By Jack Lakin, Superindendent
Ferndale Unified School District
The Humboldt County Office of Education has recently taken the lead role in a ten year community initiative to assist local youth in becoming contributing and productive members in our communities, economy and society. The Decade of Difference: 2020 Initiative has received initial financial support of $1.5 million from the Headwaters Fund Board and extensive interest and participation from numerous local schools, businesses, service clubs and organizations.
The initiative has emphasized the need for students leaving high school to have achieved a level of college and career readiness to assist in developing a ready, willing and capable workforce. This priority is reflected in two of their established Overarching Goals:
95 percent of 9th grade students will graduate on time with a high school diploma. 80 percent of high school graduates will continue on to post-secondary education/training.
From their analysis of local schools, the Humboldt County Office of Education has identified Ferndale High School as the only school in the county to have already reached both of these goals and indicates the existence of a well established College Going Culture.
A close look at other data reinforces the strength of this Culture within the Ferndale school district. During the 5 school years from 2004-2009 the students of Ferndale consistently outperformed the state and county averages for percentage of students taking the Student Achievement Test (SAT), the percentage of students scoring 1,500 or above on the SAT test, the percentage of 11th and 12 grade students taking Advanced Placement exams and the percentage of graduating seniors completing all course requirements for UC and/or CSU entrance.
The foundation for this College Going Culture is fostered early on while students attend Ferndale Elementary School for their kindergarten through eighth grades. A dedicated staff provides instruction of a rigorous standards based curriculum with an emphasis on academic achievement and high educational expectations for each student. Students are not just being prepared for the next grade, but are developing the skills to successfully meet the challenges of higher education and also prepare for a variety of options in post-secondary education/training.
The course offerings at Ferndale High School further support the College Going Culture with a complete college preparatory program including AP classes in all four core areas. Small class size found throughout the daily schedule provides students with a more personal and individualized instruction. Student success in these classes is supported by a highly qualified staff readily available to offer assistance before and after school or during the lunch period. Extracurricular activities including FFA and athletics provide students with the opportunity to visit college campuses and continually reinforce the importance of embracing a challenging academic schedule.
The College Going Culture of Ferndale Unified School District is also strongly influenced by the community. Numerous members are found in attendance at all school events recognizing academic achievement and accomplishment. A strong work ethic has always been evident in Ferndale and is passed on to its youth, assisting them in their efforts to reach their goal of attending college. The community's priority for students to seek a post-secondary experience after high school is further highlighted by the $200,000 of scholarship money available to graduates each year.
Ferndale's College Going Culture has evolved over time and has been supported by the efforts of many. The current partnership between teachers, students and community of Ferndale ensures this Culture will continue to be a significant part of the Ferndale school district.
Source: http://www.humboldtbeacon.com/ci_18043012?source=rss_viewed
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