The document describes a Freshman Academy program at New San Juan High School that aims to help ninth grade students transition successfully to high school. The program organizes incoming freshmen into cross-curricular teams taught by a lead teacher. It exposes students to each of the school's five career paths through rotations that also include an AVID elective course. The goal is to increase graduation rates by improving academic achievement, attendance, attitudes, and parent involvement, while decreasing learning problems and the dropout rate.

1. Freshman Academy New San Juan High School

2. Freshman Academy Goals To increase the graduation rate To increase individual GPA To facilitate the transition into high school To decrease the amount of learning problems associated with attendance and behavior Introduce 9th grade students to the Spartan Way and to provide exposure to each of the career paths we offer here at New San Juan High School.

3. Academy Organizations All incoming first time freshmen are assigned to a team of students. A team is an organizational arrangement that assigns students and teachers to teams. A summer camp orientation experience is offered to all incoming freshman. Each team consists of cross-curricular teams of English, Science, and Social Studies teachers with one member serving as a lead teacher.

4. Academy Organizational Structure Contains courses of varying abilities, i.e. honors, regular, intervention, etc. Has a common planning period for staff to meet. Students remain with teachers in their teams the entire year.

5. Some of the activities we hope to use to make our vision a reality: Students will explore each of the five career paths, which are Arts, Media & Entertainment, Hospitality Management, Engineering & Design, Transportation Technology, Construction. Team exhibitions & projects Team, school, and community service activities AVID offerings Service learning experiences Ninth grade mentoring program with senior class guides Ninth grade seminar/advisory program Parent/business/community involvement Recognition ceremonies Fall Freshman Feast (with Alumni sponsorship) Summer Camp orientation Team field trips

6. Wheel Rotation Description The first rotation in the to be developed academy wheel will be the same for all freshmen. The first 4 ½ week rotation will be a combination of an introduction to AVID and Freshman Seminar. Career Paths and AVID CONSTRUCTION AVID HOSPITALITY TV MEDIA ENGINEERING TRANSPORTATION

7. Wheel Rotation Description In rotations 2 thru 7 students will move every 4 ½ weeks thru each of the five career paths and AVID, completing a career exploration of each of the five paths. Student will also complete a student directed project at the end of each rotation demonstrating their understanding and their ability to apply the information they received during instruction. The AVID course will offer the support and the skills needed to plan for college.

8. Wheel Rotation Description Rotation 8 is Career preparation. During this rotation all students will complete a career assessment, complete online career research to learn more about their chosen career path, and participate in an off campus job shadow day. At the end of this path each student will have a completed job application, resume, learn proper interview attire and etiquette and acquired interviewing skills and experience interviews with members of the local Citrus Heights Chamber of Commerce. Career Paths and AVID CONSTRUCTION AVID HOSPITALITY TV MEDIA ENGINEERING TRANSPORTATION

9. Course Outline Rotation 1: Freshmen Orientation Freshman Seminar/Orientation Graduation and beyond Self exploration Preparing for career pathway Rotation 2: Introduction to AVID Cornell notes, and learning logs 4 year planner and graduation requirements Tutorials College research and planning

10. Course Outline Continued Rotation 3: Culinary Arts Career Exploration Rotation 4: Construction Career Exploration Rotation 5: Media Arts and Entertainment Career Exploration Rotation 6: Transportation Technology Career Exploration Rotation 7: Engineering and Design Rotation 8: Career Exploration Career assessment & online career research Job application Resume writing Interview attire and etiquette Mock interview

11. What are the projected benefits? Increased academic achievement Increased attendance Improved attitudes and behavior Increased number of students going on to 10 th grade without a deficit in credits Decreased drop out rate due to loss of credit, course failure or behavioral and attendance issues

12. What are the projected benefits? Increased extracurricular activity participation rate Increased awareness of academic/career options Stronger student-teacher relationships Increased parent involvement and communication Establishing academic identity in all students

13. Thank You END