Flory magnet school to host Science Extravaganza Night
Academy seeks new students for 2008-2009
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

SYLVIE BELMOND/Acorn Newspapers INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW MORE- Science teacher Katie Cohen helps first grade students during a buoyancy and displacement experiment in the science lab at Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology recently. In conjunction with the upcoming open enrollment period from Jan. 17 through 31, Flory will host a Science Extravaganza Night themed "Energy Makes the World Go Round" at 7 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 17.

"This is more fun than recess," said first-grader Sophie Hendricks while she molded a ball of clay into a hollow circular bowl and placed it in a container filled with water to see if the bowl would float.

The experiment taught by science teacher Katie Cohen at Flory Academy of Sciences and Technology in early December helped children understand the principles of buoyancy and displacement in a practical way.

Through such handson activities, young students learn to predict the possible outcomes of experiments, said Cohen.

Flory Academy, in downtown Moorpark, is one of two designated magnet schools in the Moorpark Unified School District. The programs were created to promote diversity and challenge students with innovative curriculums, said school officials.

"Our children come to us because they're interested in science, math and technology," said Principal Pam Hill. About 500 students come from Moorpark and surrounding cities to take advantage of the programs.

In preparation for the open enrollment period, Flory Academy will host a Science Extravaganza Night themed "Energy Makes the World Go Round" at 7 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 17.

"The event will give people the opportunity to see what Flory is all about before open enrollment closes on Jan. 31," Hill said.

Various science experiments will be featured by teachers and guest presenters from Boeing, Tesla Coil, Chaminade High School and California Lutheran University, among others.

Open enrollment applications were being accepted as of Monday, through the end of the month. If applicants outnumber the available spots, the school will hold a lottery in early February to randomly select new pupils for the upcoming 2008-09 school year.

Siblings of current students get preference, said Hill. Last year the school received 200 applications for 115 spots.

"We're accepting a new batch of kindergartners and expanding all grade levels," Hill said.

Parents should consider Flory Academy because the school has a unique curriculum, said the principal, adding that the mission of the school is to instill a passion for lifelong learning through a meaningful curriculum that prepares students for the life experiences that lie ahead in an ever-changing global society.

Students in all grades have access to two large computer labs, a dedicated media center and a contemporary library. Children also visit the school's math and science lab every week and they can use the school's wireless laptops to research projects on the Internet or to create Power Point presentations.

Technology is also integrated with language arts and social studies and the school has forged relationships with high profile partners such as Cal Lutheran and scientific organizations.

"Our students use technology as a tool. Even little ones can learn challenging concepts," the principal said.

Cohen, who recently graduated from California Lutheran University, was introduced to Flory when she was a student teacher. She decided to teach at the magnet school because she was impressed with the programs and enjoyed the supportive environment that encourages collaboration among teachers.

"Teachers will bend over backward to make sure the children's needs are met," Cohen said.

The elementary school and California Lutheran University, based in Thousand Oaks, work collaboratively to train new teachers through an internship program. CLU has a dedicated classroom on campus for student teachers, said Hill.

Flory Academy leaders also work closely with the district's two middle schools to ensure that the children can build on what they learned at the elementary level.

Although middle schools don't have any magnet programs yet, their programs are evolving to give students a pathway to continue to study their interests, Hill explained.

"The main thing we want to do is excite students about science, math and technology. A lot of times high schools get grants for these programs, but it's our feeling that if we don't excite children when they're little, it's just a subject they take for credit later," she said.

To reserve a spot for an upcoming school tour or to obtain more information about programs offered at Flory, call (805) 378-6303. Flory Academy is at 240 Flory Ave.