This proposal was designed specifically to address the need to reevaluate the instructional time of students who are not scheduled to take the state assessment during a designated week and time in either the fall or spring of the school calendar year as mandated by the State.

Issue of Concern:

State and Federal mandated test taking of the PSSA, and the NAEP has led to a disruption in valuable learning and instructional time of students not involved in the test taking process. As a result, students in grades 9, 10, and 12 who are not taking the test are losing valuable academic instruction, while 9th, 11th, and sometimes 12th graders are taking the mandated state and federal tests.

Issue of Charge:

It should not be acceptable to provide these students with numerous study halls and/or video/movies in place of instructional time in any given day for an entire week thus jeopardizing the integrity and quality of the academic program and services being provided within the district.

Recommended Solutions:

District wide efforts should be made to address and remedy this situation by creating a learning environment which provides enrichment opportunities for individual students which enable all students to reach their maximum learning potential.

With improved efforts on behalf of the district, we can with little or no money tap into external resources throughout our community, school district, and region to provide learning enrichment opportunities for our students.

Everybody Climb On Board:

To accomplish our goals and objectives, we will need:
· Involved and Committed People at all levels inclusive of Staff
· Good Organization and Coordination Skills
· Large group facilities (to which we have two auditoriums for large group instruction, as well as, a gymnasium and cafeteria for two potential sites.)

This program will require two to four sites providing various venues for learning enrichment opportunities for students in large group instruction. Such venues could occur on a daily basis for the entire week or multiple venues and forums could be provided on a timed, scheduled, or rotation basis exposing students to multiple enrichment opportunities. Our staff could work with outside guests to facilitate workshops or staff and/or core subject departments (such as art, math, or science department staffs) could coordinate their own enrichment workshop for students. The possibilities are endless!

Proposed Possibilities for Learning Enrichment for Students:

Youth Motivational Speakers Forum:

Bringing in individual motivational speakers, as well as, panels of experts to speak on issues such as student success, best selling authors, and award winning young entrepreneurs…many of these people are young college students and are able to relate to and inspire young audiences with a unique and insightful message.

Entrepreneurship 101:

Have an inspiring program where students will learn why and how entrepreneurship produces more millionaires than any other career. Have local and statewide speakers discuss the unique experiences related to entrepreneurship and share their experiences of entrepreneurship while discussing the benefits, the myths, the startup strategies, the five core requirements, the reality and risks involved in beginning your own business.

Test Taking Tips, Techniques, and Study Skills Necessary for all Students Seminar:

Whether you’re a high school or college student, tests are unavoidable. If you take a multiple-choice exam your strategy will be different than if you take an essay test. Learning proactive test taking strategies are a vital part of your grade and academic success.

Test taking Tips: Learn the most effective test taking strategies
Note Taking: Find out the best and most efficient way to take
Class notes.

Reducing Test Anxiety: Learn strategies on how to reduce test
taking anxiety.

Study Skills: Learn the most effective studying techniques
Cramming Techniques: Learn what to do when you have a very
limited time to prepare for your test.
Speed Reading Techniques: Learn effective practices to
increase your reading speed.

College Market:

Bring in representatives from local and statewide colleges, universities, and technical schools to provide information, answer questions, and provide guidance and materials as related to the services and programs offered by their educational institutions.

Bring in representatives of the Regional Learning Alliance at Cranberry Woods to inform students of the services and programs offered by their educational institutions in their newest state of the art and high technology facility.

Technology, Trades, and Tech Workshop:

Bring in representatives of the Technology, Vocational Education, Technical Education Schools, Pittsburgh Culinary, Pittsburgh Cosmetology and technical trade’s schools.

Allow peers attending these schools to share their personal experiences with students. In addition, representatives from building, development, and construction trades inclusive of electricians, masonry, plumbers, registered engineers, industrial and environmental hygienists, and architects, could be on hand to discuss the skills needed in pursuing on of the many trades
as craftsman.

Money Management Matters:

Bring in representatives from the Southwestern Junior Achievement and local banking institutions, to discuss with students responsible money management. Provide our young people with economic education on how to balance a checkbook, opening a checking account, responsible credit card and debit usage with proper supervision, educate them on the risks of interest rates, paying principal, as well as the myths of paying only the minimum balance. Explore various savings and investment options for students and young people during college. Address college loan options and balancing credit card debt accrued during college years when students are most targeted by credit card companies. Explore a one week Stock Market Club, etc.

College Bound Life Skills:

Provide a workshop forum with local and county officials from law enforcement regarding internet and cell phone usage. Educate students how to protect themselves from identity theft with mail, social security numbers, purchasing transactions, and phone solicitations. Have experts come in and speak regarding campus safety and educate students on how to protect them-selves at college campuses across the country and inform them of what resources are available in the event they are threatened.

Law and Justice Symposium:

Have community and county law enforcement officials, the Butler County D. A., a Judge, a District Magistrate, Local and Township Police, provide a workshop forum on the process ofthe justice system and explain their role, their background, education, and criteria necessary to study these fields of expertise in law enforcement. What prerequisites are necessary? What high school courses would be beneficial if planning on pursuing a career in law enforcement?

Also included could be the discussion of drug and alcohol issues that they encounter. Thus, using the time to educate the students on the consequences of using as well as career options.

