It was our privilege to welcome U.S Congressman Andre’ Carson to Christel House Academy this afternoon.

Congressman Carson met our assistant principal, Sarah Weimer, at an event in D.C. honoring Christel House Academy’s School to Watch Award. The Congressman was so impressed with the work we are doing here in Indianapolis, he had to come and see for himself.

The Congressman toured the entire school and took an in-depth look at our structure and programs. Mr. Carson stopped by many of the classrooms to speak and engage with students of all ages. He even popped into one of our music classes and practiced his piano skills alongside our students.

The Congressman expressed his appreciation and support. He was impressed by the Christel House model and our results.

We’d like to thank Congressman Andre’ Carson for taking the time to visit Christel House Academy and his concern for the education of Indianapolis youth. 

You can check out more pictures of Congressman Carson’s visit on his Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.482375028448279.114624.123884330964019&type=1

- Carey Dahncke, Christel House Academy Principal 

By: Michelle T., Master Teacher, Christel House Indianapolis, IN

 

I have been fortunate enough to be part of the CHA family since its inception in 2002.  I’ve been a 3^rd and 4^th grade teacher, House Lead, Athletic Director for 6 years, Instructional Coach for 2 years and am currently a Master Teacher.

At the end of this month, I will have completed my 10^th year at CHA.  That’s essentially 1/3 of my life. Fortunately, Christel House Academy has an extremely supportive administration and a staff that bends over backwards and then some for each other and our students.  In my several salutations with Ms. DeHaan, she has made mention of ‘average just isn’t good enough’ and I couldn’t agree more. Every student in the building is my student and it is my job to coach them into being young adults they didn’t even think they could be! 

With that comes daily highs and lows and it feeds my passion to make a difference in the lives of these young minds and their families. So what keeps me coming back each day?  It’s the invitation to an 8^th grade graduation party of a student I had 5 years prior, the emails and visits from students who left us in  8^th grade before we had a high school, an invitation to a family event, a welcomed home visit, having 3 siblings 3 years in a row and seeing the families keep growing, the student who runs up to you to show you they are a published author, an email from a parent saying ‘can you help me, you know my son better than I do,’ the kid who you’ve mentored for years leaving because they think they want a big High School but they come running back a month later enrolling again because they know Christel House Academy is the best place for them!  It’s the parents that want better for their kids and welcome me into their family to help make that happen! 

By: Jill M., Student Advisor, Christel House Indianapolis, IN

Before I began providing full-time mental health and support services to students and families at Christel House Academy (CHA) five years ago, I was in the building one day a week as part of a larger program serving twelve schools.  I was drawn to both the staff and students of CHA and by the positive family atmosphere that encompasses the education experience.  I did not see this atmosphere at other schools and was determined that this was a place where I could make a difference with kids and grow professionally and personally. 

If I told the students what a positive influence they have had on my life, and how their stories and lives have helped shaped me into a better person, they would most likely laugh and tell me I am being such a “counselor.”  But, their impact on me is both unavoidable and profound. 

I love talking with students who have grown up through CHA and are now in our high school program.  Many will be the first in their families to graduate from high school and definitely the first to attend college. 

This year, I couldn’t hide my excitement when one student asked me to fill out a recommendation letter for a summer college prep program.  This same student told me three years ago that she “wasn’t meant for college” and didn’t think it was right for her.  I asked her to keep college in mind and talked with her about the programs and careers in which she would excel.  Because of the academic attention and support of CHA, she has decided on her own that college is the right path for her.

Every day I step through CHA’s doors, I know I could witness and be a part of changing a student’s life and forever altering their future for the good.  It is such a privilege!

By: Deborah N., Master Teacher, Christel House Indianapolis, IN

I have been a part of the Christel House family since 2003. I started out as a 2^nd grade teacher and now work as the Primary Master Teacher. Each year we are adding a new grade level which means we have 10^th grade this year and will be adding 11^th next year. I cannot express what it feels like to have 10^th grade students, who I used to have in my 2^nd grade classroom, come to me and say they still have the poem we wrote together in class or the song I taught them to help with math. I have watched these kids grow in ways that not only reach, but exceed, the hopes and dreams I had for them 8 years ago.

That isn't just by chance.

We are a family here. When I pass a student on to another teacher that doesn't mean it is the end of our relationship. The teachers believe in collaborating to make each child become a success story. We work hard to make sure the students know how much we care, which is a really easy task when it is the truth. Christel House Academy offers many ways in which it is possible for me to stay a part of the lives of all the students. I can connect with the students by coaching a sport, running a Summer Enrichment Club or by running one of our Saturday Stars classes. Often I have had multiple siblings from the same family pass through my classroom, which means I also am awarded the opportunity to develop strong relationships with the parents of my students. When you work so closely with a family, you really get a good look at the trials and tribulations some families endure.

At Christel House Academy, we continually work hard to make this school the best it can be for our children. Because when it comes to family, nothing is acceptable but the very best.