"Our mission is to create and nurture a school family where all members merge their beliefs, heritage, and skills to create an environment that fosters success, understanding, tolerance, and self-worth."

Wake Forest-Rolesville High School Ninth Grade Academy

“The Adventure Begins”

Vision Statement

The goal of the Ninth Grade Academy is to successfully transition ninth graders into self-sufficient high school students.

What are We?

The Ninth Grade Academy is not a separate facility but more of a “school within a school”. The Academy philosophy is truly one of “No Child Left Behind”. The Academy staff works with parents and students to focus on the transition to high school and provide intensive support throughout the school year.

Has it Worked?

• The Academy has had an average 90% or greater rate of promotion for ninth grade students moving into tenth grade since the Academy's inception in 2001.
• The promotion rate has continued despite the Academy enrollment increasing.
• Retained students are not invisible, but receive individual support by teachers, counselors and administrators.
• Academic advisors are in place that work with this student population.
• Multiple resources are in place to help assist students and the school's Pyramid of Intervention reaches students that are academically struggling.
• Students are encouraged by teachers and all staff to become involved in clubs, athletics, or music activities.
• A “Wall of Fame” is set up in the Ninth Grade Center to acknowledge the accomplishments of our freshmen and list the students that are involved in different clubs, music organizations, and sports

What Are We All About?

Academy Philosophy

• The Academy is a unique facet of the campus. Students are treated like ninth graders, yet are in the mainstream “high school” culture that is important for their age group.
• A separate ninth grade campus will open in fall 2007
• There is a lot of focus on the transition to high school. Orientation programs begin while students are in the eighth grade.
• Student needs are addressed individually, in cohorts, or in conferences depending on the particular need.

Staff Collaboration

• The Academy staff meets once a month, after school, to discuss upcoming programs, dialogue about students, and to discuss future plans.
• There is active communication between administration, counselors, and teachers.

Communication with Parents

• All teachers have email access.
• Parents are encouraged to email teachers regularly for updates on their child's progress.
• Teachers are encouraged to communicate with parents regularly and early – for good things and bad (ie. attendance, behavior, grades, and homework).
• Counselors and administration will set up conferences to deal with academic and behavioral issues.
• Teachers work hard to attend parent conferences and provide insight to the parents regarding their child's progress.

Student Advocacy

• The needs of the student come first.
• Teachers are willing to work with students. However, students need to show their commitment as well.
• Conferences can help develop the most appropriate plan to allow a student to be successful. Students must buy into these plans for them to work.

Intensive Support

• The goal…getting 100% of our students promoted to tenth grade on time (88%-95% is being accomplished annually – well above the state average.)
• Success is due to repeated contact with students and parents.
• Counselors and administrators are involved with at-risk students regularly.

Goal Oriented Staff

• Staff meets at a summer retreat yearly.
• Goals are reviewed annually at summer retreat based on past successes and projected needs.
• Goals are a part of the information that is made available to parents, students, visitors, and other schools.
• Past successes have fueled the need for continuous improvement.

How Can You Learn More?

CONTACT US ...

• Mr. Andrew R. Markoch, Ninth Grade Administrator AMARKOCH@wcpss.net

• Mr. Bernard H. Scott, Ninth Grade Counselor A-J BSCOTT@wcpss.net

• Ms. Brenda Fearnot, Ninth Grade Counselor K-Z BFEARNOT@wcpss.net

• Ms. Sheila Choplin, Administrative Assistant SCHOPLIN@wcpss.net

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Ninth Grade Academy Staff

2006-07

English

• Ms. Rita Coby
• Ms. Meg Fanney
• Ms. Diane Ray
• Ms. Geraldine Woods

Earth Science

It Can Be Done!!!

Schedules Information

Choose either July 24th or August 2nd, 2007 9:00AM until 12:30PM

Student/Parent Access Network (SPAN) a system designed to give students and parents at WCPSS high schools up-to-the-minute access to their electronic records. Read more here