Health & Wellness Expo:

On a much smaller scale, a “Health &Wellness Expo” could be Implemented utilizing our current staff in physical education, Health teachers, SAP Team, school nurses, Nutrition, Inc. staff educating students on how to live a healthy lifestyle.

Demonstrate exercises for various body types, have blood Pressure screenings, weight and height screenings, screenings, discuss the newest dietary trends, and how to Incoroporate them into a student’s busy lifestyle.
Northern Alliance and our Student Assistance Program could Collaborate to facilitate an effective outreach program.

Mini Me Courses for Teens With Little or No Time:
Could include:
· CPR Certification
· Babysitting Certification
· Red Cross Classes
· Diet Trends
· Cultural pressures of Alcohol and Drug Use
· Facing College (What to Expect)
· Mini Sign Language Course
· Understanding Car Insurance
· Basic Car and Vehicle Maintenance
· Special Projects: Incorporating Science, English, Math, and History
· Sports Medicine and Training
· Computer Tech: How to design your own website
· Tutorial Workshop: Mini Remediation in any Subject
· Famous Authors, Artists, and Inventors
· Book & Movie Club (Discuss Literary Work w/movie)

Government Day:

Present a symposium on government by inviting a cross section of local, state, and federal government officials to discuss all three levels of government and how it impacts citizen’s daily lives on numerous fronts. Hold an open discussion of current political issues that incorporates a panel of legislators with time for Q&A. Hold a balanced debate on a current political topic with a moderator.

College Prep: Public Speaking & Interviewing Techniques

Have an expert come into speak with students and demonstrate the various techniques and strategies to enable students to present themselves in the most effective manner. Explain to students the importance of effective public speaking for job interviewing and role it plays throughout one’s life. Interactive role play and demonstration by students and communication experts can help facilitate the dos the don’ts of effective communication. Demonstrate to students effective strategies and techniques needed for a positive first impression by potential college interviewers and professional employers.

Resume Readiness:

This workshop would help students learn the appropriate way to complete job applications for employment purposes, college entrance applications and prepare good job resumes for future employment. Have students prepare a hands-on demonstration of the mechanics of formatting their unique resume to showcase their skills and talents! Students will learn how to say it, what not to say, tips on writing, special situations, could also incorporate applications, references, and cover letters, follow up and thank you letters.

Art Academies:

We are fortunate to have an outstanding art department here at Mars Area School District. Students, who may typically not have the ability to take an art class due to scheduling constraints, may have the opportunity to partake in the art experience by a course offering during this designated week provided by our art department. For example, a pottery class, charcoal drawings, or painting….incorporate art history, architecture, or science into art. For example, provide a watercolor workshop on “botanical illustration” with watercolor paints and collaborate efforts of our science staff and art teachers.

Historical Society:

We are fortunate in the Mars Area to have many people who are familiar with the history and beginnings of Mars, Middlesex Township, and Cranberry Township. These people are able to recall past and present events; the progress of development, and the impetus to an expanding community and school district. We have access to several local authors and historians right here in the Mars Area who would welcome the opportunity to share some of their stories, old photos, maps, and timelines with interested students.

Career Connections: (Career Exploration)

A day or seminar could be dedicated to various individuals in the private and public sectors to share their experiences in a wide range of fields and careers, with Q&A interaction, and recommendations for course study and hands on training necessary to pursue a potential field of study.

What Say You? (Foreign Languages & Interpretation)

Students examine the various highly demanded opportunities to put their foreign language skills into every day practice as foreign language school teachers, ESL Teachers, or as an Interpreter for companies conducting business with clients of an international market. Learn how companies are seeking skilled and fluent language individuals to accompany clients on travel and business in the new global business market. Speak with professional interpreters who work at some of our nation’s airports, hospitals, universities, and government positions and for regional companies.

Potential & Innovative Possibilities:

In conclusion, as one can see, the possibilities are endless for learning enrichment opportunities we can provide for our students. The examples listed are proposed ideas which simply are focused on enriching and empowering our high school students through educational opportunities designed to help equip them for their life ahead as they leave Mars Area School District to pursue future endeavors.

Although it will take effort and planning, I am optimistically confident this valuable instructional time can be better utilized to benefit all our students by broadening their horizons, as well as, supporting the integrity of the district’s standards, curriculum, and mission.

Kim Geyer
Mars School Director
May 10, 2005

Editors Note:

What is to be accomplished by such an innovative policy?

Schools are able to provide educational excellence via equity by providing learning enrichment opportunities to all students regardless of their individual range as a low, middle, or high performing student.

The federal No Child Left Behind places a premium on community and parental involvement in schools as stakeholders. This policy would reinforce those goals and objectives as contained in the law.

Each district and state is unique and diverse in external resources which compile communities and schools. There is no one size fits all. There are no limitations on creativity! Reinforces concept of genuine local control.

This policy would reinforce school processes, inclusive of standards and curriculum, already in place. Furthermore, this policy would cultivate a belief system that reflects high expectation for all students.

Encourage student input by surveying topics of interest and have students evaluate speakers and forums as provided for constant assessment and refinement to the overall premise of the program.

Such a policy in schools has the potential for large gains in student achievement.


Kimberly D. Geyer
May 10, 2005