PALMDALE – The Palmdale Aerospace Academy (TPAA) received nearly 800 student applications for its opening in 2012-13 and will host a public random drawing for enrollment of students.
TPAA received student applications in excess of capacity for grades seventh and eighth at the close of its application window on March 16; however, there are some unfilled seats still available for students who will be ninth graders in 2012-13, according to Matthew Winheim, Palmdale School District Liaison to TPAA.
“Parents and guardians of students that will be 9th graders next year should turn in their applications as soon as possible,” Winheim said.
Applications submitted right now will fill the remaining 9th grade spaces available. Once TPAA has received applications to that grade’s capacity, they will begin the 9th grade waiting list in the order in which applications have been received.
Applications for grades seventh and eighth that were received past the application deadline will be placed on the TPAA waiting list after the enrollment lottery, which is scheduled for May 2 at the Pueblo Learning Center.
Students entering grades 7th through 9th next year may apply to TPAA, regardless of where they live.
TPAA staff does advise parents and guardians that this will be a rigorous, project-based learning environment, focused on preparing students to engage in careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
“If your child is the type that asks why, and is not satisfied with ‘because’ as the answer; if your child likes to see if they can make things work better by taking them apart and reassembling them; if they like to learn by doing and have a natural curiosity about technology and science, then The Palmdale Aerospace Academy is the right academy for them,” Winheim stated. “It will be hard work. And it will be worth it.”
The academy’s instructional series is designed to hone the natural skills and abilities of students as it prepares them to become pioneers and leaders in the workforce of the future.
Contact Roger Gallizzi at 661-273-3680 for more information.
(Information via press release from The Palmdale Aerospace Academy.)
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Students invited to apply now through April 13 for the new Joe Walker STEALTH Academy
LANCASTER – Westside Union School District’s Joe Walker Middle School is now accepting applications for the STEALTH Academy, a program centered on Science, Technology, Engineering and Learning Through Humanities. The program will commence at Joe Walker in the fall of 2012.
The innovative program is available to all students, grades 6th through 8th, and parents must apply for an opportunity to have their student join the program. Applications are being accepted until 3 p.m., Friday, April 13.
“Joe Walker’s emphasis on humanities and the arts alongside the science and mathematics make it an exciting leap for Westside’s STEM program,” said Westside Union School District Superintendent Regina Rossall. “The STEALTH Academy provides a well-rounded education for middle school students, unprecedented in the Antelope Valley with an emphasis on college prep before high school.”
Students accepted to the program will be able to take part in extra-curricular classes, including Civil Air Patrol, Pre-AP, GATE, robotics, art, drama, music and much more.
“The Joe Walker STEALTH Academy rethinks education and the level of accountability demanded of students and their families,” Rossall says. “In return, it offers a stimulating environment and the tools with which to meet the high demands of our technology-based future. That is the core of our approach.”
In addition to its emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math, students will have access to Westside’s innovative, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program. This program places students of varying academic levels in rigorous courses and offers specialized training in critical “soft skills” like note-taking and personal time management. AVID’s goal is to prepare all students for college.
For more information about Joe Walker’s STEALTH Academy and for application information, visit the District Website, www.westside.k12.ca.us or call the school at (661) 943-3258.
(Information via press release from Joe Walker’s STEALTH Academy.)
Quigley says
Roger Gallizzi you are the one acting like a 3rd grader in today’s AV Press. This is proof that you should have put the Academy on the back burner. Taxpayers are tired of footing the bills for your perks and foolish expenditures….you are now under a microscope and have no privacy! Let’s see how “honest” you truly are!
Ed says
I dont believe it. The school districts comes up with innovative methods to raise the level of education in the Antelope Valley and they get shot down. There appears to be a limited number of positions and they seem to be handed out in an equal manner. Why the complaints? I would suggest that in place of complaints one would want to volunteer to raise money for more positions. Open up another school. Where is your competative propensity?
Quigley says
Equal to what? Low achievers will not be considered. The state of California is close to bankruptcy and has been the entire time PSD has been involved in this venture…don’t ya think maybe it wasn’t quite the right time to make investments in something PSD claims isn’t theirs?? Volunteer? My taxes are paid and it is up to the school districts to decide how their portion is spent…so perhaps Mr. Gallizzi is the guy you should ask for some volunteer fundraising
RLeyba says
I just received a call from PSD connect ed, which is probably my 10th reminder to be sure and send in our envelope with some $$$ for the South Antelope Valley Education Foundation. The recorded message reminds us that the $$$ is used for field trips and classroom supplies. I guess PSD has come up with “innovative methods” to try and recoup some of the $$$ they loaned to this new school that “IS NOT” a PSD school! What exactly is this costing the PSD students who are not attending the new school? I will send my box of tissue to the classes each year, but I will not support PSD in their financial mismanagement!
