Welcome the Freshman Academy2014-2015

The Freshman Academy The Freshman Academy of a "school within a school" was created to

help incoming ninth graders transition to the High School setting.   The Freshman Academy is a small learning community comprised of

three teams -- each with approximately 90 ninth graders.   The core courses of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies will

be taught within a team An interdisciplinary team of four core subjects will use such

strategies as project based learning, one-to-one computing and differentiated instruction to engage students to be successful learners.  

The Academy will provide the opportunity for students to get to know their teachers, classmates, and the building structure at Chartiers Valley High School.

“Small learning communities do have a positive impact on attendance rates, school climate, student achievement,

graduation rates, and school safety.” (Hertzog & Morgan, 1999).

Benefits of the Academy

Students FacultyIncreased academic achievement

Shared mission

Reduced isolation Collective responsibility for student success

Enhanced sense of community

Common planning time with team

Increased graduation rate Enhanced communications with parents

Increased promotion rate to 10th Grade

Opportunities for interdisciplinary lessons

Improved student-teacher relationships

Opportunities to develop curriculum

Improved student behavior Greater morale for new initiatives

Here is what

NOT TO DO in your Freshman year atChartiers Valley High School

DO NOT…

Click icon to add pictureBe afraidWe are all here to help youIf someone is bothering or bullying you, come and see one of usIf you see someone bothering or bullying someone else, come see one of us

“If it scares you, it might be a good thing

to try.”

DO NOT…

Let your social life interfere with your academic lifeFreshman year is an extremely important year for your futureGet good grades now before your social lives get even more complex than they already are…TRUST US

Click icon to add picture

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you

can use to change the world.”

DO NOT…

Be late, be unprepared for class,be rude or disrespectful to your teachersYou never get a second chance to make a first impressionPut the cell phone awayWatch your language and your topics of discussionsDO NOT CHEAT

Click icon to add picture

DO NOT…

Be anti-socialJoin a club. Become a part of a team. Get involved in extra-curricular activities. Volunteer your time to a worthy causeThis is your life people. Don’t be afraid to live it

“The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”

DO NOT…

Spend class time at the Snack ShackBeing late to class because you were at the Snack Shack is NOT AN EXCUSEDo not ask to go during an academic class, save it for study halls

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all

have twenty-four hour days.”

DO NOT…

ProcrastinateOrganization is essential to success in the high schoolComplete the toughest tasks first, then you will fly through the easy onesUse your cell phone to set reminders for upcoming assignments, tests and projects. It does more than text, tweet and snapchat

“Procrastination is opportunity’s

assassin.”

DO NOT…

Dress inappropriatelyNo one wants to see itIt can be grossHave respect for yourself and for othersEw.

Click icon to add picture

“You can’t demand respect unless you

respect yourself first.”

DO NOT…

Be afraid to make NEW friendsIt will happen inevitably in life, so start now Find others who share your interests and passions

“A friend is someone who gives you total freedom

to be yourself.”

DO NOT…

Crowd the teacher’s desk at the beginning of the period asking “What are we doing today?”Odds are it is posted somewhere in the roomThe teacher will be explaining what we are doing in about 3 minutes…you can wait

“The best teachers teach from the heart, not from

the book.”

DO NOT…

Abuse your laptopThis is a $500+ gift, treat it wellUse it for school purposes onlySave the facebook and twitter stuff for your own computer at homeYou have to give this one back!

“What happens on social media, stays on Google

forever.”

DO NOT…

Click icon to add pictureStop and talk to your friends in the middle of the hallwayMove to the side peopleAnd no PDA…Ew.

“Your public displays of affection should be closed

to the public.”

Any questions???

That’s about it…thanks for listening.