Advisors
– Counseling
Q. How does a student
contact a counselor?
A. The counselors are always available to help them. Major responsibility
for counselor contact by appointment is up to the student. For the Academy,
there are some special considerations that the counselor will address. If there
is a concern it’s quite easy to set up an appointment with a counselor.
Sign-up sheets are on the counter in the guidance office. Once a student has
signed up, a pass is sent to them for the appointment during lunch or study
hall. In an emergency, a staff member will be available.
Career
– Job Shadowing, Advanced Job Shadow (formerly Internship)
Q. What are the job
shadowing requirements?
A. Three experiences are required for job shadowing. The first one
is to be completed by the end of first semester freshman year. Likewise
the second is to be completed by the end of first semester sophomore
year. The third experience is an adjunct of the junior technology course
. Mandatory meetings are scheduled for all parents and students to attend, to
discuss the fine points of job shadowing. The academy
Director meet with all students during 1st quarter to
go over the process.
Q. How will the internship/ Advanced Job
Shadow program work?
A. Procedures for internships are spelled out in a manual available in
the Academy office. Students will be expected to advance job shadow at a
minimum of two different companies (strands) during summers, holidays, and
weekends, following their sophomore and junior years and/or after school hours.
Each strand’s minimum is fifteen (15) hours, up to the required forty
(40) hours required. These include both applied sciences, engineering and
technical fields.
Q. What ideas are in place for the
work-study program for Academy students during the Junior/Senior years?
A. Work study is not part of the Academy program. If the student wishes
to do work-study, he or she should enroll in the marketing education
cooperative program. It would be acceptable to do this after school hours.
Q. Will there be a conflict with sports
activities when a student is doing his internship?
A. This depends on the individual and what arrangements are made with the
potential employer. Internships can be done over the summer,
"off-season," and weekends or holidays.
Q. What is involved in the Senior
Project?
A. Some of the brainstorm ideas for the senior project include: solving a
local business problem that the business has not had the time to pursue;
continuation and improvement of the junior project. This is a work in process
(WIP) tailored for each student’s particular interest.
Colleges
– Scholarships
Q. Does the Academy have
any automatic provisions for community service work which is required on
college applications?
A. No. Students are encouraged to volunteer for community service.
Some of the internship shadowing programs may provide opportunities. It’s
always worth asking. Academy students also have the opportunity to
participate in Habitat For Humanity. Additionally, community service is also a
requirement for National Honor Society.
Q. Will being in the Academy help our
students get a college scholarship?
A. Any honors program will be an asset to ensure future success. Our
recent PLTW class adoptions also augment the college acceptance process. Instructors
freely offer letters of recommendation. If the student provides a resume,
the instructor can tailor write the recommendation.
Q. How will students and parents get
information about colleges as well as scholarship opportunities?
A. Once a student applies to a college or university and expresses
interest, their representative usually contacts you. Our guidance office
regularly posts schedules of visiting colleges.
Curriculum
Q. What do the Junior and
Senior Honors Seminars include?
A. See the Curriculum page for up-to-date info
Q. Pros and Cons - 2 or 4 years of a
Foreign Language?
A. The decision to take 2, 3, or 4 years of a foreign language
rests with the student’s interests and the eventual college of choice
requirements for the program he or she desires to pursue. Counselors can help
with those decisions. This program was designed to meet the entrance
requirements of UIUC (
University
of
Illinois Urbana
–
Champaign
),
College
of
Engineering
.
Q. Does my child need 2 or 3 years of
history? Will geography be an accepted alternative?
A. The requirements are outlined in the student handbook. The district
requirement is: US History - 1 year; Civics - 1 semester (must pass
the
U.S.
and Illinois Constitution Test); Economics - 1 semester. Geography would
count as an elective.
Q. Are all materials provided for group
ITC projects or are the students required to provide the material themselves?
A. There are some consumable materials that the students may be asked to
supply occasionally.
