When listening to teens is the answer

“There are many reasons why students come to us,” says Isai Melgoza, Counselor/Mentor at Por Vida Academy Charter High School.  It doesn’t matter how they get here, whatever their circumstance, how complex their story, we open our doors and invite them in. We offer them support and guidance in a variety of ways--all to make sure these young people earn a high school diploma and plan for a successful future.”

Lead teacher Mrs. Ramones and Raven

Raven was 14 when her son Isaiah Jr. was born. She struggled with missingschool--taking days off to accompany Isaiah to doctors’ appointments and otherchild related responsibilities. “As a result, I ended up getting kicked out ofthe school district, not just the high school I was attending, but the wholedistrict,” Raven Ortegon-Hernandez states. “Thehigh school I was attending at the time didn't bother listening to mysituation, but Por Vida Academy did. So I enrolled at PVA and they understandwhat it is like to have certain situations going on at home.  In additionthey helped me to be able to graduate early at the age of 16 years old. Theyare the only school that has ever listened to my situation and they worked withme the whole way through. Por Vida Academy will not only change your attitudebut it will also change your life.”

Isaiah Jr.

"At Por Vida Academy I can go at my own pace,”say Isaiah Ramirez, Isaiah Jr.’s father, also a PVA student. “The student toteacher ratio is smaller so it’s easier to get help and understand thesubjects. I have struggled in school ever since I was little and here I ammoving up from freshman to sophomore and I’m only halfway through the schoolyear. Por Vida Academy is the best school I have ever gone to."

In addition to working on their academics, Raven and Isaiah participate in youth character development programs Xinachtli (for girls) and El Joven Nobles (for boy) and together in Raising Children with P.R.I.D.E. (Purpose, Responsibility, Interdependence, Development, Enthusiasm a program supporting teen parents.

For more than 23years, Por Vida Academy Charter High School (PVA) has helped thousands of young women andmen earn high school diplomas and prepare for college. This unique San Antoniocharter school continues to specifically and intentionally meet the varyingeducational and emotional needs of teens on the verge of permanently droppingout of school. Powerful, life-changing education is happening here.

The spirit of generosity flows like a river

As the San Antonio River flows just on the outskirts of the property, an underlying current of generosity runs through the campus of Blessed Sacrament Academy. It’s a generosity born of God’s love and manifested in the Sisters of Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament. From their founding of the campus in 1926, and throughout the 93 years since, people have come to the campus both in joy and in need receiving a heartfelt response from the Sisters and those on staff.Blessed Sacrament Academy began as an all-girls high school and continued as such for over 60 years. In the early 1990’s, programs were developed to meet the needs of a changing neighborhood establishing the Child Development Center, Por Vida Academy Charter High School, and Parents' Academy.The history of generosity at BSA can be told thru recalling the many times the campus was used as a refuge—from tragedies of war or natural upheavals, personal or family difficulties.  Throughout the years, the campus community continues to be education-centered, but it's not just about the high school students, children enrolled in the CDC or parents attending the Parents' Academy. The generosity of resources, encouragement, support, and prayers extend to alumni, families, and even strangers who find themselves on campus.Sister Odilia Korenek, CEO of Blessed Sacrament Academy, speaks to recent events which demonstrate the generosity of resources and spirit: “Saturday of the 3^rd week of October was special at Blessed Sacrament Academy. The strong voices of men sounded throughout the convent building. In word and in the song The San Jose ACTS Group prayed and shared in the presence of a very large cross which they brought up the back stairs into our chapel in the early morning. The blessing was palpable.”“On the other side of the driveway” Sr. Odilia continues, "the American Indians of Texas came for a weekend of learning and prayer. Again, we were blessed. This time it was with a traditional fire and smoke ceremony as they moved from building to building giving a blessing dating back hundreds of years. The ancient words of the ancient One to Moses come to mind - “This is Holy Ground”.”Joe Dominguez is a parent of one of our pre-school students and attended Parent's Academy. He and his family are very active on our campus, lending a helping hand any chance they get.  Dominguez visits the chapel every morning with a contagious smile and often says, "Blessed Sacrament Academy is my second home!"We extend an invitation to visit our campus, learn about our programs, join us in extending our mission.

