Freshmen Focus: UA's High School Student Transition Program

     Union Academy is dedicated to educating the whole child as evidenced by the second year of the school's Freshmen Focus workshops. Freshmen Focus began in the 2015-16 school year when principal Jim Zorn pulled together a team of high school staff members with instructions to create a curriculum that would assist freshmen with entering high school. His idea grew to become a series of ten lessons designed to both acclimate ninth graders to high school and find success in their final years at Union Academy. This year the program grew to include upperclassmen as co-teachers of the lessons. "It seemed like a natural fit to include our Link Crew Leaders in the implementation of Freshmen Focus," said Trent Faulkner, Union Academy teacher and Link Crew adviser. The Link Crew is a group of juniors and seniors in charge of Freshmen Orientation. "They were looking for another way to interact with the ninth grade class and this was a great opportunity," he added.
     This school year's Freshmen Focus series kicked off with an assembly hosted by Mr. Faulkner and the Link Crew. Mr. Faulkner interacted with students teaching them the importance of choosing friends wisely and keeping focused on the goal of graduation and college. The Link Crew led students in games where they experienced the importance of working together and choosing wisely.
In the months following the assembly, students rotated through a series of eight activities and learning skills such as stress management, SMART goals, serving others, and making the most of high school. Students were quizzed on the history and mission of UA and learned about the importance of the three Cs: Challenge, Character, and Community. They participated in scenarios that made them consider choices they may be faced with as a high school student and evaluate their life priorities. "My favorite class in Freshmen Focus was learning how to calculate my GPA and what to expect in high school," said ninth grade student Andrew Young.
     The tenth and final meeting of Freshmen Focus was on High School Service Day. This half day event began with a wrap-up of all previous lessons and more activities related to personal leadership and success. Students were reminded of UA’s graduation requirement involving service hours and were exposed to the needs of local charities and non-profits. Students chose from eight different projects such as making blankets for Project Linus, crafting para-cord bracelets for the USO, stuffing race bags for the Heart of Monroe, and preparing lunch for Operation Reach Out. They demonstrated teacher appreciation by cleaning rooms, braiding chew toys for dogs at the Union County Animal Shelter, and mixing home-made play-dough for the Alliance for Children. Student Emily Huang said, "I like feeling like I'm making a difference. On service day, I felt good about making para-cord bracelets and making sandwiches for those in need." "My group created whisper phones for emerging readers. They learned that serving others does not have to be elaborate project and that the most simple act of kindness can go a long way, " said Holly Hammonds, high school counselor.
     "Our goal with the Freshmen Focus program was to create a solid foundation for these young students entering high school. We want them to understand the importance of good character, and we want them prepared to meet the challenges of the next few years and feel supported through the process," said Principal Zorn.
     Freshmen Focus and the Link Crew are examples of how Union Academy proactively works to promote core values and performance values (Principles 1 & 3 of Character Education). In addition this program works to create a caring community (Principle 4 of Character Education) across grade levels.

20-Time: Building Innovation and Character

    

Principal 6 of the 11 Principals of Character Education indicates that a school of character will provide a meaningful and challenging academic curriculum that respects all learners, develops their character, and helps them succeed.  One perfect example of Principal 6 at Union Academy is 20-Time in Rachel Tohill's English III Class.

Jonathan Alzate, Braden Eilerman, Jacob Barringer,
 and community supporters at the Dedication Ceremony.

    20-Time is based on Google’s innovative work policy which gives employees 20% of their work time to collaborate and create personal ideas that could advance Google. Just as Google has realized real advances from 20-Time, so has Union Academy. This year, Mrs. Tohill provided her students 20% of the their class time to think outside the box.  
     According to Mrs. Tohill she taught 20-Time because, "I wanted to give my students an opportunity to explore their interests and make real-world connections to English Language Arts standards. An important component of the project involved the students taking the lead on the process and understanding that the process itself was as important as the final results. In the end, we had products that included videos, photography, interviews, blogs, community service projects, construction projects, graphic design, writing, auto mechanics, animal rescue initiatives, art projects, school spirit projects, and the list goes on. And some of the projects are continuing beyond the school year; they have gone from being a "project" to being a real world experience, which is very exciting." 20-Time developed all of UA's 8 Character Traits in Mrs. Tohill's students, but especially put into practice initiative, perseverance, and responsibility.
     

One of the most successful projects was the installation of a putting green on the UA campus. Three students in the class, Jacob Barringer, Braden Eilerman, and Jonathan Alzate developed the idea and managed the installation of a new golf green, chipping mat and sand bunker located near the football stadium at the Upper Campus. It took eight weeks for the students to research, identify resources, develop contacts and to actually participate in the construction and installation of turf.    
     "I'm so impressed with my students that they jumped in to this experience with only 8 weeks to complete it, and only having just met me as their teacher! They took risks, explored ideas, and embraced the opportunity to be creative and to think "outside of the box." We really became a team in this experience and learned so much!" said Mrs. Tohill. 
     Students appreciated the 20-Time project as well.  Kaitlyn Havican, an eleventh grade student wrote an interactive book of devotionals/gospels for middle school girls.  "I learned how to budget my time. I learned that you need to proof read over and over again! 20-Time was an awesome experience for me. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and do something I love. I got to think for myself and make an impact on people." 
    Would you like more information on 20-Time and how to implement it in the  classroom?  Take a look at this presentation created by Mrs. Tohill as part of her own 20-Time project or try this amazing website filled with ideas and template.