PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES ADDED IN 2016-2017
MAKERSPACE
A Makerspace was developed as part of an initiative to create a culture of innovation and learning while supporting inquiry-based learning. The Makerspace provide hands-on, creative ways to encourage students to design, experiment, build and invent as they deeply engage in science, engineering and tinkering. A makerspace is not solely a science lab, woodshop, computer lab or art room, but it may contain elements found in all of these familiar spaces. PMA's makerspace was designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, tools and materials and includes 3D printer, 3D pens and numerous prototyping, woodworking, textiles, electronics, and robotics materials.
Goals of the Maker Space Lab:
- To provide students with access to the newest technology to create.
- To provide students with to solve with the new technologies.
- To provide students with an ability to use a wide range of idea creation techniques for brainstorming and collaboration.
- To teach students to elaborate, refine, analyze and evaluate new ideas and maximize creative efforts.
- To teach students to develop, implement, and communicate ideas effectively.
- To allow students to demonstrate originality and inventiveness in work.
- To provide a learning platform for students to act on creative ideas and make tangible new solutions.
JAime Escalante Math program
Started in 1983, the goal of the Escalante Program is to engage disadvantaged inner-city youth in a demanding academic regimen of pre-college and college level mathematics to prepare them to take succeed in college level math courses.
At PMA 9th grade students were offered the Jaime Escalante curriculum through a partnership with East Los Angeles College to better prepare for the college preparatory math courses at PMA over the course of the summer before beginning high school. This program was made possible through a grant from the Steinmetz Foundation. |
WARRIOR PARENT UNIVERSITY
A new counseling program was developed to generate more parental empowerment and understanding of educational procedures both at secondary and post-secondary institutions.
The bilingual Warrior Parent University Program is a 4 week course for parents to come together and learn about various topics relating to the success and achievement of their children. |
Parent University Participant Experiences... in their own words:
“To first focus on the positive things and to praise, show affection and listen more”
“I have learned about my past, recognize the errors & not repeat them”
“Most parents go through the same problems, I am not alone”
“Be patient and try to understand their mental growth”
“The development of the brain goes until age 25”
“I wish these classes were given to us years ago”
“I learned what type of parent style I am”
“Best time of my life interacting with parents”
“My relationship with my daughter has improved a lot”
“I didn’t know what Parent University would entail but it was a great resource”
“I am applying many of these techniques with my child and my professional life”
“To first focus on the positive things and to praise, show affection and listen more”
“I have learned about my past, recognize the errors & not repeat them”
“Most parents go through the same problems, I am not alone”
“Be patient and try to understand their mental growth”
“The development of the brain goes until age 25”
“I wish these classes were given to us years ago”
“I learned what type of parent style I am”
“Best time of my life interacting with parents”
“My relationship with my daughter has improved a lot”
“I didn’t know what Parent University would entail but it was a great resource”
“I am applying many of these techniques with my child and my professional life”
HARD AS NAILS MINISTRIES-8 Week Missionary Discipleship prograM
Four Missionaries disciples from Hard As Nails ministries spent 8 weeks with our students and community doing peer to peer ministry, prayer, and discipleship training.
The 8 weeks culminated with a 2 hour community event called "The AMAZING Invitation," which will gather a crowd of family members/mentors/parents who the youth are thankful for making a positive impact in their lives to celebrate the virtue of gratefulness and gratitude. The missionaries goals included modeling and encouraging student discipleship while assisting current ministry programs and retreats.
The 8 weeks culminated with a 2 hour community event called "The AMAZING Invitation," which will gather a crowd of family members/mentors/parents who the youth are thankful for making a positive impact in their lives to celebrate the virtue of gratefulness and gratitude. The missionaries goals included modeling and encouraging student discipleship while assisting current ministry programs and retreats.