News & Stories
Neurosurgeons
CLA Students Become Neurosurgeons for a Day
In a fusion of education and practical experience, eighth-grade students from Creative Learning Academy stepped into the shoes of neurosurgeons under the guidance of Dr. Brett Reichwage and medical equipment representative Brent Bush from Globus Medical. Following their anatomy unit, students dove into the intricacies of spinal surgery during a spine lab session and practiced the technique of inserting pedicle screws into the spine, a pivotal skill in surgical procedures. Our eighth graders were able to navigate the complexities of anatomical structures, ensuring precise placement of screws to align the "spine" of their simulated patients.
Under the mentorship of Dr. Reichwage, our students gained insight into the realm of neurosurgery. This immersive experience not only honed their technical skills but also cultivated critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Through initiatives like the spine lab, Creative Learning Academy exemplifies its commitment to providing students with enriching educational opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. By fostering partnerships with medical professionals and facilitating hands-on experiences, CLA empowers students to explore diverse and unique career paths. As these emerging “neurosurgeons for a day” reflect on their time in our classrooms, we hope that these experiences foster newfound inspiration for students to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving field of medicine.
History Fair
CLA Students Win at County History Fair!
Our incredible 5th and 6th grade students have once again proven their brilliance at the Escambia County History Fair, bringing home many well-deserved awards!
Their hard work, dedication, and passion for history truly shone through, earning them seventeen awards for their outstanding projects.
Thirteen of the 6th grade participants will be moving forward to the state level competition. This competition will be held in Tallahassee at the Tallahassee Community College Campus on May 5-7, 2024.
Well done, Dragons!
Day of Giving
2nd Annual Day of Giving - Success!
Creative Learning Academy's "Heart of a Dragon" Day of Giving Exceeds Expectations
Creative Learning Academy celebrated its Second Annual Day of Giving on February 13, 2024, under the theme "Heart of a Dragon." This unique fundraising event merged the rich traditions of Lunar New Year and Valentine's Day, symbolizing generosity, luck, and love within the CLA community.
The Day of Giving aimed to unite CLA's diverse community, including current families, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, in a shared spirit of generosity and support for the school. With ambitious targets set at 100 gifts, a $75,000 fundraising goal, and a goal to increase community participation from 33% to 65%, excitement and anticipation were high.
Throughout the day, CLA rolled out various creative incentives and matching challenges to encourage participation. Supporters were kept updated on progress through messages and social media posts, fostering a sense of camaraderie and momentum.
Following the event, the results surpassed all expectations:
-
152 Gifts Received: Our CLA community rallied together, demonstrating overwhelming support for the Dragon Fund.
-
$83,468 Donated: Generous contributions poured in throughout the day, exceeding the fundraising target and including all matching challenge gifts.
-
Community Participation Jumped to 54%: The event saw a significant increase in community involvement, showcasing the collective dedication to CLA's mission and values.
-
17 First-Time Donors: CLA’s Day of Giving welcomed new supporters to the CLA community, expanding the network of individuals committed to the school's success.
CLA expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, acknowledging their pivotal role in making the Day of Giving a resounding success. The funds raised will have a profound impact on the school, enriching the educational experiences of students and faculty alike.
The remarkable achievements of 2024’s Day of Giving underscored CLA's vibrant culture of philanthropy and its unwavering commitment to fostering excellence in education. As the school continues to thrive, the legacy of generosity established during this event will endure, shaping the lives of future generations of CLA students and educators.
Basketball Championship
4th & 5th Girls Win CYSL Championship!
CLA 4th and 5th Grade Girls Basketball Team Triumphs in CYSL Championship
In a thrilling display of skill, determination, and teamwork, the CLA 4th and 5th grade girls' basketball team emerged victorious in the CYSL basketball championship, clinching a hard-fought win against EDS. The game played amidst an electrifying atmosphere, proved to be a nail-biter from start to finish, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer sounded.
From the opening tip-off, CLA took control of the game, establishing an early lead and maintaining it throughout the first half. However, as the game progressed, EDS mounted a fierce comeback, relentlessly closing the gap until, by the end of the third quarter, they had tied the score, setting the stage for a tense final period.
With both teams trading baskets in a back-and-forth battle, the game reached its climax with the score deadlocked once again at the end of regulation time. The CLA team showcased their resilience and composure as they headed into overtime.
Our Dragons dug deep when it mattered most and ultimately secured a victory that etched their names in the annals of CYSL history. Go Dragons!
NASA Downlink
CLA Hosts NASA Downlink
Pi Competition
CLA Mathletes Shine at Pensacola Invite
Creative Learning Academy's sixth through eighth-grade students showcased their mathematical finesse at the recent 15th Annual Pensacola Invitational PI Competition. This rigorous and challenging event, organized entirely by students, brought together math enthusiasts from Escambia County's diverse educational landscape, spanning both public and private institutions. With categories tailored to all math levels through Eighth grade, participants engaged in individual testing and team rounds, each designed to challenge their problem-solving abilities to the fullest extent
Held on March 9th, 2024, this year's Pensacola Invitational once again offered a platform for emerging mathematicians to compete, thanks to the generous support of local sponsors. All county schools were encouraged to maximize student participation, fostering an atmosphere prepped and ready for intellectual growth and healthy competition. For CLA students, the opportunity to demonstrate their mathematical abilities was met with concentration and determination.
When time ran out and all pencils were down, CLA mathletes emerged with commendable achievements and recognition. From individual accolades to collective triumphs, their dedication and skill were evident across various categories. Here are the results for CLA students: Math 1 Individual: Ian Truong (1st), Ethan Johnson (2nd), Liam Walker (4th), Ryan Blalock (7th), Marshall Pilger (8th); Math 1 Team: CLA 1 (1st), CLA 2 (2nd). Math 2 Individual: Carina Mariano (5th), Rohan Chavan (8th); Math 2 Team: CLA 1 (1st). Algebra Individual: Lukas Aung (2nd), Peter Ruiz (5th); Algebra Team: CLA 1 (1st). Geometry Individual: Konrad Kreis (2nd), Nathan Hultstrand (4th), Teagan Uslan (8th), Yash Gujral (10th); Geometry Team: CLA 1 (3rd). The Pensacola Invitational PI Competition stands as a testament to Northwest Florida’s passion for mathematics and the invaluable experience it offers to our CLA students that embrace competition.