Knightdale High Launches New Initiatives for Students
August 17, 2010 - Knightdale High teachers were greeted by community leaders and heard Principal Carla Jernigan talk about new initiatives on their first day of the 2010-11 school year. Ron Margiotta, Wake County Board of Education Chair, greets teachers at Knightdale High on their first day of the 2010-11 school year. |
The teachers were welcomed back to the new school year by Wake County Board Chair Ron Margiotta, Wake County Board member Chris Malone, Wake County Interim Superintendent Donna Hargens, Wake County Commissioner Joe Bryan, Knightdale Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Bryan and Knightdale Mayor Russell Killen.
Jernigan welcomed the faculty back with plans for new initiatives that involve the school’s Academy of Environmental Studies, the new Freshman Leadership Academy and a new 21st Century learning initiative where Knightdale and Green Hope high schools will jointly offer classes.
Jernigan explained that:
- The principals of Knightdale and Green Hope high schools have submitted a $44,000 grant application to the Lowe’s Corporation to develop a videoconferencing lab at each school. This will allow the schools to jointly offer Advanced Placement and foreign language classes.
- The Freshman Leadership Academy will provide a structured learning experience that will develop student leaders. Current 9th grade students may apply and 30-40 students will be selected to participate in monthly seminars, field trips and other learning experiences. The program will provide educational experiences in leadership development, communication skills, problem solving and team development. Students will meet and network with community leaders and develop skills for success in college, career and life.
- The Knightdale Academy of Environmental Studies has 26 students who will have a monthly environmental focus. Students will participate in monthly meetings, quarterly field trips and will work on a yearlong community service project that they will develop. Students will be involved in interdisciplinary project-based learning and will visit community college and university campuses. Students will be career-focused, taking part in job shadowing with industry professionals and the WCPSS Xtreme Beginnings career fair.
- The Knightdale High School Alternative to Suspension Program will work to keep students in school and focused on instruction. The program is geared towards students who have a history of facing suspension for tardy violations and skipping class. They will have a structured class where they will be expected to complete their coursework.
Jernigan said these unique opportunities and a devoted team of teachers will encourage students to seek academic success.
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