New Horizons opens new opportunities
New Horizons opens new opportunities
Written by Rachel Youens Tuesday, 07 November 2006
Hoping to motivate at-risk students, Round Rock ISD is introducing a new program that brings together school and business to encourage students toward a successful education experience.
New Directions and New Horizons is an idea Supt. Jesus Chavez imported from his previous work in the Harlingen school district, where it helped to lower the dropout rate. The program targets secondary school students who need extra help, and prepares them for college and the real world beyond.
“Our goal is to involve the students in our school, provide additional support, ensure they are being successful, and put in their mind that they are preparing for college,” Chavez said. “And if they stick with us over time, it will open doors to attend college.”
Using a curriculum called High School 101, a hand-picked group of students meet weekly in groups to learn about life skills such as financial literacy and communication. The program takes classroom learning into the real world through field trips and visits from local business people.
In May the New Directions and New Horizons program hosted a retreat with 25 members of the local business community and Round Rock Mayor Nyle Maxwell. The district hired Stephanie Sullivan as the program’s head, and has brought on several local businesses as volunteers.
New Directions and New Horizons will be offered at the ninth grade center, Stony Point and McNeil High Schools, and CD Fulkes and Hopewell Middle Schools. The program kicks off this month.
“You’re going to see these students grow tremendously, develop essential skills and be guided to register for college,” Chavez said.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Stephanie Sullivan at 464-5077 or stephanie_sullivan@roundrockisd.org.
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