HOLMDEL–Giving high school students the chance to earn college credits, the Board of Education approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Holmdel High School and Rutgers University School of Health Professions.
The Health Science Careers program enables juniors and seniors to earn up to 34 college credits in preparation for a career in a health field. It is a program that occurs between high schools and Rutgers’ School of Health Professions, and is part of the regular high school day at each individual high school, according to Rutgers University’s website.
On Aug. 30, the board approved the memorandum while also passing a motion to pursue Future Ready Schools certification, according to information provided by the board.
Future Ready Schools – New Jersey is a certification program designed to support the organization of schools’ and districts’ efforts through the national Future Ready Framework to best prepare their students for success in the digital age, while fostering and enabling collaboration both within and between schools and districts throughout the state of New Jersey, according to the organization’s website.
The board reminded residents of the upcoming referendum vote on the Holmdel 2020 Initiative. Polls will open from 4-8 p.m. Sept. 26.
The board goals for the 2017-18 academic year were explained in four target areas.
First, to build equity to maximize the potential of every student, the district will continue to put in place data-informed and research-based systems that lead to greater differentiation of instruction for all students; develop plans to maximize learning time across content area; and enhance articulation among and between grade level staff, schools and discipline, according to information provided by the board.
Next, in order to support the social, emotional and intellectual well-being of all students and to develop and sustain safe and welcoming schools for all students, the district will conduct a school climate and culture survey; review climate and culture survey data to identify triggers of stress and anxiety among students; evaluate current character education programs and initiatives, including anti-bullying efforts; and implement a suicide prevention program, according to information provided by the board.
Then, by seeking certification from Future Ready Schools in order to ensure that all students are provided with the technology-rich environments they need in order to be engaged and successful members of a digital society and workforce, the district will conduct a self-assessment of our district’s qualifications in the following areas in order to obtain Future Ready Schools state certification: leadership; education and classroom practices, technology support and services, according to information provided the board.
Finally, the Holmdel 2020 Initiative aims to develop the facilities necessary to continue to provide all students with superior programs in academics, athletics and the arts. The district will engage in activities to educate the public regarding the need for a referendum; establish a schedule of print and in-person opportunities for the community to learn about the referendum; work with the district bond counsel and architect with regard to the bond sale and transition into the construction phase upon the passing of the referendum; and create and maintain a Holmdel 2020 website with pre-referendum and post-referendum updates, according to information provided by the board.
For more information the Board of Education meetings, visit www.holmdelschools.org/board-of-education/boe-meeting-highlights.
For more information about the Holmdel 2020 Initiative, visit www.holmdelschools.org and click on the Holmdel 2020 Initiative tab.
Contact Vashti Harris at [email protected].