STEMS@Therrell High School

Winter Math Camp

December 29, 2008

To prepare for March's upcoming graduation tests and the SAT, our principal and scholars alike invested five days over winter break to review fundamental math concepts like fractions and algebraic equations. Ms Gaynor went back to her roots teaching mathematics in New York to keep our scholars' minds alert and focused on college.

The idea came out of a conversation between our juniors and Ms Gaynor. The scholars proposed the dates and each day approximately 20+ of our juniors came to the school to learn more about math.

Off of this experience, Ms Gaynor has committed to continue working with our juniors to ensure that they attain the success they deserve. "I am convinced that we have to go the extra mile because our scholars need it. I've seen a wealth of potential among these youngsters. All they need are courageous, resilient, committed adults to lead them," Gaynor said in an e-mail correspondence.

As of the fourth day, nine scholars had kept up a perfect attendance record for Winter Math Camp: Adrian Middlebrooks, Antwane Tye, Asia Holt, Devon Brookins, Jamie Charlemagne, Michael Stenson, Samuel Hammond, Tracey Burton and Zakiya Coulter. They are all truly to be commended. We wish them all the best in these next three months as our juniors get ready for their four GHSGTs at the end of March.

Early College opens fall 2009…

December 28, 2008

Through the collaboration of Georgia Power, HTS Enterprises, Atlanta Metro Chamber, Georgia Tech, Atlanta Technical College, and Ralph Bunche middle school, the STEMS is opening its School for Energy during the fall 2009. This Early College Academy offers eligible graduates a dual High School Diploma and Associates Degree, plus industry certification as a Certified Energy Manager (CEM). CEMs earn approximately $80,000 annually. Graduates who then matriculate to Georgia Tech could earn their Bachelor’s degree after only two additional years.

Sophomore Selected for University of Georgia Honor Band Clinic

December 3, 2008

Rayshon Bethune, who plays trombone in the Therrell band, was selected to participate in the 2009 Janfest held at the University of Georgia January 15-18, 2009.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses facilitated by world-renowned college professors and perform challenging literature in a concert concluding the Clinic. Students were selected from over 200 instrumentalists from across the state based on their past performances, accolades, and recommendations from their music teachers.

CUBS Academy Visits Atlanta Opera
November 20, 2008

Atlanta Public Schools' Cultural Experience Project sponsored our CUBS Academy (ninth grade) scholars' trip to the Atlanta Opera this Thursday, November 20. We boarded the buses from the school and headed northward to the Cobb Energy Centre for a showing of "Cinderella".

93% of 11th Graders Pass GHSGT for Writing
November 10, 2008

The results that our 11th graders have been eagerly awaiting have arrived. Ninety-three percent of our 11th graders met or exceeded expectations on the Georgia High School Graduation Test for Writing. We at the STEMS family are elated for the success of our scholars and look forward to the continued achievements of this pioneer class.

Three Governor's Honors Finalists
November 10, 2008

Three of our 11th grade scholars, Samuel Hammonds, Asia Holt and Dezmick McGraw have been selected as finalists for the Governor's Honors Program in engineering.