From the Desk of the Director of Academics

Dear Parents:

Please accept my thanks for completing the on line survey during the winter and spring. Your thoughts are appreciated and were taken into consideration when making practice modifications within SHA. The purpose of the questionnaire was to gather information on four topics. Topics included seniors with free periods, the number of study halls in the senior schedule, dropping courses and the privilege of seniors leaving the building during their study halls. Our primary purpose in gathering the data was to examine existing practices which may hinder student achievement, institute policies which enhance more positive student performance and continue to promote an already safe atmosphere. A copy of the survey is attached for your information.

1.        55% of the respondents felt that free periods should be limited to lunchtime, be earned or eliminated.  43% felt the practice should remain the same. This year we will specifically outline the expectations regarding behavior during the study halls with emphasis on academic performance. Students who earn a D or F on their report card will be assigned to the Learning Center (TLC) for the next quarter and will have their frees reinstated when their report card grades become acceptable. Seniors not attending their assigned location will be considered cutting class.

2.        53% of the respondents felt that we should not change the academic requirements when questioned about seniors having more than 1 study hall. The academic requirements will not change for the upcoming year. However, in promoting advanced Regents diplomas, pushing our efforts to give our students an edge when they enter college and the increased reliance on technology in college life, we are reviewing academic expectations and noted this in the most recent Curriculum Guide. A committee is also looking at academics in general as we prepare for the future.

3.        Over 80% of the respondents indicated that only programmatic changes (class misplacement, student not enrolled in enough courses, missing required course, missing a lunch, etc) should be made after June 20^th and a course may be added at any time. The practice for the upcoming year is as follows: Courses have been selected and schedules will be printed this summer for September 2007. Please note that the scheduling process is not taken lightly and changes will not be easy. Schedule changes will be made only for programmatic reasons. Programmatic changes include: class misplacement, not being enrolled in enough classes, missing lunch, missing required classes, course failure. A course may be added however at any time. All student requests to drop or change a course must be approved by the Director of Academics.

4.        The issue of seniors leaving the building for a free period according to the survey was a split. The greatest majority agreed that the privilege should either remain or be earned. The plan for 2007-08 is to clearly state the expectations for the privilege (both academic and behavioral) in September with this being a test year for the future. This has been a practice for many years at SHA and has considerations which must be further discussed.

Once again, my thanks for your participation and if anyone has any questions, please feel free to contact me at 834-2101 ext 308. Enjoy your summer

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