Muncie Community Schools launches ‘freshman academy’ to ease transition into high school
Muncie Central High School is beginning a “freshman academy” to ease the transition for middle school students. As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, district officials say students will also get a head start on the state’s new graduation pathways.
Andy Klotz is Chief Communications Officer for Muncie Community Schools. He says the freshman academy will establish positive behaviors at the beginning of ninth grade that will help the students succeed later in their education.
“Of all the referrals that there are in the high school, the majority of them all land with ninth graders, more than half of them just with ninth graders. And they’re not big things,” said Klotz. “A lot of times they’re just tardies or not being prepared for class. But those little things can just kind of build into bigger issues.”
Read More: Indiana schools have new requirements when older students are truant
Also in the program, all ninth grade core classes will be taught by the same teachers and students will attend those classes with the same kids every day. Official say this builds a comfortable and consistent learning environment.
Klotz says being around the same people will also make it easier for students to ask their teachers for help and collaborate with fellow students.
“We just want them to feel supported, be able to have a channel to address these issues, so that they can continue on and be able to make great progress in their freshman year,” Klotz said.
The district’s goal is to have all ninth graders end the school year with at least 10 of the required 42 credit hours in Indiana’s new diploma requirements and have a good idea of which graduation path to follow – enrollment, employment, or enlistment and service.
“We’re excited about this and what it’s going to do for our schools,” said Klotz.” We do think it helps stand out amongst some of the other districts, because it’s innovative for our area. And we also are really just letting people know that you don’t have to do anything special. This isn’t an exclusive club.”
Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer. Contact him at [email protected]
