“Impacting lives today and tomorrow” IMPACT ECHS “Impacting lives today and tomorrow”

Welcome and Introductions IMPACT Staff Richard Smith – Academic Dean/Assistant Principal Robin Galvan – Counselor Kristi Pizana – College and Career Readiness Specialist IMPACT Students Lee College Staff Marissa Moreno – Lead Counselor Bo Aguilar – Counselor (assigned to work with IMPACT students) Goal of this meeting: To share specific information about IMPACT Early College High School to help your 8th grader make the best decision when choosing their high school.

DECISIONS In January, your 8th grader will have to decide where they want to attend high school. What school will they choose, and why? Zoned school Academy Global Business Academy at GCM STEM Academy at REL Health Science Academy at RSS IMPACT Early College High School

Why attend IMPACT Early College High school? IMPACT is its own school, and we are a different type of high school. Students who are selected have the opportunity to earn an Associate’s degree while they are earning their high school diploma, all in 4 years. We serve students in grades 9- 12 and our partnership is with Lee College. Our students attend classes here and at Lee College. IMPACT’s focus is academics. We are preparing our students for success as they continue on to complete their 4 year degree and beyond.

SPARTAN FACTS: The first graduating class, the class of 2014, had 89 students, all graduated with their high school diploma and 63 graduated with their Associate’s Degree. The class of 2015 had 74 students, all graduated with their high school diploma and 44 graduated with their Associate’s degree. These numbers will vary depending on the students in the class, but they have an opportunity to earn more college credits than the traditional high school student. The estimated cost for an Associate’s Degree is between $6,000 and $9,000. Students who are pursuing careers requiring 6-8 years of college will have a two year “head start”, for example Physicians, Dentists, Lawyers, etc. IMPACT students are Lee College students and are able to participate in organizations and activities at Lee College in addition to those at IMPACT. Clubs, Organizations, and Activities are an important part of Spartan life; academics are the focus, but we have fun too!

SPARTAN FACTS continued: Student participation in school sponsored extra-curricular activities is very limited. If a student is able to make arrangements with the coach or teacher at the home campus the participation must be after school, (parents are responsible for transportation). We have our own school dances, Prom, and other activities usually offered at the traditional high schools. Spartans make it a priority to contribute to the community. Through tutorials, Habitat for Humanity, Special Olympics, and various community organizations. We give back to the community that has given so much to us!

FAQs What does it take to be an IMPACT student? Hard work and the desire to achieve something in life! Our students come from different backgrounds and different walks of life. Experience in Pre-AP courses will help, but is not a requirement. The main things they have in common are that they are self-motivated, take initiative to get help when they need it, they are goal-oriented, and they don’t give up! How are students selected? Students really need to think about the commitment and if they are interested they must complete the application and turn it in by deadline. At least 20 students are selected from each of the Junior Schools through a lottery system. Applications will be available from their current counselor in January, and will be available on the IMPACT webpage. This year applications will be given out the week of January 11th and the deadline for turning them in is January 22nd. We will hold the lottery drawing and notify the 20 students who are randomly drawn of their selection and the others will be placed on a waiting list. If any of those drawn decline or remove themselves, we will go to the next students on the waiting list.

FAQs What will an IMPACT schedule look like? A combination of high school and college courses after the freshman year. Our school schedule is aligned with the Lee College schedule. We have an 8 period day, 8:00-3:15, Mon/Wed 1st -4th , Tue/Thurs. 5th -8th, Friday we focus on the four Core Classes and build in time for tutorials. Fridays alternate between early dismissal and time for clubs/activities/tutorials. Can I get any degree I want from Lee College? No. We work on a general studies degree so that all of your hours will transfer to any public Texas colleges and universities, and many other public colleges and universities. What if Pre-AP is too hard for me? We are a small campus, we have tutorials, and we have dedicated teachers and staff to help you. If you want it, we will help you be successful. But, this is something you really need to think about before you put in your application, remember, all of our classes are Pre-AP or Dual Enrollment classes. They are challenging, you will have to put in extra time, but it is worth it!

FAQs Is Transportation provided? Yes, GCCISD provides bus transportation to and from school. Parents are responsible for any transportation to and from extra-curricular activities at the home school. Is an associate degree guaranteed? Not guaranteed. If students stay on track and complete the coursework outlined in the graduation plans, they should earn their degree. All students are on different paths to that goal. If students get off track a little, they can still successfully become core-complete, or get many college hours that they may not have been able to earn at the traditional high school. How do I know if I qualify? We will follow up with all interested students individually to make sure you meet eligibility guidelines.

