Office of Minority Achievement
Department of Instruction
Evelyn Syphax Academic Center @ Sequoia Plaza
2110 Washington Boulevard, 2nd Floor
Arlington, VA 22204
703-228-6152
Cheryl Robinson, Supervisor
The Office of Minority Achievement is dedicated to helping students to discover and utilize resources that will help them progress toward their personal goals. This department works to create an equitable, hospitable, appreciative, safe, and inclusive environment for students, families, and staff members, resulting in openness, inclusiveness, respect, and appreciation for diversity of thought, values, cultures, learning styles, perceptions, and actions.
Philosophy and Goals
It is the goal of the Office of Minority Achievement to assist students, families and schools in the attainment of academic excellence by:
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matching and monitoring students’ involvement with pre-existing, as well as, self-initiated educational and/or culturally enriching opportunities.
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teaching parents and students to navigate the system so that educational goals are realistic and attainable.
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encouraging students to take challenging courses throughout their academic careers.
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helping to ensure that students have equal access to all academic programs.
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encouraging students to discover and utilize resources that will help them progress towards their personal goals.
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teaching parents and students to become positive and effective self-advocates.
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exposing students to the rigors and expectations of the next level of education.
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providing teachers with direct support and strategies for working with families of a diverse student population.
*Click the Student Resources link for workshop and scholarship opportunities.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS & OPTIONS
On Saturday, March 16, 2013, the Offices of ESOL/HILT, Minority Achievement, and Title I of the Department of Instruction, Department of Student Services, Department of School and Community Relations, ESOL/HILT Citizens Advisory Committee, County Council of PTAs, Arlington County Department of Parks and Recreation, Educaciòn Para Nuestro Futuro founded by Escuela Bolivia, The Mongolian School of National Capital Area, and League of Latin American Citizens hosted the Multicultural Conference at Kenmore Middle School. Workshops were available for parents in multiple languages.
Cheryl Robinson, Supervisor of the Office of Minority Achievement, Dr. Aleta Myers, Alternative Therapist with Student Services, and Kathleen Donovan, Coordinator with the Parent Resource Center, joined forces and presented a workshop entitled Is Special Education the Only Answer: Knowing Your Rights and Options. In this session, participants discussed what supports are available to students in Arlington Public Schools, and parent rights and options.
Color of Leadership Middle School Boys Conference
On Saturday, April 27, 2013, 150 6th, 7th, and 8th grade boys met at George Mason University, Arlington Campus, to learn various leadership skills and about different careers. Arlington Public Schools and George Mason University, partnering with local businesses and organizations, hosted the event.
