Special Programs
Special Programs
Welcome to the heart-pounding world of Academic Decathlon, where high school students engage in a clash of intellects across ten subjects! Academic decathlon isn't just an event; it's an adventure that challenges, inspires, and redefines the way you perceive the power of your own intellect. Get ready to unleash the academic warrior within and join the ranks of those who dare to dream, think, and conquer!
You will get a 5-point boost to your GPA in this honors-level class, and you will see major improvements in your own skills--organization, time management, study skills, and more!
This course is designed to prepare students for the Academic Decathlon competition. The purposes are to develop a greater respect for knowledge, to develop lifetime skills in speech and interview, to gain a better appreciation for music and art, and to promote wholesome competition in academic areas of study. The contest includes seven tests of academic strength, speech, essay, and interview.
You can even be eligible for part of $150,000 in scholarships by being a part of this team!
AVID is an academic elective course that prepares students for college- readiness and success, and it is scheduled during the regular school day as a year-long course. Each week, students receive instruction utilizing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum provided by AVID Center, tutor facilitated study groups, motivational activities and academic success skills. In AVID, students participate in activities that incorporate strategies focused on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading to support their academic growth. Additionally, students engage in activities centered around exploring college and career opportunities and their own agency.
This Honors course is designed for freshman or sophomore students who are identified for Gifted and Talented services. Students will have an opportunity to study, practice, and develop group and individual leadership and organization skills. These skills include, but are not limited to, decision-making skills, problem-solving techniques, communication skills, leadership roles, human relation skills and understanding the need for civic responsibility. Students also are provided opportunities to explore future college options and to prepare for the PSAT. This course is a hands-on, lab-oriented approach to leadership and college preparation. Students may participate in the NEFE Financial Literacy Program and two Jr. Achievement programs. They will also leave the class with a beginning resume in hand and will receive Communication Applications credit.
Enrollment in GT 1 and GT 2 is dependent on being GT-identified through testing (often in elementary or middle school, but high school students can be referred for testing, as well).
ISM is open to all students by application (GT-identified students are automatically accepted).
More information available from Mr. Behnke: https://sites.google.com/view/mrbworld/home
This is a college transition course and used to be called Senior Seminar. In the class, students examine numerous research-based learning strategies that are proven to lead to academic success such as goal-setting, effective time management, handling stress, note-taking, active reading, test-taking strategies, and conducting research.
School to College is an in-depth course on postsecondary readiness to develop knowledge and skills in four areas:
1. Career Planning. Students identify interests and strengths before mapping them to potential careers. Students explore macroeconomic indicators to research in-demand occupations and industries that are upward-trending.
2. Postsecondary Institution Analysis. Students evaluate the best institution type (Vocational School, 2-year or 4-year College) which meets their career goals.
3. Financial Planning and Literacy. With costs and student debt on the rise to earn certificates or degrees, students calculate returns on postsecondary investment, including analyzing costs of attendance, grants, scholarships, work study, loans, graduation rates, postsecondary earnings, and loan repayment strategies to optimize decision making.
4. Outcome-based Postsecondary Institution Selection. Students quantitatively evaluate postsecondary options by comparing the Return on Investment (ROI) with that of a high school graduate who chooses not to pursue postsecondary education.