Saturday, April 17, 2010

Horizon Charter School - About Us

Horizon Charter School History
Begun in 1993 as Home Independent Study, the school soon changed its name to Horizon Instructional Systems. In order to make the name more synonymous with its purpose, the name was again changed in 2006 to Horizon Charter School (HCS).

During the early years, HCS was entirely a homeschool program. In response to parent requests to supplement the homeschool program, core and enrichment classes were developed and offered. In 1998, the Montessori Community Cooperative was added. Since then the KORE Program for at-risk students in grades 8-12, the Academy of Math, Science, & Engineering, Accelerated Learning Academy of Placer County, and Distance/Virtual Learning (online) options have all enhanced the educational options available through HCS.

HCS is publicly funded (no fees or tuitions are charged), certified through the California Charter Schools Association, and fullyWASC Accredited to grant high school diplomas. Credits earned at HCS are transferable to other California public schools.

The 2008/2009 School Academic Report Card (SARC) is now available. The SARC contains information about the condition and performance of HCS as required by law. It is intended to provide parents and community members with a quick snapshot of the school's accountability.

Parents, students vent over Lincoln charter school closure | News10.net | Sacramento, California | Local News

Parents, students vent over Lincoln charter school closure

LINCOLN, CA - The room was packed when Horizon Charter School officials tried to explain to angry parents and students Friday why classes are being discontinued at the Sacramento campus.

Horizon, headquartered in Placer County, has operated charter schools in Lincoln, Roseville and South Sacramento for years.

The agency's CEO LuAnn Boone said the school's Sacramento site wasn't in compliance with state law.

"In order to have facilities established outside of Placer County, 50 percent of the students have to reside in that county," Boone explained. Most of the 150 students who attend classes at the Stockton Boulevard location are from Sacramento County.

Boone said that's why the charter agency decided to suspend classes and have students work online or meet their teachers at various locations, such as their homes and coffee shops.

She pointed out that no more than three students could meet at a time because that would be considered a class and a violation of state law.

Parents and students told Boone with only four weeks left in the school year, they don't like the idea.

"I've been in independent study," said Tatyana Rust. "It works for some kids, but for me, I like the social interaction with teachers and students. If they wanted independent study, most of the kids here would be in independent study."

"I think it's ridiculous," said Dave Gardner, who has four children at the school. "I think it's ridiculous to tell teachers they're going to do this. They're going to be running all over the place to get to students."

Boone maintained it's the best school officials can construct on short notice. "We looked at all the options and we believe in the best long-term interest of the school this is what needs to be done,

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D.C. Schools Insider - Bill Turque chronicles Chancellor Michelle Rhee's effort to transform District public schools.

D.C. Schools Insider - Bill Turque chronicles Chancellor Michelle Rhee's effort to transform District public schools.:

D.C. teachers go back to court

The Washington Teachers' Union has asked a D.C. a Superior Court judge to re-open its lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the teacher layoffs Chancellor Michelle Rhee ordered last October because of what she described as a budget crunch.

Union president George Parker and American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten said Friday that the tangle of charge and counter-charge this past week involving Rhee's claims of a $34 million surplus in the school system budget--which she intended to use to fund the new proposed teachers contract-- make it imperative that they return to court. They're seeking reinstatement of the 266 teachers who lost their jobs. Judge Judith Bartnoff rejected union claims last fall that the budget crisis was fabricated by Rhee.

The union electronically filed motions to re-open the case late Thursday evening.

Earlier that day, District Chief Financial Officer Natwar M. Gandhi said that an extra $34 million was available, but was offset by overspending in the school system's central office bureaucracy. Rhee countered by announcing that her staff had identified another $29 million that could be used to underwrite the contract.

Education - Everything you need to know about the world of education.

Popular D.C. principal found dead at home

Brian Betts, of Shaw Middle School, was a favorite of Rhee

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Brian Betts, 42. (Nikki Kahn-TWP)

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"Twilight" joins 2009 Most Challenged Books list

The Twilight Saga books joined the list of the Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2009, the American Library Association says. The list includes "Catcher in the Rye," and, believe it or not, "To Kill a Mockingbird."

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Brian Betts--a great loss for D.C. schools

It is difficult to adjust to any 6 a.m. phone call, but the one I received this morning was particularly jarring. Brian Betts, one of the most energetic and enthusiastic educators I have ever met, had been found dead in his home in Silver Spring, just months before what I expected would be good news about his relentless efforts to raise achievement for students at the Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson.

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Ed Buzz: The Nation

Illinois school fighting cyber-bullying(Chicago Tribune)
Boston teachers asked to work more hours for same pay (Boston Globe)
Advocates weigh Obama's commitment to early ed. (Education Week)
N.Y. bill would allow layoffs of teachers with seniority (New York Times)
Bilingual ed., immersion work equally well (Education Week)
Schools tackle teacher-on-teacher bullying (USA Today)
English-language learners making gains (Education Week)
Researchers argue over Head Start study (Education Week)

Ed Buzz: The Region

MoCo school investigates cyber-bully threats (WUSA)
P.W. dad wins FOIA fight with school board (Potomac News)
Kids at Md. school get tainted milk (Fox 5)
McDonnell signs college lab school legislation (Richmond Times Dispatch)
Schools reduce police presence (The Examiner)
Montgomery College, schools brace for cuts (The Gazette)
P.G. County PTA reinstated (The Gazette)
Md. GOP: Don't raise dropout age (The Gazette)
Birth-control center finds home at T.C. Williams (Alexandria Gazette Packet)
Fairfax teacher quits over embezzlement charges (Examiner)
MoCo teachers say they are overwhelmed (Gazette)
Alex. considers new school boundaries(Examiner)
PG parents fear impact of school cuts(WJLA)
Md. lawmakers favor ed cuts (Baltimore Sun)

EducationNews.org - EducationNewsToday

EducationNewsToday

Minnesota schools renew focus on keeping students safe

School districts have spent millions to build safer schools. They've touted safety plans, installed high-tech surveillance, locked doors and monitored entrances.

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