Welcome
A message from the principal
Welcome to the spring newsletter for The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. We are mid-way through our second year of operation with over 330 students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades. Our 8th graders are selecting one of three high school pathways: biomedical sciences, engineering or media technology. And we’re reviewing over 550 student applications submitted for our classes to begin in the fall of 2009.
As I reflect on the 2008-2009 school year, I’m so proud of the transformations we’ve seen take place in our girls. We provide an environment rich with opportunities to ensure each girl has the tools to succeed in college and her career, live a healthy lifestyle and be a leader in her community. The achievements of our students are a testament to our mission and values.
We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and encourage you to provide us feedback on things you’d like to hear more of in the future. Our milestones and successes would not be possible without the generous support from the donors and community groups who have given their time and resources to support the school. Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
Jeanne Goka
News & EventsLegacy of Giving: Top Service Honors Awarded to Students
Ann Richards students placed 2nd in the nation for the “Pack the Pod” service project. “Pack the Pod” challenged students to fill an empty storage pod with donated food and clothing. Our students came through, collecting donations valued at $38,000 including 3,098 lbs of food and 6,083 clothing items.
In recognition of their efforts, two Ann Richards students represented the school at a service project in New York City sponsored by JetBlue Airlines and A Legacy of Giving.
This project is only one example of the school’s focus on the importance of giving back to the community through service learning projects. Congratulations to the girls for their leadership and contributions to the community!
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Regional Science Fair: Students Awarded and Advance to State
Two students from the school took top awards at the Austin Energy Regional Science Fair.
Hannah, an 8th grade student, won 3rd place in the Physics division for testing the effect that different colors have on creating a hologram. In her experimental procedure, she actually used photo developing chemicals, lasers, and other materials to "build" her own hologram and project the image.
A second Ann Richards student, Hanna, won 2nd place in the Plant Sciences division for testing the effects of different combinations of soil mixtures on plant growth rates. For example, she would mix equal parts of a specific soil type and sand and compare it to a mixture of 100% soil.
As Hanna describes, “you might think this experiment would be really boring, not fun, and take too much time in your life. Well, it did take a while, but it was worth it knowing that at the end it would help my family save money for watering bills and know what kind of soils to buy since our family loves to garden. I had a great time and so did my partner Hannah. I hope I see every girl at our school enter and [have] the confidence that I had!”
The Austin Energy Regional Festival, affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), is the world’s largest pre-college science fair competition for students in middle and high school. Both students will advance to the state-wide ExxonMobile Science and Engineering Fair held the weekend of March 28th in San Antonio.
We’re so proud of their hard work and leadership -- the entire school is cheering them on as they prepare for the state competition!
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Students Gain Hands-On Tech Experience with IBM Partnership
Each year, IBM sponsors students for its nationwide IBM EX.C.I.T.E. (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) Camp Program. The one-week summer camp program is focused on inspiring middle-school girls to make a difference in the world through math, science and technology through a variety of entertaining hands-on lessons and demonstrations.
Eight girls were nominated for the program last summer and continue to be mentored by local IBM volunteers throughout the year to encourage ongoing interest in math, science and engineering.
In addition to the Camp, IBM has generously provided computers to the school and developed e-mentoring relationships with our Spanish II Classes. More information about this program can be found at the IBM website. We thank IBM for its continued support!
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Establishment of Forgione College Advisor Fund
The school recently honored Dr. Pat Forgione at a surprise event and established the Dr. Pascal D. Forgione Jr. College Advisor Fund.
Dr. Pat Forgione has served as the Superintendent of the Austin Independent School District for 10 years and will retire this year. His leadership, vision and support have been instrumental in the creation of the Ann Richards School. The Forgione College Advisor Fund supports the guidance and resources necessary for students to graduate from high school and attend college.
To make a donation in honor of Dr. Forgione, please send a check to the Ann Richards School, P.O. Box 684746, Austin, Texas 78768-4746 or donate online.
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