Q. We understand the curriculum seems to
be engineering based. What is there for the student who wants to go into the
medical or health fields?
A. Engineering is at the heart of all science, math, and technology.
Those students wishing to pursue careers in medicine, computers, architecture,
and the like, will all benefit from an engineering base. Some ITC
accommodations are already being implemented for health sciences. The Academy
does provide increased opportunity toward specialization as do college-level
programs approaching upper-class status.
The medical aspects of science and technology are addressed more in the
upper-class program. The students themselves are able to take advantage of the
Occupational Health programs. Many juniors have already signed up for this.
Junior year is the normal time for comprehensive students to enter the Health
Occupations curriculum also. Current
post-college trends indicate more graduates are being accepted to medical
school with a Bio-Engineering background than those with the traditional pre-med
background!
Q. How are students exposed to the
technology-rich computer applications?
A. The areas of computer technology are heavily addressed in the junior
and senior technology classes. Students have had access to high technology for
2 years in CAD, design problems, and ITC. Technology is more than just
computers, although they are a major factor in our technology-rich world.
Q. Is geometry adequately covered with our
sophomores?
A. The course is designed to cover a typical high school Euclidean
Geometry course. In the Academy CAD class, the sophomores do a full
geometry construction set of worksheets. Numerous topics identical to the
STATS/ Geo class are reinforced, including arc tangent and points in space,
i.e. coordinate graphing, as well as in their physics class.
Geometry/STATS fully covers the topics of angles, lines, triangles,
quadrilaterals, polygons, and congruence. The topic of logic has been
incorporated into all areas of thinking, but not addressed separately.
Similarity has been utilized in other topics and students should have an
understanding of its uses. Area and volume are integrated throughout the
curriculum especially in the sciences. Physics uses extensive use of
trigonometry, reinforcing the angular components spoken of in the STATS/Geo
class.
Regarding AP Calculus, very little pure planar geometry is utilized according
to the Calculus instructor. What is most important is problem solving,
analysis, and critical thinking. Throughout the Academy curriculum, this aspect
is developed across the board! To date, the students have not suffered.
Even those who have taken the PSAT test answered the geometry questions quite
well!
Q. Is a science class required for Academy
senior year? Can you guarantee that there will be a sufficient number of
students enrolled in each remaining science class?
A. The guarantee is that the science classes will be in the
comprehensive high school. It’s not a requirement in the senior year, yet
the college that your student is applying to may look favorably at another high
level science class. The recommendations from the Academy are for the student
to take a senior AP science class.
Q. Has a decision been made yet for the
Academy science class for junior year?
A. The junior science class is Academy Honors Chemistry.
Q. What is the schedule for each
year of classes?
A. A detailed listing is shown in the Curriculum Guide.
Electives
Q. How do you meet the
needs of students wanting to take different types of electives? Are they
guaranteed to get an elective such as choir?
A. As in the comprehensive program, not all wants or desires can be met
under the constraints of the present system. Just as in life, there are choices
to be made.
Field
Trips – Speakers – Extra Activities
Q. How does the incorporation of field
trips and relevant speakers occur?
A. Trips have to be planned sensibly because there are comprehensive high
school trips also. Every student who goes on a field trip is also responsible
for work missed from other classes. More trips increase the responsibility of
the student for out-of class make-up. Meaningful field trips are balanced
against the rigorous demands of the curriculum and valuable class time.
Part of the Academy curriculum is to take advantage of more of those
technology-rich companies in the area. Timing is one consideration and student
readiness-appropriateness is another. Junior and senior classes will have more
of an opportunity to take advantage of those opportunities.
Q. Are there any transportation concerns
that parents should be aware of for the Academy students?
A. During freshmen and sophomore years, there are projects assigned that
will require out-of-school transportation to other student’s homes. Many
times the students are involved in extracurricular activities such as clubs,
sports, and organizations, necessitating a mode of parental taxi service. For
those families outside the BHS attendance area the school activity buses are
available but are not as convenient. Academy parents are highly involved and
committed to begin with and have made accommodations.