Jeanne Moran says
This program is costing our teachers !! Palmdale school districts are asking teachers to take upto 12 ADDITIONAL unpaid days off to help pay for this kind of crap. Yeah it’s probably a great program for some, but if it means our kids take even more time off of school to pay for these programs, then get budget cuts because of low test scores for the state, where’s the benefit?? We need to take a look at what we have and revamp it before going and starting on something new that costs EVERYONE and only benefits a few…..politics at its best once Again….it’s a great program FOR EVERYONE ELSE AT THE TOP!!!!
Quigley says
It’s to late, Gallizzi and his puppet board have already done the damage. PSD is now a creditor loaning money they don’t have, can’t pay their bills and will lay off employees, cut hours, and implement furlough days, the students will lose as well. PSD doesn’t have a fkn clue when it comes to the school sites, the staff and students become a family, a bond the PSD main office will never be a part of. So how will they ever understand…they won’t!
Al Bondigas says
I would suggest that one should check the facts first before making comments. How do you know the positions are being handed out equally? Why can’t we come up with innovative methods using the resources we already have? Why does the level of education need to be raised? I suppose you’ll be in that volunteer line.
Quigley says
I doubt Ed is going to read your reply as this article is pretty much buried on this site, old news, what a shame. I would love to get some input regarding Mr. Gallizzi and the fact he is still receiving raises while his employees are in the process of being laid off or hours reduced. Hmm, could it be CA budget crisis, Academy loans, or just PSD shenanigans? My vote is all three. Meatballs? Classic!
John Mlynar says
This is clearly one of the most innovative educational endeavors in quite a long time. My only regret is that my children are too old to take advantage of this opportunity. Our aerospace firms need engineers and have to do a lot of recruitment; why not grow our own?
RLeyba says
Why not??? because the money used for this venture should not be coming from PSD funds! My kids schools are already suffering from the lack of services & supplies and we all know it is going to get worse! Stop robbing from the under achievers who are not invited to attend this PRIVATE school!
Quigley says
I have to agree…what funds? Last I heard they are gonna be 7 million in the whole by July…so as usual someone is not making wise decisions for the students remaining or the staff. How does a school district “loan” money they don’t have?
John Mlynar says
This innovative academy is part of the Palmdale School District. I wish my children were in that district and of the age to apply. It is not a private school. Paraclete, Pinecrest, Desert Vineyard, Desert Christian—they are private schools. Also, this academy is receiving outside funding.
Quigley says
Part of the Palmdale SD? The students are invited & considered if they are the high achievers, current PSD employees are not able to transfer if they choose, and how bout the ADA…who receives that…not PSD! All of the outside money has not arrived so PSD is the creditor…who by the way is going to have a hard time paying the employees who currently work for PSD…how much ADA$$$
John Mlynar says
Quigley, I beg to differ. There were open meetings to all students/parents interested in this school. I attended one. My friend who has a child who is of the age for the school also attended. This is a PSD project with priortity given to PSD students.
Quigley says
JM, All students were invited to apply, but students with low test scores will not be attending….correct me if I’m wrong.
Quigley says
Hmmmm??
John Mlynar says
Hi Quigley, so far as I know the school is open to PSD students first and then if there are not enough students who apply, it is open to students outside the district. I do know that they had so many applicants at one grade level that students are chosen at a lottery. As for test scores being used as a criteria for getting into the academy, I will have to check as I do not know for certain. One friend of mine whose son applied did not indicate that.
This school is obviously not for every student. Not every student is adept/gifted/or interested in STEM subjects. I would have been one of those students NOT cut out for this sort of program. STEM subjects were my downfall.
Quigley says
JM we never heard back from you so I thought perhaps the Letters from Readers section in today’s AVPress might be of interest to you…I think Danny is right on…would be great to see his letter posted on this site….the truth!!
Quigley says
Roger D. Gallizzi please share with the Palmdale taxpayers…why are you giving our tax money to TPAA? How dare you steal money from PSD when the district is in dire straits…perhaps your puppet Sandy Corrales-Eneix should answer this question?
RLeyba says
I hear the $$$ is flying out the window, with the PSD Board Members approving it all.I pay my property taxes twice a year and a portion of it is suppose to go to the Public Palmdale Schools. I can’t wait to see how they all explain it to the public/parents when it’s time to “cut back” and lay off staff because the money is short! Maybe LA County will give me a refund because I don’t want to fund the TPAA!
Al Bondigas says
Sounds like you might be interested in attending the school board this tuesday, 5/8/12 at 6:00 p.m. I think some of our questions may be addressed. Parents and children could use your support. Maybe you could share this information with some of your friends/family.
Quigley says
As I previously posted it is to late Mr. Gallizzi & his puppet board have already done the damage. Past practice with this group is to do whatever they want, it is their business and the staff & students work for them. So now they are broke and getting deeper in debt. Betcha can’t guess what’s next? Did I mention they still pursued this knowing CA was going broke and their $$ would probably be cut…CA was 9 billion short and oops, it is now 16 billion…get my point now?