December 12th, 2023
Last month we shared with you our GISH Academies five year evaluation process.
Our Academies model was built with a commitment to taking a deep-dive every five years into evaluating who we are, what we do, how we do it, and why. Additionally, we have a continuing obligation to make financially prudent decisions to support the educational needs of our Islander students and staff.
We are excited to share the revamped GISH Academy and Pathways model!
Starting in August 2024, will be offering five Academies and eleven Pathways for all Senior High Students.
Here is how the new model will look:
Academy of Freshman Exploration
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Freshman learn about all the Academies and Pathways
Academy of Medical Sciences & Education
- Healthcare Pathway
- Sports Medicine & Therapy Pathway
- Emergency Services Pathway
- Education Pathway
Academy of Business & Communication
- Finance Pathway
- Entrepreneurship Pathway
Academy of Technical Sciences
- Automotive & Diesel Pathway
- Construction Pathway
- Manufacturing Pathway
Academy of Engineering & Technology
- Engineering Pathway
- Architecture Pathway
You may download a one-page resource that maps out our revamped model:
Other notable Pathway updates include:
- Ensuring and improving the quality of a career academy requires engaging in a regular cycle of improvement has been our focus throughout this process. The refinements we are making will strengthen our alignment to the National Career Academy Coalition and their National Standards of Practice.
- Information Technology (IT) and Welding will continue to be offered as elective opportunities for students.
- A Digital Arts class will be added to the art department. Striv will still be an available activity. Yearbook and Newspaper will both be offered through the Journalism program. All of these offerings will be strong opportunities for students interested in pursuing different multimedia.
- Our job shadowing, internship, and registered apprenticeship opportunities will continue as they always have.
What does this mean for current Sophomores and Juniors currently in Pathways that are being adjusted?
- Sophomores (10th Graders) enrolled in a Pathway no longer offered will have the opportunity to select another Pathway and will prioritize their new top selection.
- Juniors (11th Graders) enrolled in a Pathway no longer offered will have the opportunity to take the Capstone Course during Senior year. This option allows our current Juniors to earn the credit required to graduate with their Pathway.
- Academy Counselors and Principals will be facilitating this process for all impacted students and families. We encourage you to reach out to us so we may set-up a time to meet with you one-on-one to explore our new education opportunities.
How did we land on this new Pathway model?
Over the last three months, our GISH Administration Team carefully reviewed all the learning opportunities we have offered since launching the Academies. We followed a consistent evaluation criteria along the way:
- Alignment with the College & Career Continuum
- Class sizes and growth over the last five years
- Job market demands in our community, statewide, and across the country
- Efficiencies in budget spending
- Facility needs
- Staffing sustainability for specialized course and career offerings
- Overall learning experiences for our Islander students
After our evaluation, we mapped out this new Academy & Pathways model and presented it to the GIPS District Leadership Team. With their support, we have been able to refine our innovative, career-focused approach to learning in a way that will strengthen the Academies going forward.
What’s next for me and my student?
- FRESHMAN (9th Grade) — Our Freshman Seminar teachers will provide updated information about our new Pathways model. Additionally, our Freshman Counselors and Principal will work directly with each student to help them navigate our updated opportunities.
- SOPHOMORES (10th Grade) & JUNIORS (11th Grade) — If you or your student is currently enrolled in a Pathway that will no longer be offered, please reach out to your Academy Counselor or Principal directly. They are prepared to provide support on all the new and current opportunities you will have.
ACADEMY PRINCIPALS & COUNSELORS CONTACT INFORMATION
Islander students and families are encouraged to reach out to their current Academy Principal or Counselor to schedule a time to walk through the opportunities provided through the revamped GISH Academies & Pathways model.
Contact information for Academy Principals and Counselors may be found HERE.
What’s next for GISH?
We still have a few opportunities we are considering for placement of specific Pathways and programs in our different campuses, specifically Senior High, CPI, Wyandotte, and the Islander Annex.
We will share more as decisions are made in the coming months. Also, District administrators will be sharing at upcoming GIPS Board of Education meetings more about district budget updates and details on our new looks for the Academies & Pathways.
We are excited about the future of the Academies at Grand Island Senior High! Together we can continue to ensure all students have an incredible experience individually, personalized just for them.