General
Q. How is the
BHS
Academy
different from the
EHS
Academy
?
A. Our schedule and focus is different to begin with. The incorporation
of CAD, Electricity, and ITC at
Bartlett
High School
is a major
exception to EHS. The classes are tailor-made for each respective
Academy. Many of the teaching methods and textbooks are similar.
Q. What if a student dislikes an academy
class? Do they have to take it?
A. The Academy classes are an integral part of the program and students
must take them all to remain in the program.
Q. Is my student kept in the Academy
area all day? How much interaction can he/she expect with the general
population?
A. The Academy program was designed to incorporate contact with Academy
students during several periods of the day. Students will have non-Academy
classes with the comprehensive population during other portions of the day. The
maximum number of periods a student takes Academy classes is 4 ½ out of eight
(8).
Q. Are there only "geeks" in the
Academy?
A. The Academy Program is designed to foster social skills and
cooperative learning-problem solving situations. As defined by the American
Heritage College Dictionary - geeks are odd or ridiculous persons or carnival
performers whose show consists of bizarre acts, such as biting the head off a
live chicken. To date there have been no heads bitten!!
Q. If this isn't my students home school,
what will be done to help him/her adjust?
A. Teachers strive to integrate enjoyable activities throughout the year.
For example, in sophomore English, students are given food to enjoy during
their ‘poetry café.’ The annual Spring cookout-field-day is
another. Students are encouraged to find an activity amongst the myriad
offered, in short, GET involved in your school.
Q. Is BHS going to have someone contact
"Who's Who In American High School Student"?
A. This is done automatically. "Who’s Who" contacts
every high school in the
United
States
for potential nominees.
Q. Can students change Academies after 1
or 2 years?
A. The different Academies are not designed for this type of movement.
The answer would be NO.
Q. What type of computer platform does the
Academy utilize?
A. The Academy is based on a PC (Microsoft – Windows 95) platform.
Q. As the student enrollment increases
over the next two years, how will actual class time and space be affected?
A. We can plan for eventual changes with the Academy schedule protected
as much as possible. There may be facility issues that cause some adjustments.
Q. What are the reasons students are leaving
the Academy? Please be specific.
A. Students leave the Academy for a variety of reasons. Some are
academic, others are confidential. Several families have moved.
Some students decide the Academy isn’t for them and we respect their
decision. Cohesive attempts have been made to refine the admissions
criteria. Guidelines include
Academy placements are for four years. Sometimes there is a
need for a student to leave an academy sooner, for a variety of reasons. We
have a process to deal with that. The Academy Director is the keeper of the
exit process.
1. All exits from an academy must be coordinated by the
academy director, whether it is at our request or the family's, that the
student be withdrawn.
2. That the
front office and the guidance counselors be alert about a student's status in an academy, when a
family attempts to register mid-year. Be certain that the student is truly
available to register and/or sign up for classes at the home school. Refrain
from completing the registration or class scheduling until there is contact with
the academy director and the student is released.
3. That we remember that, conversely, students who must
leave an academy must return to their base school. (In this case it is at
the earliest opportunity.) Only seniors are allowed to remain at the academy
school to finish out the year. Others return to the home school.
Exceptions will be considered through the Academy Director.
Q. What is the cut off number for a second
section? Will we get an aid?
A. The eventual cut-off reasonably is between 25-30 students for 2 sections.
Because the Academy is a district initiative, there would be special
considerations if it dropped below 25 students.
Q. What are the advantages of being in the
Academy?
A. The class size allows for more intimacy, teacher contact, and a focus on
the child’s interests. Research indicates higher academic
achievement with smaller class sizes and highly committed and motivated
teachers. The PLTW classes allow college credit and some universities along
with special considerations for success in those classes.
Q. Are the students required to sign a
contract or covenant?
