MASA Feature www.gomasa.org 27 and provided them the ability to be ahead of their peers from day one. According to ELA Teacher and Champions Instructor Alex Stacy, the opportunities offered by the Champions program have benefited both the students who went through it and the staff who led it. “Coming into their freshman year, the students were given early access to the rigorous schedule, unique challenges, and unfamiliar surroundings of high school, thereby allowing them to make any necessary changes and adjustments prior to the official start of the school year,” said Stacy. “The staff was able to build individual connections with the students and identify any potential areas of concern with the academic and social expectations that are present at Plainwell High School.” The two weeks culminated with the entire ninth-grade class coming together for a traditional one-day ninth-grade orientation. The champions were now familiar and comfortable with the school and were able to help the other freshmen around the campus find their way. At the end of the program, the school brought in three standup comedians to start the school year in a fun, positive way. Students felt as if the program was an overall success. Student Lucy stated, “My favorite experience was meeting new students and mixing with people I have never really talked to before. It made me feel like it was a very safe place in high school.” James, another student, added, “My favorite part was getting to interact with other freshmen. The students that showed up were from all groups in school, from unpopular to popular. And yet, working together throughout the summer has brought the entire grade closer together. I would like to continue to see this happen with incoming freshmen. It merges the popularity groups until they don’t really exist, and everyone gets along so much better because of the program.” We have seen an improvement in ninth-grade performance overall. Nate is one example. In eighth grade, he failed multiple classes. As a result of the Champions program, he was more focused in class. “It has helped me get used to not being afraid or nervous to ask questions because I have relationships with the teachers now,” Nate said. Nate is currently passing four of his five classes and is very close to passing all five. Schoolwide, there has been a significant decrease in failures. For the class of 2018, we saw 40 freshmen failing 80 classes. This year for the class of 2019, at the midterm 36 students are failing 60 classes—a decrease of four students and 20 classes failed. Overall, the two weeks spent were a learning experience for both students and staff. PHS staff offered students a chance to connect with the high school in a safe, fun environment. We have more ideas and a larger target audience for future years. This year, the first year, will always be special. Perhaps the best testament comes from a school board meeting. While staff was explaining the Champions program, an attendee in the back of the audience raised her hand and requested to be recognized. She was the mother who called in the beginning of the summer. She thanked the high school staff and was so appreciative of the help and support that her son had received. She said he was a different person, and most importantly that he was passing all of his classes! Jeremy Wright is the High School Principal for Plainwell Community Schools. He has held various roles, such as High School Assistant Principal, Secondary Reading Supervisor, and French and Technology Teacher. Contact him at 269.685.9554 or jwright@plainwellschools.org. K12smallrevisedbull.indd 1 11/17/13 6:05 PM
MASA Leader - Sprin 2016
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