The International Center for Leadership in Education recently named Fishers High School as one of 25 “model schools” from across the country that will present at its annual conference where educators share stories of school success and district achievements.
The International Center for Leadership in Education assists schools and districts in implementing organizational changes that translate into world-class curriculum, instruction and assessment systems. Its work is based on the premise that students are living in a world that is changing dramatically and the education system needs to adapt to those changes in order to prepare students for the world in which they live and work. To be selected, schools must submit a lengthy application that includes school demographic information, student achievement data, evidence of core academic learning, stretch learning, student engagement and personal skill development.
Fishers’ application outlined the strategies it uses to boost success by giving its students a personalized high school experience and a sense of belonging through extracurricular opportunities and support activities.
· FHS’s Tiger Fever freshman orientation program held during the summer is designed to help transition new students into a culture of achievement and participation.
· WIN (Work In Now) proactively works with students at the beginning their high school experience to focus on achievement. The first time a underclass student misses an assignment, an administrative team contacts parents to involve them in reversing negative habits early.
· CIA (Confidential Individual Assistance) builds teacher and student relationships by linking “secret” mentors with at-risk senior and freshman students to personally monitor, guide, motivate, care for and support each one.
· Mastery Learning Center is an assigned period each day for students needing extra academic assistance possibly including tutoring and accountability. Assigned staff members also help students build better organization, communication, self-esteem and study skills.
· Academic Probation Contract is for students with multiple Fs during a grading period. A meeting includes the student, parents and an administrator to agree on strategies such as adding a study hall, use of Mastery Learning Center or possible tutoring to correct failing grades. Students may face discipline if refusing to meet conditions of the established contract.
· Tiger P.R.I.D.E. stands for Preparation, Relationships, Integrity, Determination, Enthusiasm. It is a year-long character education program conducted during activity periods with fun small-group activities designed to reinforce positive character traits. Traits are also promoted throughout the building with banners, display cases and student rewards.
· An annual Student Leadership Retreat involves a group of select students from each grade level in an off-campus day of activities intended to provoke self-reflection and to inspire a desire to lead.
Applications are reviewed by K-12 practitioners and the International Center staff. Tom Vevezio of the International Center said, “We are excited to showcase Fishers High School as a national model of success. We believe that your unique and innovative approach to education and the best practices that you use to meet the needs of all learners can be brought to scale to benefit school systems across the nation.”
FHS representatives will present to a national audience of educators at the Model School Conference June 22-25 in Orlando, Florida. “The presentation will center on the unique programs offered at Fishers High School that help students become successful in school and how these programs and the FHS staff work to make a large school feel small,” said Interim Principal Jason Urban. “ . . . This honor is confirmation of the extra effort FHS educators put in everyday to ensure student achievement.”
For more information, contact Urban at (317) 915-4290 or email him at jurban@hse.k12.in.us