A. Every Academy student is required to sign the Academy Ethics
Covenant. The signed copy remains in the students file all four years.
Q. Do Academy students have restrictions?
A. All students are required to wear their student ID during the school
day. Freshmen and sophomores in the Academy receive a sticker identifying
them as Academy students. This allows them more freedom in the
hallways. Juniors and seniors have upper-class hallway privileges.
Grades
– Report Cards
Q. What if a student gets
a "D" or and "E" in an Academy class?
A. If a student receives a ‘D’ or below in an Academy class,
it should be no surprise to the parents. There should be implementation of
‘Remediation’ contracts, which include parental notification. There
is usually some type of a meeting between the administration, parents and
student, either at the quarter or semester. If the ‘D’ is a
semester grade, the student is placed on Academic Probation for the following
semester.
Q. Why can't students have their
finals back at the semester and end of year? A student never knows what
they did wrong.
A. If the student has an interest; the instructor is accessible to go
over the exam. Additionally, teachers may use the exams for another year.
Homework
Q. Are the students going
to be asked to do school work in the summer?
A. Summer work is an expectation for all Academy students (and
comprehensive high school honors students in math, science and English).
Honors
and AP Classes
Q. Are the Academy classes
(math, science) equivalent to honor classes? Are the kids learning as
much as an honors class?
A. The Academy math and science courses are at the honors level.
They do not mirror the traditional honors classes because of the integrative
nature of the Academy with math, science, and technology.
Q. Why isn't it just as beneficial to take
honors classes?
A. In the Academy we have a different focus, integration across
curricula, scope and preparation for college level interests, and assignment of
linked projects. The rigor of the limited number of classes available to
Academy students accelerates them above other college level students.
Q. How is the Academy program really
unique to its students? Will they be doing the same kinds of things the
other students are doing, except at an honors level? What courses are available
or techniques being used that are not available to the general population?
A. Students are among their intellectual peers and have smaller class
sizes. The courses and opportunities available to the Academy student
beyond the comprehensive program include: newly adopted PLTW classes outlined
in the curriculum page, CAD, Electricity, ITC, Jr. and SR. Technology, job
shadowing and internships. Senior AP Calculus BC is not offered at any other
U-46 school. There is the higher level of skills aimed for at the
synthesis and evaluative components of Blooms Cognitive Taxonomy.
Q. Do Academy classes carry a higher
GPA than honors classes?
A. The GPA is the same as for other classes. The beginning philosophy was
that "students should be neither hindered nor advantaged" over the
comprehensive high school program. At the upper levels, the Academy students
have the opportunity to take advantage of extra AP courses.
Q. Can a student expect more homework than
in regular honors classes?
A. Yes. The projects are one example of an extended curriculum. Other areas
fall under the philosophy that these students have "above and beyond"
interests which cannot be met in the traditional time frame of the classroom.
This program was originally designed to be rigorous from day one. Recent
homework surveys indicate that freshmen spend about 15-16 hours per week;
sophomores about 11 hours; juniors about 12; and seniors approximately 3.5
hours per week. This data has not been compared to honors students outside the
academy.
Q. What are AP classes? Wouldn't my
child get more out of a class that didn't concentrate on preparing them for the
AP test? Other children that have had an AP class have regretted
it. Why?
A. The Advanced Placement Program offers ambitious high school students
an opportunity to take college-level courses and receive advanced placement,
credit, or both when they enter college. AP classes have pros and cons. Some of
the advantages include: the opportunity to sharpen academic skills; exemption
by college or university from introductory courses; opportunity to set a
challenge for oneself and satisfaction of meeting it; academic credit that can
give a head start in college; an opportunity to demonstrate to colleges
one’s willingness to tackle more difficult courses; tuition savings; time
to explore undergraduate subject areas that you wouldn’t otherwise be
able to study; eligibility for honors and other special programs open to
students who have received AP recognition (AP Scholar Program).
