By: Matthew Armstrong
The high school is beginning a "Renaissance" this year that it hopes will encourage academic achievement, good attendance and positive attitudes.
The high school is instituting the Renaissance program which recognizes students and teachers who strive towards excellence with incentives that include special prizes, privileges and discounts at local businesses.
The program came to the attention of South Brunswick educators while they were attending an conference this summer.
"We just got so excited about it that we decided to start it here," said Gina Welsh, a social studies teacher at the high school who is helping organize the program with Linda Fekete, the student activities coordinator.
The Renaissance program seeks to weave academic achievement into the fabric of the community by creating a partnership between the school and area businesses.
Businesses in the area are encouraged to participate by contributing gifts to reward students or offer discounts to students who excel. Over 430 businesses have been invited to participate in the program, said Ms. Welsh.
Students who have a B average of higher, limited absences and no disciplinary reports will be eligible for special cards that will give them discounts at area businesses.
"Students do respond to this," said Ms. Welsh. "Schools that have instituted the Renaissance program said that they are getting more participation, grades have gone up, scores on standardized tests are up, attendance is up and discipline problems are down."
The Renaissance program will kick off with a pep rally at the high school today honoring students for their academic achievement last year.
Larry Biddle, a consultant for the Renaissance program since it was created in 1988, will come to the school to explain the program. Ms. Welsh said students already are excited about it and came in to school Tuesday to blow up balloons and prepare for the rally.
In addition to recognizing students and teachers for their work during the year, at the end of the year teachers will select one student each for the Teacher’s Choice Awards and the chosen students will receive a commemorative plaque.
"We have a great school here," said Ms. Welsh. "We just want to make it better."
