Rapoport Academy Public School

Holiday Cheer and Maker Magic! ??? Join us for the Rapoport Holiday Makers Market! ????????: Thursday, Dec. 12th, 5-9 p.m. ??????????: 419 S. 11th St. Shop unique gifts from our talented RAPS makers: ? Hand-knitted and crochet items ? Tumblers and glass can cups ? T-shirts & handmade bags ? Tasty baked goods & gingerbread cookie kits ? Handmade soap ? Handcrafted leather items and jewelry ? Stickers, shirts, and more (from our practicum students) Also, enjoy delicious food truck fare, ax throwing, and a cozy fire pit with your Rapoport community!

Give the gift of #RavenPride! Get a festive ornament or mini commemorative brick for that special Raven in your life! All proceeds support the new Raven Court Gym! Shop now: https://lnkd.in/gtaj5gg9

Amber Hernandez recently joined the Rapoport Academy district staff as our school nurse! She is a Registered Nurse with eight years of experience. Although not originally from Waco, she has called the city home since 2011. Hernandez holds three Associate Degrees from McLennan Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Master of Science in Nursing Education from the same institution. Passionate about learning and children, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband Jorge and son Jaiden, often engaging in activities like board games and movie nights. She also enjoys hobbies such as baking, organizing, and crafting. Join us in welcoming her to our Raven Family!

All Rapoport Academy offices and campuses will be closed November 25-29 for Thanksgiving Break. Classes will resume for all students on Monday, December 2. We hope everyone has a wonderful break! ?????? ??Artwork by Ethan C., 3rd Grade Taught by Mrs. Miller

With our new staff bios over the summer, we missed one of our phenomenal new Elementary teachers: Ms. Hedekin! Now, several weeks into her position as a 3rd grade ELAR teacher, Ms. Hedekin is doing an amazing job connecting with her students and growing as a teacher. From Mrs. Whitlark: "Ms. Hedekin is so open and willing to ask for and receive feedback. As a new teacher, she has the BEST attitude about growing and learning. " More about Ms. Hedekin: Ella Hedekin graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies and a minor in Social Work in May of 2024. Ms. Hedekin has worked at both public and private elementary schools for four years in many different roles, but this will be her first year as a full-time teacher! She is passionate about positively contributing to the community by working with children and families, and feels blessed to be able to work in a role that will allow her to do this! In her free time, Ms. Hedekin loves reading, catching up on TV shows, spending time with friends and family, taking road trips, and going for long walks. Thank you for being a part of our Raven Family! #WorkatRAPS

Our schools will be closed for Fall Break from October 7-11. ?? Please note that we are not closed on Columbus/Indigenous People’s Day. Quarter 2 classes begin on Monday, Oct. 14. We hope everyone has a restful and refreshing break!

??Monday, Sept. 23: Staff Development Day No School ??Artwork by Hannah H., 1st Grade Taught by Mrs. Jurls

Our Rapoport Academy Board of Directors will meet tonight at 5 p.m. in the Gomez Administration Building on our secondary campus. (1020 Elm Ave. Building 500) The agenda is posted here: https://lnkd.in/g3FAgNxw After careful consideration of both legal guidance and accessibility concerns, we have decided to transition from live-streaming board meetings to providing recorded versions in a more inclusive format. Starting with September's meeting, all Board Meetings will be recorded and posted within 24 hours after the meeting conclusion to Rapoport Academy's YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/gNUZ-_Ra Rapoport students, staff, families, and the general public are always welcome to attend in-person meetings.

??Monday, Sept. 2: Labor Day Holiday Campuses Closed ??Artwork by Vanessa V., 10th Grade Taught by Mrs. Ward

Cortney Baugh joined the Rapoport Academy Secondary team as a Teaching Assistant & English III/IV Teacher. Ms. Baugh has worked with 1st through 3rd graders in her 7 years as an educator in the community she grew up in. She is currently attending Grand Canyon University to pursue her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a specification in reading. She has collaborated with teachers in whole-group instruction, small-group, and intervention roles. Meeting students where they are is something she loves to do. She also prioritizes helping students to build character, learn important values, and how to socialize in positive, meaningful, and productive ways. In her off time, you can find Ms. Baugh at any of the Waco libraries, sitting at home enjoying a PC game or two, cooking meals for her family, or cruising around at the lake on their family boat. Ms. Baugh has two students enrolled in Rapoport Academy, Nykolas, an 8th grader, and Emma, a 3rd grader. She is engaged to her partner of 11 years and has two very spoiled dogs. She is honored and excited to join the Rapoport family to grow as an educator and be a part of its thriving community! Welcome to the RAPS Family! #WorkatRAPS #RAPSFamily