3 Center at the Hilton Hotel City Avenue
to enjoy a joint Prom. The Masquerade Ball, this year’s Prom theme,
was enjoyed by more than 80 students from the three programs.
The students came together in all of their finery for a night of
glamour, glitz, fun and dancing.
Students rarely get the opportunity to dress to impress, and
impress they did. The night was festive and full of excitement. The
looks on the students’ faces were priceless. Behind the masks of
the young men and women were the future stars who were exploring
the world, one mystery at a time.
Brentwood
Student Highlight:
Maddison Fenton
Maddison “Maddie” Fenton is an 18 year old
senior from South Allegheny School District.
Maddie was born on March 8, 1996, to parents Amy
and Mark Fenton. She has an older brother, who
also attended PHASE 4, and a recently
married older sister. Maddie grew up in Dormont
and attended Keystone Oaks until the 4th Grade.
Her family then moved to Glassport, where she
currently resides.
In addition to coming to school, Maddie enjoys
hanging out with friends and family. Her sister
is expecting a baby boy and Maddie is looking
forward to becoming an aunt. She plans to spend
a lot of time with her new nephew. Maddie is
currently employed at Steak ‘n Shake as a server/
waitress and has worked there since
January 2014.
Maddie came to PHASE 4 Learning and has
improved her attendance which has allowed her
to become a successful young woman, not only
at school, but at her job as well. Maddie has
completed her academic credits and has
graduated this year.
The success Maddie has had at PHASE 4, and at
Steak ‘n Shake, has given her the confidence to
apply and be accepted at two schools! Maddie has
chosen to attend the Empire Beauty School located
in West Miflin, PA. She will begin her studies in
cosmetology in September.
She chose Empire Beauty School to get the
training to become a hair stylist and manicurist.
Maddie has also been accepted into Community
College of Allegheny County’s South Campus where
she plans to study business. She ultimately wants
to own and operate her own hair and nail salon
and will utilize her business studies to successfully
manage her business. Maddie will begin attending
CCAC upon completion of her cosmetology studies.
Maddie hopes her business will be a success
and thanks PHASE 4 for helping her to achieve
her dreams.
Sto-Rox
Student Highlight:
Anthony Blackwell
Sto-Rox has a few rising seniors who stand out
amongst the rest for a variety or reasons, but none
stand taller than Anthony Blackwell.
Anthony was referred to PHASE 4 three separate
times by the Sto-Rox School District. Each time,
Anthony was sent back to his home school district
for making academic progress and improving his
attendance.
Anthony is the kind of student who any teacher
would love to have in class. He possesses the
perfect blend of hard work, charming nature and a
great sense of humor.
Anthony started with PHASE 4 in October and is
on track to graduate in 2015. He has participated
in several of the monthly projects such as Black
History and Women’s Suffrage. He has also been
awarded the Student of the Week honor multiple
weeks in a row for his academic performance.
Anthony has also been one of the leaders of the
music studio. He has been an inspiration to his
fellow classmates by leading by example.
Anthony has completed his required work in
order to have access to the music studio and
equipment. While not knowing anything about
music production, Anthony was able to teach
himself the basics and fundamentals in order to
teach others at PHASE 4.
After graduation, Anthony wants to pursue a
career in the military or possibly open up a
chain of beauty salons and barber shops.
Anthony has shed the negative stigmatisms of
alternative education. He has proven that with
strong mentors, and a focus on healthy relationships, students can achieve academic success
and leave PHASE 4 prepared for the future.
Our Last Chance
“PHASE 4 Learning was our last chance,” said
PHASE 4 student Kevin Smith, Jr. He spoke with
relief, as fellow student Nychelle Payne nodded
in agreement.
Nyclelle and Kevin share a son together, his name
is Kay’von. He was born during their junior year
at Clairton High School.
Kevin wants to attend Community College of
Allegheny County or California University and
plans study pre-law.
Nychelle is passionate about attending Indiana
University of Pennsylvania and plans to enroll in
the Sociology program.
Nychelle & Kevin live together, share expenses
and have ambitious goals. They quickly learned
that the schedules and responsibilities of childcare
and traditional high school don’t mix well.
Unfortunately, these young parents had to put
their high school studies on hold.
To their fortune, Clairton’s school counselor
was there to help these young parents and
recommended PHASE 4 to them. Beginning in
November 2013, the couple enrolled at PHASE 4,
and side by side, they completed the required
credits.
They also took the EverFi financial literacy coursework. Kevin currently works for Dollar General, and
they both received their high school diplomas.
Since PHASE 4 Learning Center opened its doors
ten years ago, there have been thousands of
students with various personal challenges but
Nychelle and Kevin may be the first set of parents
to graduate, arm in arm, from PHASE 4.
These two young parents are shining examples
of how students that face personal troubles
can truly benefit from the caring staff and
educational opportunities at PHASE 4.
There’s More Than
Flowers Blooming
in Pittsburgh
Spread the Word
This spring, PHASE 4
CEO, Terrie Suica-Reed
was interviewed by David
“Bloomdaddy” Bloomquist
on FM News Talk 104.7
in Pittsburgh. The show is
broadcast Monday
thru Friday from 6:00-10:00 AM and focuses on
the most important topics of the day.
HeadquartersHarrisburg
Terrie Suica-Reed
717-561-2060
Founder & CEO
724-462-1241
When Bloomdaddy heard about PHASE 4 Learning
Center’s success rate in Pittsburgh, Harrisburg
and Philadelphia, he wanted to learn more.
They discussed the challenges that many
students face daily at home and in their home
schools and how they affect the students success
in school. When Ms. Suica-Reed explained PHASE
4’s unique approach, the caring staff and special
group of students, he understood why the
graduation rate is so much higher than the
national average.
Ms. Suica-Reed and Merle Thompson, the student
who inspired the creation of PHASE 4, were
also featured guests on Chris Moore’s radio talk
show on Sunday, June 29th at 4:00 PM on
KDKA 1020 AM.
If you know of a school district or student that
would benefit from PHASE 4’s ability to help
students that are having problems in their home
schools, please contact one of the team below.
Beaver Valley Plaza
Philadelphia - Liberty
724-770-9080215-637-0544
Brentwood
Philadelphia - Southwest
412-650-9004215-727-0200
East Liberty
412-361-6012