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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

BACK TO SCHOOL

CCA STUDIO

CURRICULUM

PRINCIPALS DESK

SUMMER SPOTLIGHT

DID YOU KNOW?

POETRY CORNER

SPORTS

CCA COMMUNICATOR

Visit our website at www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org

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Back to School Carnival
By Imani Mack
This years District carnival was bigger and
better than ever! It was held Saturday, August
23rd from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Caroline Sibley
School. The theme was Get Fit II with a focus
on healthy eating, exercise, and family
resources.
The purpose of the carnival was to provide the
community with a motivation for school. There
was a train ride and face painting station for
small children. The carnival had jumping jams,
an area for dancing, and a fruit & vegetable
stand. Plus, it also had a Pre-K book giveaway
and a raffle. Inside the school, there was an
opportunity to use raffle tickets for prizes and a
healthy lunch. Overall, the carnival was a huge
success. A good time was had by all who
attended.

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Pictured: Superintendent Shelly DavisJones and District Office personnel

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

Columbia Links
By Shawnna Evans

This past summer I spent my time at Columbia College Summer

Arts Camp. I was really nervous when I began attending, but as I
continued to attend, I began to look forward to it daily. I learned more
than just filming; it also involved music, art, and theatre.
In filming, I worked with two professors. They were great mentors to me, and I really
learned a lot from them. Before the summer camp ended, the camp had a showcase where we
put everything we learned into one huge performance.
Columbia also has an art gallery that contains all the art that we produced during the
summer. Plus, we made movies in different types of genres. Overall, I had a wonderful time
being there and I hope to go back next summer as an eighth grade graduate. I would love to
eventually attend Columbia College for my undergraduate studies.

ASNE Reynolds Institute

By Cherita Smith and Kenya Trice

Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Trice had the honor and

privilege of attending the Reynolds Institute of the
American Society of News Editors at the Walter
Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass
Communication in Phoenix, Arizona. During the two
weeks of intense training from June 15-27, 2014, they
were guided by professors and educators in the field of journalism and mass communication.
They first learned the foundation of story ideas. They did story-mapping, brainstorming,
reporting, and interviewing. They also learned photojournalism. Mrs. Trice learned the basics
of digital photography and In-Design page layout, while Mrs. Smith went beyond the basics to
learn advanced Photoshop and audio. After the video training, they did a group multimedia
project applying editing skills, using B-roll and audio with Adobe Premiere software.
Once the CCA students learn about this, teachers can float between the studio and the
computer lab giving students flexibility to do other things, as long as it is productive and
constructive. The goal is to now publish a monthly issue of The CCA Communicator instead
of a quarterly one.
We look forward to continuing the partnership with Columbia College and fostering more
learning for the students. We also will have someone to visit the school and offer writing
workshops for them. This will be a productive school year where the students can really
thrive. If students are willing to put in the time and effort it takes to be successful in
journalism, the new studio/production lab will be utilized to its optimal potential.

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

C.C.A Studio Evolution

By Daysia Williamson

The Creative Communications Academy studio has come a long way since last year. In the
beginning it was just an old room, or so the students thought. Then workers started coming in and
changing it. They repainted the walls first, and then started putting in tables, a smart board, bean bag
chairs, and finally Mac computers.
Now we have a microphone, a professional piano and multiple pictures of previous students. Our
liaison, Mr. Spitz, brings students from college to guide and teach us on how to do different things
and properly use the equipment. Lastly, Mr. Scott has picked well-behaved, trustworthy, disciplined
C.C.A students to come and do things like edit videos, work on our school newspaper, or even
assigned projects. Hopefully, every student will eventually be able to utilize the studio even more.

