1. LDHS Freshman Academy CLASS OF 2014

2. Why the Buzz? In other words, why is everyone so concerned about 9th graders?  The average failure rate among high school freshmen is 20%. Research shows that when a student fails 9 th grade, he/she has only a 5% chance of graduating from high school. Source: Southern Regional Education Board

3. This research is based on findings from the Southern Regional Education Board. These statistics are alarming. Our goal is for ALL students to succeed; thus leaving no one behind. This our primary reason for having a freshman academy.

4. Here are the facts:  Nationally, more ninth grade students fail the ninth grade than any other grade.  Students from low socio-economic backgrounds and minority students are twice as likely as others to be retained. Source: Southern Regional Education Board

5. Here are the facts:  Students who repeat at least one year are three times more likely to drop out of school than students who have not failed a grade.  Among 14 - 15 year-olds who struggle with basic reading and math skills, 20% drop out of school within two years. Source: Southern Regional Education Board

6. Our Purpose Our purpose is to reduce the ninth grade dropout and failure rates.

7. LDHS Freshman Academy Benefits  Additional support from a devoted team of teachers and staff.  Mainly housed in a separate building on campus.  All ninth grade students are served by one assistant principal and one guidance counselor.

8. LDHS Freshman Academy Goals  To increase our performance on state assessments  To increase our performance on state assessments  To conduct attendance and behavioral interventions  To strengthen parent/teacher/student relationships

9. How to be a successful academy student at LDHS:  Be organized  Attend class regularly  Stay focused on the task at hand  Get involved in extra curricular activities  Ask for help  Know the rules  Maintain a positive attitude

10. How to be a successful academy student at LDHS:  Keep your agenda with you at all times.  Do not allow other students to use your agenda.  Use your agenda as an organizational tool.  Attend school daily and know the attendance policy.

11. Seek Help if Needed!  Academy Homework Center (L-103) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 3:35-4:35pm.  To make-up a test/quiz, make arrangements with your teacher and upon return from an absence, ask teachers for makeup work.

12. Our mission at LDHS is to develop productive citizens for our society. This is our MISSION; this is our GOAL!