Por Vida Academy--when education matters

When motivated teens realize education matters, Por Vida Academy teachers and staff can create a flexible combination of courses to earn a high school diploma and in preparation for college.As a middle school student, Elizabeth Idar experienced some family and emotional concerns which led to an interruption in her school attendance. After more than a year’s absence, she realized a high school diploma would be a necessary step towards any aspirations she had for her future. Idar began searching for a way to earn that diploma.Idar found that because she dropped out at the middle school level, no district school in San Antonio was willing to work with her—but Por Vida Academy was. “I am so grateful to have found Por Vida Academy,” Idar states. “They allowed me to catch up on my courses and to complete all the classwork necessary to graduate.” In fact, Idar was the Valedictorian of her 2015 class.Interested in continuing her education, Idar enrolled at Palo Alto College and received her Associate’s degree in Applied Sciences from the Cosmetology program. "When the college guidance counselor mentioned the cosmetology program, I tried a few courses," Idar says. “I realized I liked working in beauty services, and was interested in a career in this field." Idar is currently working as a stylist at Super Cuts while continuing to advance her professional experience.While Idar was in school and now on the job, her daughter Isabella has been cared for by the staff at the Child Development Center on the Blessed Sacrament Academy campus.Over the past 23 years, Por Vida Academy Charter High School (PVA) has helped several thousand teens earn a high school diploma and prepare for college. This unique San Antonio charter school located on the campus of Blessed Sacrament Academy specifically and intentionally meets the varying educational and emotional needs of teens on the verge of permanently dropping out of school.For more information about Por Vida Academy Charter High School call Principal Loren Franckowiak  +1 (210) 775-1132

Student finds a path to success at Por Vida Academy

Blue Flores is an engaging, capable young man who found success taking an alternate path for his high school education. A recent graduate of Por Vida Academy Charter High School, he's currently in his second year of studies at Alamo Colleges with plans to transfer to UT Austin for a degree in social work. In the meantime, Flores is volunteering at Blessed Sacrament Academy as an intern at Parents’ Academy.How Flores made this alternate path a personal success is a story indicative of many students who find themselves, for any number of reasons, at Por Vida Academy. Flores was in his junior year at Brackenridge when a combination of negative situations, both in school and family related, lead to his departure.  “I felt lost, alone and extremely vulnerable,” said Flores. After a few months at Por Vida Academy, he realized the staff was on his side. “The teachers and mentors basically picked me up off the floor by helping me set goals, encouraging me every step of the way.”"It has been a great privilege to see Flores tap into the potential he always had, but not always recognized," said Isai Melgoza, PVA Counselor. "This time last year, he was wrapping up his senior year of high school early. In January 2018 he began his first semester of college. And, after taking the maximum class loads and testing out of some classes, he is a student close to transferring to UT Austin. He went from a student at-risk of dropping out to making us all proud."As a Parents' Academy intern, Flores is being introduced to issues which may affect families under stress. He participates in classroom discussions, helps with marketing Parents’ Academy and assists with other organizational needs.“Having Flores join Parents' Academy as an intern has been a "win-win" situation,” said Kathy Lozano, Parents' Academy Director. “I have seen his skills develop and his confidence increase through the process and projects of Parents' Academy. It has been a pleasure mentoring Blue as he shares his passion for helping others. He is a welcome addition to our team!”For information about Por Vida Academy Charter High School, phone 210.775.1132.

91 Years Old: Still standing, but not standing still

This time last year, Blessed Sacrament Academy was commemorating its 90^th Anniversary. In September ‘16 we held a special event bringing past and present friends, and alumni together for a celebration and appreciation of our founders, the Sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament.As the IWBS Sisters continue to provide leadership and inspiration for all our programs, no one is standing still. During the past year, there have been improvements and measurable growth in all the current programs on campus.The Child Development Center began collaboration with the City of San Antonio providing four new classrooms for Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership serving ages 6 weeks up to 3 years of age. CDC open admission classrooms are currently at capacity enrollment. A new and improved BooFestSA, held in late October ‘16, reached a community-wide audience and was well attended.Since the launch of Parents’ Academy’s new “Positive Discipline Toolbox” workshop in late January 2017, more than 70 parents have attended the eight-week course. In addition, an after-class support group was implemented with a core group of PA alumni who have been meeting on a regular basis.Por Vida Academy Charter High School shared a $54M grant awarded by Youth Empowerment Services, Inc (YES) to four charter districts: George Gervin, Positive Solutions, Southwest Prep and Por Vida Academy. Funding will be used to increase teachers’ salaries to a competitive level promoting teacher retention, so important in building relationships with the students attending the alternative high school.Core Engagement GroupThe Corp Engagement Group, consisting of community and civic leaders, was established in February ‘16 has grown to include eight business/civic leaders who, in sharing our mission with others in San Antonio, have increased our circle of friends, donors and funders. This year we received more than $185K as a result of grant writing and asks, many directly facilitated by Core Group members.Infrastructure DevelopmentIn its 91^st year BSA reached back to experience an archeological dig.  The “diggers” were in search of possible artifacts from older civilizations who lived here before us.  The search, in turn, was precipitated by an increasingly problematic drainage problem at the back of our property, which in turn was caused by drainage from 90 surrounding acres to our “natural flow” territory.  Zika called us to search more diligently for the funds needed to correct this danger to our children.  Reprogramed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money came to our rescue.There was excitement about what the archeological team would find. To the disappointment of several of us, “the site consists of low density lithic debitage, fire-cracked rock and two buried thermal features”.  (taken from official report) The report concluded that this site is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.  The water detention basin being developed is back on schedule.What’s next? We know God has a plan for us and is in control, therefore we trust Him to provide the means for Blessed Sacrament Academy to continue its vital mission to children, teens and families in our community