Teachers of the AP classes have received more thank you letters from former
students than letters of regret. They devote numerous
‘out-of-class’ hours to promote student success. A
rigorous aspect of an AP class includes that it is a test driven course.
Colleges do not like to give away credit easily, therefore the course content
is demanding of students time and the test is rigorous. The test(s) is usually
administered in the first and second week of May.
Leaving
the Academy
Q. If this is not my home
school and my child has spent 1 to 2 years in the
Bartlett
Academy
, will he/she be allowed to
stay at
Bartlett
High School
if he/she
leaves the Academy? Have there been any exceptions made to the rule?
A. Academy placements are for four years. Sometimes there is a need for a
student to leave an academy sooner, for a variety of reasons. We have a process
to deal with that. The Academy Director is the keeper of the exit process.
1. All exits from an academy must be coordinated by the
academy director, whether it is at our request or the family's, that the
student be withdrawn.
2. That the
front office and the guidance counselors be alert about a student's status in an academy, when a
family attempts to register mid-year. Be certain that the student is truly
available to register and/or sign up for classes at the home school. Refrain
from completing the registration or class scheduling until there is contact with
the academy director and the student is released.
3. That we remember that, conversely, students who must
leave an academy must return to their base school. (In this case it is at
the earliest opportunity.) Only seniors
are allowed to remain at the academy school to finish out the year. Others
return to the home school.
Exceptions will be considered through the Academy Director.
Q. At what point will a child be asked to
leave the Academy and how will you pursue it?
A. A student may be asked to leave the Academy for a variety of reasons.
Most likely, the reason would be academics. The student who does not remove
‘probationary’ status may be counseled to leave the Academy for the
best interests of the student. Another reason may be a breach of the Ethics
Covenant, to date this has not occurred. Continuous dialogue between the
instructor, family, and administration is encouraged.
Q. Can a student drop out of the Academy?
A. A freshman is asked to complete one year in the Academy. If the
student desires to leave after the first year, he may. Other students may leave
at the semester break. Once a student leaves the Academy, there is not another
student to fill that position. Think carefully before committing to the
Academy. Any students leaving the Academy undergo an informal meeting
with the Academy Divisional. This meeting serves as an exit interview and
formal signing of exit paperwork.
Organizations
– Parent (PAC)
Q. Is there a parent
organization for the Academy? If so, when do they meet?
A. The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is the parents’ current
organization. Meetings have been set up, usually the second Monday of the
month, at 7:00 P.M., here at the school.
Q. How can parents be notified of
important upcoming dates and activities?
A. There is a semi-annual Academy Student newsletter. There are
opportunities monthly at PAC (Parent Advisory Council) meetings. The PAC
Newsletter is currently being published on a monthly basis. Students should
regularly communicate about projects, etc. Our Webpage is under construction
undergoing modifications regarding privacy issues.
Organizations – Student (SAC)
Q. Is there a student
organization for the Academy? If so, when do they meet?
A. The student organization is the Student Advisory Council (SAC). All
students are invited to participate. The meetings are held on alternate
Thursdays prior to school to accommodate everyone’s schedules. Each
class elects four (4) representatives from which an officer is elected.
Officers are usually upper-class students.
Staff
Q. Will my student ever
have the same teacher for any subject during their 4 years in the Academy?
A. The likelihood that your student will have the same teacher for the
same subject already occurs in the CAD and Electricity portion of the Academy.
It is very likely that they will experience the same teacher at upper levels
because of a certain expertise some of the staff may have. Some of the
Academy teachers instruct at the AP level outside the Academy.
Q. Are there
any special requirements for becoming an Academy teacher?
A. All Academy instructors have a desire to go beyond the standard
contractual obligations. In addition, they receive training in the ITC Lab,
attend specific seminars, and do countless hours of preparation and
articulation. Instructors in the Academy average 13.5 years of experience, most
at a post-graduate degree level and above.
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