Ms. Z. Talks Math and Music

Name: Ms. Zarzuela

What do you teach?

I teach 6^th grade Math Procedures. My class focuses mainly on the fundamental math skills needed to be successful in different analytical problem solving scenarios – such as data analysis and real world application of mathematical skills. By the end of 6^th grade, my students will be successful in manipulating whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages with ease in a variety of computational math problems (among other things). 

What college did you go to? 

I attended Cornell University in Ithaca, New York where I double majored in Psychology and Spanish and minored in Latino Studies.

What was your favorite thing about college?

My favorite aspect of undergrad was being able to connect with a wide range of people with varying interests and backgrounds. On any given day, I interacted with future biologists, lawyers, doctors, psychologists, authors (et cetera) as well as people from different regions of the U.S. and world. It kept conversation interesting and I felt like I was continually learning from others. Additionally, I enjoyed being able to take classes in almost any area of study.

You were in an a cappella group in college.  What is that?

An a cappella group is a group of singers who perform without musical accompaniment. Groups can be made up of only males, only females, or both – known as co-ed groups. Different voice types make up the different parts of a song and singers perform pieces without the use of musical instruments. These types of groups use different techniques to create the full sound of a traditional song. They can also focus on live performance and incorporate choreography into songs.  

Do you have a favorite a cappella song?

If I had to choose a favorite a cappella song that we did in college it would be “Hide and Seek,” originally by Imogen Heap.

You studied in Seville, Spain in college.  What was that like?

Studying abroad was probably one of the most memorable aspects of my college career. I lived in Spain for six months with a Spanish family and went to the University of Seville, where I took Clinical Psychology and Literature courses. I absolutely love traveling and meeting new people, so it was amazing to visit different cities in southern Spain throughout my stay. I was definitely sad to leave at the end of my semester and cannot wait to go back sometime!

What’s your favorite thing about working at Atlas Prep?

My favorite part of working at Atlas is interacting with students every day. I love building relationships with my students and their families and being a part of their education. 

What’s your favorite quote?

My favorite quote is: “You are just here for a few years to be,” by Osho. It speaks to making the most of our time and doing that which truly makes us happy.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Want to learn more? Take a tour!
Want to get involved?  E-mail our Director of Community Outreach
Want to support our mission? Consider donating!

7th Grade Goes to CSU!

It's that time of the quarter!  This time around our 7th grade Atlas Preparatory Scholars had the pleasure of visiting the Colorado State University campus on February 8th. Greeted by CSU student tour guides, Atlas students were introduced to the college campus and got an inside look at what a college student's life might be like on a daily basis. Atlas students were shown a real college dormitory room as well as some of the places college students hang out while they are not in class or studying.

Too much fun? No way!

A highlight of the day included a couple of science lab experiments with the CSU Little Shop of Physics. The scholars were led by CSU students through a series of physics tests and learned about infrared light waves. They even tested their fellow Atlas students through a series of EKG tests!  

It was a fantastic opportunity for the Atlas Preparatory Scholars to experience what college is like and what they continue to work towards as Atlas Scholars.

Thank you to again to the staff and student tour guides at Colorado State University! Also a big thanks to the 7th grade Atlas staff and all their help to make this a great experience for our 7th graders!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

After School Program Coordinator Kaili Purviance started as a substitute teacher but fell in love with the Atlas environment and wanted more!  He has a BA in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin with a strong background in entrepreneurship. Mr. Purviance believes that all students deserve access to a quality education that gives them the tools to be successful adults.



Want to learn more? Take a tour!
Want to get involved?  E-mail our Director of Community Outreach
Want to support our mission? Consider donating!

Counselor's Corner: 2 Tips for Helping Kids with Anger

At Atlas Prep, students and teachers alike take pride in our PREP values: being Professional, Respectful, Engaged, and Prepared.  When a student’s behavior does not reflect our PREP values, they earn a deduction, or a garnished wage in extreme cases. This growth process often results in emotional pain.  We have all felt angry, frustrated, or embarrassed at different times in our lives, and these feelings are normal human emotions.  Some students, however, feel and express ANGER far more than any other emotion when given a consequence.

It is heartbreaking for any adult to see students struggling with anger. Students sometimes express anger towards teachers, the school in general, or some other external factor. This type of response is natural to a degree. Adults even make excuses, blame others, and become mad at those doling out consequences, rather than considering how they can change their own behavior. So how can we, as caring adults, deliver consequences in a way that minimizes student anger?

------------------------------------

Here are two tips every Atlas teacher uses to help students grow while minimizing the pain that often leads to anger:

Tip #1 - Give Consequences Calmly

 

As adults, we want nothing more than for our students to grow.  But if a consequence is delivered in a rude, critical manner, the student can become angrily focused on the person giving the consequence.  Anger can lead to hostility, misunderstanding, and additional conflict with others. A student’s reaction can be even more severe if the critique is delivered aggressively.  In some cases, students can lose sight of their own behavior. 

When delivering a critique calmly, it is easier for students to focus on the message you are telling them instead of the emotion you speak with.  In this way, adults have tremendous influence over how students calmly take accountability for their actions. 

Tip #2 – Give Consequences with Empathy

 

All Atlas teachers stress the importance of giving consequences with empathy, a term coined by the creators of Love and Logic.  When consequences are given in a sincere, empathetic manner (which is easier said than done, of course), scholars are able to reflect on their own behavior more clearly. I have heard Atlas teachers say things like, “I’m very sorry to give you a garnished wage for repeatedly talking,” or, “I really like having you in class, but you are too much of a distraction to stay.”

In the following video, Dr. Fay explains how we always need to “lock in that strong dose of empathy, or sadness for the kid, before we deliver the bad news.” Take a look at this video and consider how giving consequences with empathy can minimize a student’s anger, and increase self-reflection and personal growth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipl6eAxgnuY

Here at Atlas we will continue offering consequences gently and with empathy, knowing that students will examine their own behavior and cherish the opportunity to grow.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

School Counselor Danny Gibbons is a graduate of King's College and UCCS.  When he isn't working tirelessly with Atlas Scholars, he enjoys sports, traveling, and the company of family and friends.



Want to learn more? Take a tour!
Want to get involved?  E-mail our Director of Community Outreach
Want to support our mission? Consider donating!