Students from New Academy Charter School’s 9th grade Civics class recently visited the Pittsburgh City-County Building, where they explored the Pennsylvania Supreme Court courtroom—the oldest appellate court system in the United States, established in 1722. The building’s rich history and stunning architecture made for an unforgettable learning experience.
During their visit, students had the unique opportunity to meet with a judge, who shared insight into how the courts operate and the types of cases heard there. One of the highlights was observing a live portion of a case involving eminent domain, giving students a real-world look at the judicial system in action.
It was an engaging and meaningful experience that truly brought classroom learning to life!
New Academy Charter School had a blast participating in the “Hanging with My Peeps” contest! Using donated marshmallow Peeps, students turned their ideas into colorful and creative works of art. From playful scenes to detailed designs, each project showcased their imagination, talent, and originality.
Students had so much fun bringing their visions to life, experimenting with different themes and materials along the way. The finished projects were proudly displayed throughout the school, brightening our hallways and bringing smiles to everyone who stopped to take a look.
We are so proud of the creativity and effort our students put into each piece—what a sweet showcase of talent!
New Academy Charter School would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the many individuals and organizations who generously donated items for our students’ Spring Break treat bags.
A heartfelt thank you to Ryan Adams and Adams Construction, Cookie’s Creamery, Paul Jones and the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Department, Private Driver Pittsburgh and Pete Castellano, Angie Kort and Koman, Kimmell and Gabriel Family Medicine, Philly Pretzel Factory (Ross Township), Coach Warren and the Ham N Eggers Diner, Texas Roadhouse, The Duncan Family, The Cope Family, Elizabeth Cortez, Grace Paglialonga, Mr. Sean, Miss Mary, and the Arlington Civic Council.
Your generosity and strong sense of community are truly appreciated. Because of you, our students were able to head into Spring Break feeling supported and celebrated. Thank you for helping make this time extra special!
Imagine capturing suspense, mystery, and a complete story—all in just 100 words. That’s the magic of Stranger Sagas!
Students were challenged to explore the strange and unusual through short-form storytelling, crafting mini sagas with bizarre beginnings, mysterious middles, and unforgettable endings.
We are proud to share that New Academy Charter School student Damine S. entered the contest—and won! Her story, Run, set in a school’s computer lab, will be published in Stranger Sagas: A Twist in the Tale.
Congratulations, Damine! We are so proud of your creativity and accomplishment!
Our New Academy Charter School student, Antoinette C., took her Civics class learning to the next level by attending a Pittsburgh City Council meeting—and even spoke as a registered speaker!
Antoinette shared her thoughts on how Pittsburgh interacts with its youth and how these interactions can influence youth violence. She highlighted the importance of “third spaces”—places outside of home and school where young people can go without judgment and explore their interests. She also emphasized the need for accessible transportation to these spaces.
Using statistics and recent events, Antoinette pointed out how environments shape young people, sometimes leading to isolation instead of a true sense of community. Her questions focused on:
• Why youth are judged for behaviors influenced by their environment
• What free, non-restrictive spaces exist for kids to simply be kids
Not only did she speak confidently, but she also met Councilwoman Barb Warwick, Mayor Corey O’Connor, and other community leaders, who praised her initiative and insight.
Antoinette’s curiosity and courage are a great reminder of the power of youth voices in shaping our city!
Over the past two weeks, students in Ms. Rich’s class have been diving deep into real-world science by applying their understanding of the pH scale and the carbon cycle to climate change.
They explored the impact of ocean acidification—learning how increased carbon dioxide in our atmosphere lowers ocean pH and threatens ecosystems like coral reefs.
Through hands-on labs, students:
Trapped carbon dioxide in water to observe changes in pH
Placed seashells in acidic solutions to simulate how coral reefs are affected over time
These powerful experiments helped bring science to life, showing just how connected chemistry is to the world around us.
We are incredibly proud of how seriously our students have engaged with these topics. Their curiosity and passion for making a difference truly stood out.
New Academy Charter School Civics students recently completed an in-depth unit on the Civil Rights Movement, bringing history to life through a walking timeline of key moments and milestones.
Students examined major events such as school desegregation, boycotts, freedom rides, and landmark legislation, while comparing the approaches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. The unit also included discussion of a documentary excerpt featuring Angela Davis, encouraging students to think critically about violence, systemic injustice, and the role citizens play in shaping democracy.
Through discussion, analysis, and reflection, students engaged deeply with questions of civic action, protest, and the role citizens play in shaping a democratic society.
Please call or email for additional information to Gina Samosky, Corporate Communications Coordinator