Accountability Met Standard – Algebra I (100%), English I (92%), Biology (99%), English II (98%), and U.S. History (96%) Distinctions (40 School Cohort) 1) Academic Achievement in Reading/English Language Arts 2) Academic Achievement in Mathematics 3) Academic Achievement in Social Studies 4) Top 25%: Student Progress 5) Top 25%: Closing Performance Gaps 6) Postsecondary Readiness

College is our goal! We will prepare students to become successful, independent college students by providing them with: College-ready academic and behavior skills College placement exam preparation (TSIA) College course support ACT / SAT prep Help navigating college and utilize college support systems Assistance with college application and financial aid support

Our students stand out and shine on both campuses! GRADUation at Lee College IMPACT students are Lee College students and those who complete their degrees participate in the Lee College graduation ceremony. They are eligible for all accolades that are available at Lee College and are recognized for any accolades and honors they received from Lee College.   Lee College Recognition at Lee College Our students are Lee College students and are recognized for their accomplishments at Lee College events. Our students stand out and shine on both campuses!  

OUR WORK IN THE COMMUNITY: IMPACT GIVES BACK! THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING WE REINFORCE IMPORTANT LIFE SKILLS: Collaborative group work Projects – individual & team Presentations – individual & team Research Problem-solving Reflection Continuous improvement Real-world learning and experiences Understanding of Civic responsibility Growth in character Leadership skills Altruism Commitment Positively impacting our community

Dual Credit Courses The students at IMPACT are able to complete an Associate’s Degree because they take Dual Credit Courses Dual Credit courses allow students to earn both high school and college credit for one class Courses are approved for Dual Credit after they have been reviewed by both the college and the school district and the content of the course is found to be the same Students at IMPACT have the opportunity to take the most Dual Credit courses that can be taken by any student in the district At IMPACT our Dual Credit courses are taught by college instructors not high school teachers

Graduation Plan & Degree Plan At IMPACT - a High School Diploma is our priority Our students graduate on the Recommended High School Program with an Endorsement in Multidisciplinary Studies Dual Credit Option After becoming “College Ready” with the TSI, our students are able pursue an Associate of Arts in General Studies at Lee College All of our students work toward the SAME degree because our goal is for our students to move on to a 4 year university after high school Because of the variety of Dual Credit courses that our students take the only Endorsement available to IMPACT students is the Multidisciplinary Studies and the only college degree available is General Studies

Students, are you: Willing and committed to work as an “honors” level student? Willing and committed to invest 4 years in high school for 2 degrees? Willing and committed to engage in non-traditional learning and assessment activities? Mature enough to handle the college setting? Willing and committed to attend a university to complete a bachelor’s degree?

Parents, are you: Going to ensure that your student has good attendance? Going to communicate with the school as needed to support your student? Going to monitor academic progress and create a positive environment for learning at home? Going to stay informed about IMPACT activities and participate? Going to ask questions and stay involved? Going to seriously consider if IMPACT is the best place for your child and guide them accordingly?

Is IMPACT the school for you? Seriously consider the commitment, hard work, determination, and self- motivation it takes and decide whether or not IMPACT is the school for you! Don’t forget! Your school counselor is a good person to talk to about this decision. How can I get more information? Interested students will be given information during presentations at the Junior Schools. Parents may also inquire and get more information about our school and requirements by calling IMPACT at 281-420-4802 or emailing Mrs. Reyes at laura.reyes@gccisd.net. All of this information is on the IMPACT Website

Bo Aguilar LEE College Advising/Counseling Center ECHS-Parent Meeting Bo Aguilar LEE College Advising/Counseling Center

LEE COLLEGE

Making the Most of the Next Few Years TSIA College Readiness is not automatic You must pass the TSIA to take a college class You should be college ready by 10th grade year

How Parents Can Help Their Children Be Successful Success Tips: Time Management Improving Study Habits Communicating the importance of attendance Goal-Setting Following the Plan Understanding the reality of Completion

Every Path is Different based on Student Readiness Therefore, all students will be taking the same classes to receive the same degree, but not in the same sequence.

Questions to Think About Is an Early College High School right for you? Do you want to an Academic Challenge? Do you have the motivation to succeed? Are you prepared for hard work? What are your commitments outside of ECHS? How committed are you to taking on the responsibilities of being a college student?

Financial benefits of being a part of ECHS In district-12hr semester = $836 In district -60hrs = $4,200 Out of district-12hr semester = $1,244 Out of district-60hrs = $6,200 Non-residents-12hr semester = $1,760 Non residents-60hrs = $8,800

Financial benefits of being a part of ECHS FREE

Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) When a student reaches 18 or begins attending a post- secondary institution It is necessary to have written permission for someone other than the student (parent, spouse, etc.) to obtain grades, schedules, or register students. A FERPA release of records form can be found in Admissions, Counseling Center, and/or the Business Office. LEE COLLEGE

Maintaining Motivation and Focus Motivation is critical. Motivation is the driving force behind accomplishing your academic and long term goals. Stay focused. Focus in the classroom and absolutely no cell phones

When the Going Gets Tough: Manage Stress and Accept Help Managing stress Accepting help Don’t wait Get help early

Services and Campus Resources Advising/Counseling Center Academic Workshops Student Success Center Writing Lab Math Lab

A Final Word As a student, balancing what you have to do with what you have time to do will be a critical factor in determining your success. It requires planning, commitment, focus, and discipline.

Are you ready for the challenge? If so, we hope to see you soon…

Questions Bo Aguilar, MSW Lee College Counselor baguilar@lee.edu Office Number (832) 556-4577