Districtwide Freshman Academies Session: 68 Initiated Schools 1 Mission 14 Schools 1 Mission Student Success. David F. Lewis Associate Superintendent Donna Nicolodi Director of Virtual and Specialized Programs Polk County School Board, Florida 1915 South Floral Avenue Bartow, Florida Welcome

1.Coaches 2.Successful Practices Network 3.Model Schools Conferences 4.Support for Development Partners in Transition Teaming for Student Success

Jason Looney, Assistant Principal at George Jenkins High School David F. Lewis, Associate Superintendent of Learning Chuck Thacker, Dean at Kathleen High School Earnest Peavey, Dean at Bartow High School Donna Nicolodi, Director of Virtual and Special Programs Lori McKown, Dean at Haines City High School Polk County Team Gina Williams, Principal at Winter Haven High School

Our Students Demographics Polk County is the eighth largest district in Florida and is 31 st nationally. Our membership is 95,741 (based on survey 3 data) the eighth largest district in Florida and is 31 st nationally. Free/Reduced Lunch 70.56% District 64.46% 9 th Graders English Language Learners 10.51% District 5.02% 9 th Graders Exceptional Students 11.52% District 12.27% 9 th Graders

Our Goals Our District Focus Ninth Grade Academy mission is to ensure that Every learner will be Known, Valued, and Inspired Ensure that all 9 th graders academically graduate to the 10 th grade. Increase the promotion rate from 8 th to 9 th grade Increase attendance rate of 9 th grade students Decrease the number of students failing more than one subject in 9 th grade

Percentage of Students Retained Data 8 th and 9 th Grade Retentions and Attendance

Advisory and lesson development Teachers and facilitators created GRAND Ideas lessons Lessons focused on a successful freshman year, integrity, peer pressure, and bullying. Schools received plans and resources Teacher and student buy-in Mentoring Advisory and lesson development Teachers and facilitators created GRAND Ideas lessons Lessons focused on a successful freshman year, integrity, peer pressure, and bullying. Schools received plans and resources Teacher and student buy-in Mentoring GRAND

International Center for Leadership in Education Coaches Providing Continuous Support

Rigor/Relevance Framework (ICLE) Gold Seal Lessons Accountability for teachers teaching Gold Seal Lessons by implementing a Gold Seal Lesson Day. Quadrant D Lessons – high knowledge, high application Use of Next Generation Sunshine State Standards in all subject areas Rigor and Relevance – as part of daily instruction Real World Situations -higher student engagement Successful Practices Network – National Professional Learning Community – Sharing over 1800 Gold Seal Lessons

I - Contracts What is an I-Contract? Eligibility for Students 33 Development and Implementation 1. Second chance for learning 2. Opportunity for improved grades 3. Preparedness for next quarter 2 1 Student Benefits

Incoming Freshman Night Counselors visit middle schools to pre-register and discuss high school options with students High School and Middle Counselors work together Entire 8 th grade class visits schools for walking tour Administrative team visit Upper-class Leadership, Freshman Leaders and former students visit middle schools to share theirhigh school experiences with the 8 th graders Summer parent meetings Virtual tours (videos produced by TV Production students) Transition Activities for Incoming Freshmen All High Schools Schools with Large Feeder Patterns Schools with Small Feeder Patterns

14 Schools – 1 Mission Built on Communication Meaningful Dialogue Master Schedule Building Teaming Best Practices Sharing Sessions Attendees 9th grade Deans, Assistant Principals Guidance Counselors District Leadership Gold Seal Lessons I-Contracts Districtwide Problem Solving Quarterly Meetings 1

It is not about the physical aspect of the Freshman Academy….it is about the Relationships! Freshman Academy Student Community Schools Parents District Business Partners Teachers

David F. Lewis Associate Superintendent of Learning Donna Nicolodi Director of Virtual and Special Programs 1915 South Floral Avenue Bartow, Florida David F. Lewis Associate Superintendent of Learning Donna Nicolodi Director of Virtual and Special Programs 1915 South Floral Avenue Bartow, Florida Polk County Transition Team Contact Informaiton Community

THANK YOU!