Academies to help strengthen transcripts

Beginning next year, seniors will receive letters to attach to their transcript packages explaining that they have chosen one of the five academy programs as a directed course of study in high school, according to Head Academies Coordinator Jennifer Kempf.

Kempf said the letters may help students demonstrate focus and motivation on college applications. "If colleges are really looking for someone who has a passion, then [the letters] can support that," Kempf explained.

On Academy Day, Dec. 19, academy leaders and guest speakers will present updated information to freshmen, sophomores and juniors about each academy: Entrepreneurship; Human Services Professions; Science, Math and Technology; Media Literacy; and International Studies.

Seniors next year can earn an academy diploma in addition to a standard diploma. Kempf is working with academy coordinators to finalize the requirements, which will include a minimum number of academy elective credits and the completion of a "capstone project," a personalized culminating activity based on each student's academy experience.

Earning an academy certificate will not be required to graduate but will recognize a student's dedication to a certain field. "It says, 'I have decided that I would pursue this, and I saw it through,'" Kempf explained.

The academies aim to form smaller learning communities within Blair to give students a sense of continuity as they move through high school. Kempf said the program also enables students to choose classes in areas that interest them in the hopes that their studies may lead to an eventual career in that field. "The goal is to give people more direction," Kempf said.

Although no seniors are enrolled in an academy, the class of 2008 will not be the first students to graduate with academy certificates, Kempf said. Senior Kenny Coleman, who decided to take Entrepreneurship electives, will earn a certificate from that academy. Entrepreneurship coordinator Kevin Murley said that he and Kempf will select additional students to receive academy certificates later this year.

Kempf said that academy certificates will have two tiers: one for earning the required academy credits and completing the capstone project and another for meeting a specified Grade Point Average (GPA) requirement as well. She added that neither the GPA cutoff nor the minimum requirement of academy electives has been finalized yet, but the final requirements will be announced before registration for next year's classes.