This Message Center is organized and operated by David Vitale Freshmen Study Hall

The topic of mandatory freshmen study halls emerged from a Policy Review Committee meeting and was taken up by members of the Curriculum Committee.  Curt Mould and Scott Bostwick updated members on current support for freshmen that promotes academic success.  This included:

• Freshmen-only study halls that are smaller in size and that are staffed so that academic support in core areas is available for students in need.  Freshmen who do not have a study hall during the first semester are able to request a study hall for second semester if a need exists.
• A newly developed Academic Restoration Period is available on Tuesdays and is staffed by students from Maranatha College who tutor students, many of whom are freshmen.  Evidence on progress reports revealed a decrease in failing grades for participating students.  Teachers work with Mr. Mould and the administration at the high school to inform tutors about missing work in an attempt to keep students from falling behind.   
• An articulation between teachers of outgoing 8th graders at Riverside Middle School who are part of the Riverside Alternative Program and high school teachers to be part of a new Freshmen Academy at Watertown High School in 2009-10 is currently taking place as well.  The Freshmen Academy will focus on transitional success for students who may need additional support as they adjust to high school by simulating a “house” concept as much as possible.  Mandatory freshmen study halls raised concerns about limiting electives for students, particularly in the arts and foreign languages.   
  
  The committee felt that students and parents currently have options to ensure success and that many families do not wish to schedule a study hall, but that the idea could be revisited at a later time. 

Staff Development Day

Dave Vitale updated members on the upcoming staff in-service day on March 2.  Committee members were invited to participate and were informed that they would be receiving information about how to sign-up.  Sectional topics include building positive learning environments, algebraic thinking, the connection between good reading and good writing, technology in education, and using assessments to guide decisions about teaching and learning in the classroom.

posted February 12, 2009 | comments « back to Message Center home

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