Heights High offers many opportunities for after school activities and several have an academic focus or component. “We know that these programs improve students’ academic performance, attendance, emotional and physical health,” said Administrative Principal Zoraba Ross. “These programs also improve graduation rates and help steer more students to college.”
The arts focused SHINE program and the Early College academic clinics are just two of the after school opportunities offered at Heights High.
After-School Art + Academic Program = SHINE
The SHINE program is a 10-week after-school arts and academic program held Monday-Thursday, 3:15-6:15. The current session runs from December 1-February 20 and focuses on photography and film making. Included in the program are: snacks, photography and film making, homework help, math and/or reading tutoring and personal development. Students are served dinner at the end of each day.
For more registration information, contact Martha Pugsley or 320-3086.
The art portion of the program is conducted by the Center for Arts Inspired Learning and certified teachers manage the tutoring sessions.
The program is ideal for students who are interested in the arts and need to bring up their math and reading/English grades, want more time to focus on homework and would benefit from stronger social and organizational skills.
Field trips are also a part of the program - this trip included
a ride on Lolly the Trolly.
Students must be able to attend regularly to be admitted to this free program.
Free Bus tickets and gift cards are available for participating students.
“The parents of our students tell us that they love it when their student comes home with all their homework completed and has had a fun time creating something with friends,” said program administrator Meghan McMahon.
The spring session runs from February 23-May 15 and will focus on Theater Arts and will include a culminating performance at a local theater.
The program is funded by a 21st century grant from the state of Ohio.
Early College Academic Clinics Reinforce Learning
The freshmen and sophomore students in the Early College program have devoted themselves to a challenging academic schedule. They are taking advanced courses that move at a fast pace. While the reward is significant – free enrollment at John Carroll University (JCU) as a high school junior and senior - the demands are also significant.
To help the Early College students succeed, math teacher, Lauren Stankie, and English teacher, Bridget Lambright, spearheaded the afterschool Academic Clinics for Early College freshmen and sophomores. Every day after school, students meet with teachers to focus on a different subject area: Monday and Tuesday, English/social studies; Wednesday, math and Thursday, science.
The clinics were developed to support the grading method used in the Early College programs. To qualify to attend JCU as a junior, students must demonstrate mastery in the four subject areas: math, English, science and social studies. Mastery means achieving a 90% on learning targets in the four subject areas.
However, a unique aspect about this practice is that students can complete test corrections and opt to re-take a test or redo an assignment to prove that they have learned the material. During the clinics, teachers also lead lesson instruction on specific material targeted to student needs.
Early College Students working toward mastery in the afterschool clinics.
Several sophomores and juniors are part of the Early College Ambassador group, a select group of students who have demonstrated subject area mastery and serve as tutors, role models, and cheerleaders for the younger students. Many of the junior Ambassadors are currently taking classes at JCU.
“I call them my Academic Angels,” said Lambright. The older students know what it takes to reach mastery and they help the younger students develop the skills and habits needed to attend JCU.
Freshman Maria Vaughn Jones said that the sessions help her stay on top of the work and get prepared for college. “The Ambassadors are helpful because they know what we need to do to get to where they are now,” she said.
Sophomore Ambassador Sivaram Ainkaran likes helping the freshmen. “Talking to them about the material helps me to learn it again,” he said.
The other Early College teachers who hold Academic Clinics are: Jennifer Agin, Kennethian Brown, Anna Eaton, Michael Flynn, Reza Mohasses, Karl Neitzel, Linda Spisak and Brian Tufts.
There are 12 Early College High Schools in Ohio and more than 280 nationwide.