Lincoln Park Academy Featured in April 2022 Sponsor Update
Lincoln Park Academy was featured in the Program Spotlight section of the Buckey Community Hope Foundation April 2022 Sponsor Update newsletter.
New Clubs Help Bring Back Joy to Lincoln Park Academy
With all the changes and disruptions over the past two years, Lincoln Park Academy Principal (LPA) Alissa Clugh knew what she wanted to focus on for the 2021-22 school year.
“One of my main goals for this school is joy. There’s been a lack of joy,” she explained.
This was an observation noted on her biannual reviews, she recalled, and by other visitors to the school. “No one smiled,” she said. “There were few celebrations.”
The challenges faced by the school, located in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood of Cleveland, were exacerbated by the declining number of afterschool activities available. Many nearby recreation centers and other after school options closed permanently during the pandemic or offered dramatically fewer programs.
Undaunted, LPA knew what to do. They responded with a smattering of new club offerings. Upper campus students (grades 6-8) can now join puzzle or robotics clubs. There was so much demand for both clubs, Principal Clugh explained, that they had to limit participants. Now, students need to write an essay to get into Robotics club, which led by teacher Alex Evers. Many students, particularly those who are less interested in sports, have thrived in the puzzle club with teachers Brandi Aldrich and Ania Hydzik. “I like going to puzzle club because I can get away from home instead of just wasting time on the internet. You can have fun with your friends, and I love puzzles.” -Jalissa Johnson (6th grade)
Students in grades k-5 on the lower campus are flocking to a new yoga club, under the leadership of Casey Peterson and Leah Kavalec.
Lego club—with teachers Anna Cozzarin and Heather Johnson—is another big hit.
“What I like about Lego club,” said first grader Logan Jones, “is I get to work with Ms. Cozzarin and build Legos, and I get to do fun stuff, build fun stuff, and be creative. “ LPA teachers have really stepped up to make these clubs possible and infuse some much-needed joy in the lives of their students. The pictures and the overwhelming participation in the clubs tell the story. Kudos to Principal Clugh and her wonderful staff for their creativity and dedication in serving their students!
