The Freshman Academy School Year Matawan Regional High School

MISSION To assist the incoming freshmen in making a smooth transition into high school and meet the rigorous high school standards. To assist the incoming freshmen in making a smooth transition into high school and meet the rigorous high school standards. GOAL To provide programs and supports addressing the unique needs of entering freshmen resulting in increased achievement. To provide programs and supports addressing the unique needs of entering freshmen resulting in increased achievement.

PURPOSE OF FRESHMAN ACADEMY Create a sense of unity and community within the freshman class Create a sense of unity and community within the freshman class Provide a seamless transition for students to the expectations of high school Provide a seamless transition for students to the expectations of high school Emphasize growth in reading comprehension, writing skills, use of technology, study skills, and social skills Emphasize growth in reading comprehension, writing skills, use of technology, study skills, and social skills

Benefits of the Freshman Academy Increased Academic Achievement Increased Academic Achievement Increased Student Attendance, Attitudes and Behavior Increased Student Attendance, Attitudes and Behavior Promotes positive feelings about self and others Promotes positive feelings about self and others Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships

High School Subject Failure Comparison 2010 – 2011 and % Less Failures from % Less Failures from Class of Current 10 th Grade Class of Class of

High School Suspension Comparison 2010 – 2011 and % Less Suspensions from % Less Suspensions from Class of Current 10 th Grade Class of Class of

High School Major Infraction Comparison 2010 – 2011 and % Less Major Infractions from % Less Major Infractions from Class of Current 10 th Grade Class of Class of

DESIGN School within a school School within a school Small learning communities Small learning communities Staff – Collaborative Planning & PLC’s Staff – Collaborative Planning & PLC’s Students Students Students and teachers are assigned to a “team” Students and teachers are assigned to a “team” Alaskan Huskies Alaskan Huskies Polar Huskies Polar Huskies Siberian Huskies Siberian Huskies Each team will consist of the four core content areas: literature, history, math and science Each team will consist of the four core content areas: literature, history, math and science Overseen by one assistant principal who works directly with one guidance counselor Overseen by one assistant principal who works directly with one guidance counselor

OBJECTIVES Provide students with opportunities to build a rapport with faculty and classmates Provide students with opportunities to build a rapport with faculty and classmates Measure students’ success by the quality of their work Measure students’ success by the quality of their work Nourish student growth academically, socially and emotionally Nourish student growth academically, socially and emotionally Allows for early intervention for struggling students Allows for early intervention for struggling students Foster opportunities for trans- disciplinary connections between core content areas Foster opportunities for trans- disciplinary connections between core content areas

Trans-Disciplinary Units “Finding Your Way” “Finding Your Way” Organizational Skills Organizational Skills “Understanding Self & Others” “Understanding Self & Others” Introduction to Naviance Introduction to Naviance “Being a Part of a Greater Whole” “Being a Part of a Greater Whole” Community Fundraising Community Fundraising “Crossing the Finish Line” “Crossing the Finish Line” Community Service Project Community Service Project

Highlights Freshman Team Challenge Freshman Team Challenge Penny Wars Penny Wars Tricky Tray Tricky Tray Team Assemblies Team Assemblies Peer Tutoring Peer Tutoring “Good Apples” program “Good Apples” program Community Service Project Community Service Project

STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO… Adhere to the student handbook Adhere to the student handbookhandbook Possess accountability and pride in their behavior and academics Possess accountability and pride in their behavior and academics Explore their interests in extra curricular activities Explore their interests in extra curricular activities Engage and take ownership in his/her education Engage and take ownership in his/her education Communicate with their parents on their progress Communicate with their parents on their progress

COMMUNICATION Classroom Teacher Guidance Counselor Assistant Principal Building Principal