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(Pictured Above: C.C.A. student Kaia Raye and Mr. Jeff Spitz from Columbia College)

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Evolution of the CCA Studio

By Amari Brooks and Deonte Williams

The studio is a place where the students of CCA can go to work on certain things like projects and
after school activities. What used to be an old dusty class room is now transforming into the heart and
soul of CCA. At the beginning of the last school year it was just an old and dusty classroom wasting
space. They had to strip the old carpet and replace it with a new one. They knocked down walls to
create windows. They also closed off a door to create a sound proof room( or at least its going to be
one). They had to move everything out and start from scratch.
We use the studio for the school newspaper, ceremonies and certain presentations. The studio was
finished at the end of last school year. The studio was created to give opportunities to students and
create different activities for them. The studio is downstairs in front of the main entrance so that
everyone who walks in can see the masterpiece of CCA, while students and teachers are utilizing it
hard at work. Now, its truly becoming a real working studio.
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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

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Did You Know? (Illinois Constitution Facts)
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By Tyler Barnes
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Did you know that National Constitution Day was September 17, 2014?
Did you know that the next general election in Illinois is in November 2014?
Did you know that Illinois has had four constitutions?
Did you know that Illinois has had three capitals?
Did you know that the Illinois Senate has 59 members?
Did you know that the Illinois House of Representatives has 118 members?
Did you know that the Illinois Senate term is four years?
Did you know that the Illinois House of Representatives term is two years?
Did you know that Illinois has three branches of government?
Did you know that Illinois has three main courts?

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Did You Know? (Illinois State Facts)
By Darell Jones
Did you know that the state tree is a White Oak?
Did you know that the state flower is a Native Violet?
Did you know that the state bird is a Cardinal?
Did you know that the state capital is Springfield?
Did you know that the state nickname is The Prairie State?
Did you know that the statehood of Illinois was Dec 3, 1818?
Did you know that our states admittance into the Union was the 21st state?
Did you know that our state has 102 counties?
Did you know that our states largest cities are Chicago, Rockford, and Aurora?

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

Pictured above: CCA students Miles Scott and Shamari Brown in Science class.

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Common Core at Work

By Franshawn Floyd

In sixth grade, I did not like Science and experienced mostly failure. As a seventh grade student in
Ms. Washingtons Science class, I am already experiencing some success. Her method of teaching
and explanations are easy to understand.
The tests we have are as easy as 1-2-3. The information that she provides is outstanding because I
am now receiving much better grades on individual assignments. She teaches us vocabulary like:
analysis, placebo, and hypothesis. When Ms. Washington has something important to give us every
Monday, she puts up a sign that says, DO NOT ERASE.
In the first half of the quarter we have been focused on the scientific method. Ms. Washington has
us working on data research, observation, and the solar system. Being in Science this year is the best,
and I hope all of the students who are engaged in her class will experience just as much success.

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

Back To School
By Amari Brooks

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Welcome back to school

Where were learning new rules
We have five new classes
So put on your thinking glasses
Were going on more exciting trips
And doing more with Mr. Spitz
The teachers are working harder
Enhancing our minds and making us smarter
We hope to have a wonderful year
Embracing this experience without any fear

From the Principals Desk

By Gerald Scott

The school year has gotten off to a great start! I would like to welcome the newest edition to
the CCA family, our Reading teacher Ms. Saundra Smith. We are also excited about the
return of our seventh grade Science teacher, Ms. Lajoya Washington and we welcome her
back to the team.
I would like to thank the more than 200 parents who attended the seventh grade
Orientation on August 12th. New students received a tour of the school and received
instructions and expectations for the coming year at the middle school. So far our students
are exceeding all of our expectations.
Our students have also been working hard with our new Thematic Coach Mrs. Crystal
Pedroni. CCA students will be working on the Public Relations aspect of our future
Sculpture Garden at the Middle School. Thanks to Mrs. Pedroni, our students are fired up!
Many of our students are writing out their ideas to cover the event and spread the news
throughout the community.
We are looking forward to our continued partnership with Columbia College. Together we
are working to incorporate an extended day program that will enhance and further develop
our students and teachers media skills, making it an extension of the classroom learning
process.

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

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CONGRATULATIONS!

