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On June 20, 2008, Texas Education Commissioner
Robert Scott approved a plan to split the campus formerly known as
Sam Houston High School into two new schools starting with the
2008–2009 school year—a ninth-grade academy with a longer, more
rigorous school day, and a high-tech center for students in grades
10, 11, and 12.
Below are some of the most frequently asked
questions about the plan.
General
Will Advanced Placement (AP) programs
continue?
Yes.
What will happen to the student dress
code/uniforms?
These will be determined via survey conducted
by the advisory committee.
Will there still be early dismissal on
Wednesdays?
Yes. A new release time will be announced soon.
Will graduation requirements remain the
same?
Yes.
How will the change affect credits already
received by students?
Students will retain any credits they have
already earned.
Will both schools still promote school
spirit?
Absolutely.
Will there still be a National Honor
Society?
Yes.
What are the options for students who want
to transfer to another school?
There will be a student transfer day held at
Sam Houston the week of June 23, 2008.
Can a new plan for discipline be put in
place, instead of suspending them and having them go home where they
just sleep?
Both schools must adhere to the procedures set
out in the Code of Student Conduct.
Will there still be “Second Cup of Coffee”
parent meetings?
Yes.
What do the new campuses have to offer
students?
The Ninth-Grade Academy will feature a
longer school day and college and career programs, along with teen
leadership classes focusing on character development. It will also
include intensive math, science, and technology instruction.
Students needing extra math assistance will get 90 minutes of
supplemental instruction every day. Students will also have a chance
to take dual credit and Advanced Placement courses (to earn college
credit while still in high school). The College Preparatory
Center (serving grades 10-12) will be a center for math,
science, and technology and will offer college and career pathways
for students in the fields of engineering, health professions,
information technology, and automotive technology.
How will the Project GRAD program be
affected?
Project GRAD will continue as planned with
additional resources.
Ninth-Grade Academy
Will ninth-grade students automatically be
enrolled into the new school or will they need to apply?
Students won’t be assigned to either of the new
schools for the first two years. Instead, any student in the
district who wishes to attend either of the new schools—including
students who live in the old Sam Houston attendance zone—can apply
for admission. Parents of students previously assigned to Sam
Houston High will be allowed to choose one of the two new campuses
(in writing) for their children.
Will students still be provided with
transportation?
Yes. HISD will also offer students formerly
zoned to Sam Houston transfers and transportation to any surrounding
HISD high school if they wish.
Will ninth-grade students be housed in a
temporary building?
Yes.
What will be done to improve school
security?
The Ninth-Grade Academy will have its own
administration and police officer on campus.
I have a special needs student who will be a
ninth-grader; how will the new ninth-grade school help him?
All Special Education services will be
continued.
What will the hours be for the ninth-grade
school?
To be announced.
When will registration be held for the
incoming ninth-graders?
To be announced.
How soon will parents be notified of any
information pertaining to the ninth-grade school?
A community meeting will be held the week of
June 23, 2008 to introduce the new ninth-grade principal. Any new
updates on the repurposing plan for the ninth-grade center will be
addressed at that time.
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