Dear Community,
Welcome to Parma Academy School, home of the Pandas! Parma Academy is a learning community which values high expectations for both academics and behavior. Our staff embraces students, families, and communities to build and develop well-rounded individuals who are independent critical thinkers and intrinsically motivated to be life-long learners. We believe that all children can learn as we seek to make a difference in the lives of our students.
The teachers and staff at Parma Academy are committed to providing a quality education for all students in a safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment. We are committed to ensuring that each child reaches his/her full potential.
In addition to core academic subjects, Parma Academy students have the benefit of weekly art and physical education classes. Special services available to students include: special education, literacy support, and counseling.
We encourage all parents/guardians to maintain regular communications with their child’s teachers and be actively involved in the school community. Checking the school calendar, class DoJo, website, and our Facebook page for events and activities will help keep you informed. We are looking forward to meeting your child and helping foster a love of learning.
Sincerely,
The Parma Academy Admin Team
Samantha Lavigna, Assistant Principal
Samantha Lavigna began her career in education at a young age and graduated from Kent State University in 2017 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. She began teaching at Parma Academy when it was established. Over the years, she taught first and second grade, mentored student teachers, and took on leadership roles such as organizing Read Across America Week, planning Field Day, and coordinating Career Day. In addition to formal education, she has completed coursework in dyslexia and the science of reading, enhancing her ability to support diverse learners. She is committed to fostering a strong, collaborative team where colleagues support one another and build on shared momentum. In addition, she wants families to feel truly welcomed and valued, and foster open, meaningful communication.
Wendy Copen, Superintendent
Mrs. Copen started her career in education as an Intervention Specialist teaching Grades 1-8. She received her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Akron in 1998 and her Master’s in Administration PreK-12 in 2011. After an Internship in 2012, Mrs. Copen became the principal of a K-4 school in Norton, Ohio. During this time, she also became a Certified Speaker through the UpsideDown Organization in Baltimore. She develops and delivers professional development programs on brain-based learning for educators and parents. In 2013 Mrs. Copen won “Teacher of the Year,” and in 2017 she earned the “Momentum Award” from the state of Ohio due to all of her scholars passing their state achievement tests and being the leader of her school. Mrs. Copen loves leading Parma Academy and she is very excited to see the growth of her students and staff.
Staff Directory
Founded in 2014, ACCEL Schools is a K-12 public charter school management organization (CMO) serving students across the United States in brick-and-mortar, virtual, and hybrid school settings. We focus on improving academic outcomes of students regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic factors. The leadership team at ACCEL Schools has a combined 1000+ years of experience as global school management operators with expertise in curriculum research and design, assessment, student support services, and education consulting. Our entire team fundamentally believes that all children deserve a great education and students should be supported as they pursue a wide variety of post-secondary options. Our robust technology increases engagement, access to resources, efficiencies, and academic results helping our students become productive global citizens.