7th

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Grade Girls Basketball Team

Coach Smith

Jasmine Rayford - CCA

Raya Brady - CCA
Denae Harris - CCA
Ladeja Bailey - SOFA
Caila Hall - SOFA
Dayanna Collins - SOFA
Precious Robinson - SOFA
Karlotta Prince - STEM
Savannah Williams - STEM

10. Zharia Hardin - STEM

11. Demea Johnson - SOFA
12. Tiyana Tallie - CCA
13. Tamera Berdley - STEM
14. Mikayla Brown - SOFA
15. Bria Martin - CCA
*Reserve:
1. Dashanera Holmes - STEM
2. Diamond Baker - CCA

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8th

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CONGRATULATIONS!
grade Girls Basketball Team
Coach Russell

Lavonya Pointer - CCA

Kayla Tolbert - CCA
Jelynn Jaggers -CCA
JoKeyla Ryce - SOFA
Lunden Alexander - STEM
Maia Moore - STEM
Kiyah Simpson - STEM
Jessica Brown - SOFA
Jaylene Wade - STEM

10. Kayla Patton - STEM

11. Brianna Ingram - STEM
12. Cheyenne Moses - STEM
13. Jadah Dunlap - STEM
14. Nori Bradley - STEM
15. Reah McDonald - SOFA
*Reserve:
1. Tajah Pittman - CCA
2. Heaven Green - CCA
3. Nakiyra Jordan - CCA

*Team Subject to Change*

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

Girls Basketball Schedule 2014-2015

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Southwood @ DMS 3:45 - 9/30/14
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Calumet Park @ DMS 4:00 10/1/14
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Gwendolyn Brooks @ DMS - 3:30 10/2/14
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Coolidge @ DMS 3:30 10/6/14
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DMS @ Southwood -3:45 10/9/14
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Park Forest @ DMS -3:30 10/14/14
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DMS @ Roosevelt 3:30 10/16/14
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DMS @ Gwendolyn Brooks 3:30 -10/21/14
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DMS @ Coolidge -3:30 10/23/14
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Seton Lady Sting Classic Tournament 10/24, 25, 26 TBA
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Roosevelt @ DMS 3:30 10/28/14
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Prairie Hills @ DMS 3:30 10/30/14
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DMS @ Park Forest 3:30 11/3/14
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Lincoln of Dolton @DMS - 3:45-11/5/14
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McKinley @ DMS -3:45 11/6/14
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DMS @ Lincoln of Dolton-3:30-11/17/14
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DMS @ Prairie Hills -3:30 11/18/14
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Regional Tournament 7 11/22-26/14 TBA
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Regional Tournament 8th 12/1- 5/ 14 TBA

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SEPTEMBER 2014

CCA Communicator Mission Statement

The CCA Communicator believes that public enlightenment and education aligned
with Common Core goals are the foundation of our democracy. Our duty as
journalists is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and
comprehensive account of issues and events.

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Masthead
Editor: Daysia Williamson
Associate Editor: Shawnna Evans
Assistant Editor: Kayla Montgomery
Copy Editor: Phoenix Harrell
News Editor: Imani Mack

Sports Editor: Charles Reed

Layout Editor: Tyler Barnes
Reporter: Franshawn Floyd
Multimedia Editor: Darrell Jones
Feature Editor: Amari Brooks

Faculty Advisors: Tiffany Blackman, Angela Blair, Angela Grimes, Cherita Smith, Saundra
Smith, Secrett Stone, Kenya Trice, Lajoya Washington, Rodeana Williams
Contributing Advisors: Jeff Spitz, Stan West, Kenya Thames, Aaron Stevens

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Principal Gerald Scott

Creative Communications Academy (CCA)
1650 Pulaski Road
Calumet City, Illinois 60409
Office: (708) 868-7585
Fax: (708) 868-1247

www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org

We BelieveExcellence, Humanization, & Pride

Special thanks for your CCA Vision:
School Board President, Darlene Gray Everett
District 149 School Board Members

Superintendent, Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones

District 149 Administrators

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