Freshman Academy

1. Freshman Academy As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined

2. The Goals of the Kenton County School District • All students will perform at or above grade level in numeracy and literacy at each transition point. • All ‘professional practices' will be based on a common understanding  of quality instruction and best practice for every student, in every classroom, every day. • Beginning in the fourth grade, all students will participate in at least one  activity providing a meaningful connection to school beyond the regular classroom each year.

3. Freshman Academy Goals • Ease transition between Middle School and High School • Improve promotion rates to Sophomore Status • Build a “CORE FOUNDATION” in Academics, Attendance, Social Growth and Development, and School Involvement • Enhance Communication between Staff, Administration, Parents, and Students • Develop an individual Graduation Plan • Explore post-secondary options

4. Easing Transition The transition from Middle School to High School is a more difficult transition for students than the transition from Elementary to Middle School.

5. A Plan Unique to Scott In order to help your student make a successful transition from Middle School to High School, we have developed a new schedule model to meet the unique needs of this age student. • Students will be in their CORE classes all year. • CORE classes will be about 45 minutes long. • Class sizes are expected to be smaller than the Upper High School Classes. • Academy teachers are expected to be familiar with all available data relevant to your students’ success.

6. Debbie Lowry • Bachelor's in Elementary Education with Math Endorsement Grades 9-12 • Master's in education • Currently working with the Gates Foundation on incorporating innovative math techniques and technology in the classroom. • SBDM committee member

7. Michele Jones • Bachelor of Arts in English from University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio • Bachelor of Science in Education  University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio • Master in Education in Supervision & Curriculum from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio • Publishing a literary magazine, From the Class with No Door, through Writing Club • I published a personal narrative entitled "The Last Wisteria Blossom," a poem entitled "Where I Am From," and a feature article entitled, "Where U.S. 52 Leads to Mecca" in the Northern Kentucky Writing Project

8. Brandon Griffith • B.A. Thomas More College (Education/Social Studies '04) • Masters in Education from Xavier University (Special Education '10) • Golf Coach • USTA Certified tennis coach • Published - Northern Kentucky Heritage Magazine 'John Hunt Morgan - The Rebel Raider' (2004)

9. Paul Krusling • Bachelor Arts Biology Thomas More College 1995 • Masters Education College of Mount Saint Joseph 2004 • Adjunct Research Associate, Cincinnati Museum Center, Geier Research and Collections Center 1981 - Present • Field Biologist, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Current Project: A Turtle Survey of Ohio 2007 - Present

10. Judy Gammon • Bachelors of Science from Northern Kentucky University • Licking River Watershed Watch • Sierra Club • Field Biologist, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Current Project: A Turtle Survey of Ohio 2007 - Present

11. Beth Pawsat • Bachelors of Science in education from UK ‘98 • Masters of Science in education from NKU ‘99 • Currently working with the Gates Foundation on incorporating innovative math techniques and technology in the classroom.

12. Erin Maley • BA in Journalism from NKU • Master's In Education From NKU • Rank I in Administration from NKU

13. Jeff Trame • Bachelors Degree from NKU • Masters Degree from Xavier • Head Boys Basketball Coach 11 years (1993-94 - 2003-04), • Assistant Volleyball Coach (Past 4 years).

14. A True Transition • Your Freshman Academy students at Scott will have the optimum conditions necessary to achieve their CORE credits: English—Math—Science—Social Studies. • They will also experience Upper High School classes for 2 periods each day on a trimester basis. Their Upper High classes will usually be mixed grades, longer periods of time, and a faster pace on the trimester. • They will have a chance to earn 8 credits their 1st year.

15. Sample

16. Improving Promotion Rates • Your students will need to earn 28 credits in order to graduate with a Scott High School Diploma. • They can earn 8 during the first year—7.5 during second year—7.5 during 3rd year—and 7.5 during 4th year=30.5. • If a student fails to move to Sophomore status during his 2nd year, it puts that student at risk of dropping out of high school.

17. Core Foundation • Year long CORE classes to increase learning potential • Strong teacher-student relationships to promote attendance. • Support classes to teach study skills and time management as well as help students navigate more complex social situations. • Support classes to encourage school involvement.

18. Enhanced Communication • You should receive phone calls or e-mails each term from your students’ teachers. • You can meet with all the CORE teachers at one time if your student is experiencing difficulty.

19. Individual Graduation Plans • We will help your student create a Graduation Plan that meets his or her goals.

20. Begin with the End in Mind • The time to think about your students’ graduation is NOW! • The time to think about POST HIGH SCHOOL options is NOW! March 25, 2014 will be too late.

21. Services Available at Scott • FRYSC • Safety Resource Officer • Counseling Center • Crisis Counseling • Student Assistant Team • Dedicated Principal and Counselor Teams to follow your student until graduation • Credit Recovery • RTI through WEEKLY Data Analysis

22. Opportunities Available at Scott • Prep Academy • Regional College Connections • School Based Scholars • Dual Credit Opportunities • Gatten Academy • Governor’s Scholars • 4 Diploma Options • 3 World Languages to the AP level

23. How Can you Help Your Child Succeed? • Stay Involved • Support our discipline policies • Let your child know that attendance is important • Join the EAGLE CLUB • Review Grades, attendance, and behavior on-line • Review your child’s ILP • Read the Newsletters • Look at the marquee

24. Know What’s Going On • Newsletters • FRAC Web page • Community Safe Calls • E-Mail • Facebook • Twitter • Attend SBDM meetings

25. They Still Need You 12-18 Year Olds: Neither Child nor Adult Trying to find their own identity Struggle with social interactions Grapple with moral issues Separate from family of origin into members of wider society Withdraw from responsibilities Establish a philosophy of life Think in terms of ideals not reality (substitute ideals for experience) Strong devotion to friends and causes BASIC STRENGTH: Devotion and Fidelity