Why Academic Enrichment?

1. Bruce Coachman: Executive Director of Administration, Academic Enrichment Director. Kathy Libey: Academic Enrichment Advisor, Web Designer Jana Zettl: Academic Enrichment Program Manager JoAnne Scalf: Academic Enrichment Proofreader

2. Why Academic Enrichment? According to the ACT, strong academic achievement and more-certain career plans in high school improve chances of meeting college and career goals. (ACT 2007)

3. Degree Achievement The college alumni who were very sure of their occupational choices were more likely to earn degrees in their career field of interest.

4. How do they get there from here? Academic Enrichment Through competitions, events, clubsand camps, students have opportunities to be exposed to many fields of study that they would have not otherwise been exposed to. Early exposure to through Academic Enrichment, helps the student to narrow their field of interest. This gives the student a sense of direction throughout their middle and high school education.

5. The 21st Century Student. • Focused field of study: The high school student, who has chosen their field of study, would have a solid background of high school courses geared specifically to launch them into that field of study at a university. The student would choose a university that offers excellence in their field of study. The student could participate in early decision with their chosen university. • Love of Learning: Mandatory. These student will work in an environment where outsourcing is a common practice. These students will need to adapt and react to this ever changing job market. Academic Enrichment opportunities will help prepare them for this evolving, competitive job market. • Competitive edge: The student that has participated in Academic Enrichment activities, including competitions develops a competitive drive that will help them react to changing job market.

6. The 21st century student, must develop a lifelong love of learning. • Participating in academic competitions, events, clubs and camps offers the student, the understanding that learning can be fun. Competitions are a way of enriching a student's educational experience.  They facilitate learning, offer a social outlet, build self-esteem, teach many non-academic skills such as public speaking, presentation and organization, build school spirit, often award prizes (sometimes even scholarships), and look good on college applications.  There are academic competitions for every age and interest such as Academic UIL, Mock Trial, MathCounts, Chess, etc.

7. Utilizing University Outreach Programs Corporate Sponsored Events Exposing the student to a wide variety of fields of study does not have to be expensive. Many area event, camps, clubs and competitions able to keep costs low because of support from both universities and corporations. University outreach programs: UT Dallas, at Richardson UT Arlington, Collin College SMU, UNT, Texas Tech University Corporate Sponsors: (MathCounts) Raytheon, CAN, National Society of Professional Engineers, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Northrop Grumman, Texas Instruments, 3M, Intel, etc.. • The Academic Enrichment Tool offers easy access to information. We post academic events, clubs, competitions and camps both school sponsored and non-school sponsored on the information web pages. We track area academic opportunities, such as university lectures, tours, camps, and other events. We invite you to open the web pages and take a look around. Information is continually being added and updated.

8. Lovejoy ISD, Graduation Profile: INTELLECTUALLY EQUIPPED At graduation, the Lovejoy student has faced a challenging curriculum that has prepared him or her for a successful college experience. The courses taken at Lovejoy matched the student’s strengths and interests, as well as challenged his/her mind, imagination, feelings and social consciousness. The Lovejoy graduate is able to think critically and can express ideas clearly through oral and written expression. He or she has developed an academic skill set that allows for mastery of highly rigorous coursework. The graduate has learned to discern quality work from mediocre efforts and has chosen to pursue excellence by relying on self-discipline, initiative, creativity and integrity. I have self-discipline I am intellectually equipped. I fully understand the intellectual demands of my chosen field I love learning My talents and interests are perfectly aligned with my chosen field of study. Iam ready for the challenge. I am a critical thinker. I am confidant Unless the student is exposed to a wide variety of fields of study, how will they know what courses they should focus on?

9. OPEN TO THE CHALLENGES OF LEARNING At graduation, the Lovejoy student has a diverse background of formational experiences that have given him/her opportunities to learn and grow. The graduating senior has learned to be reflective and self-evaluative. Havingexperienced Lovejoy High School as a safe haven for the mistakes and false starts inherent in learning, the graduate understands that risk-taking and resiliency are necessary for growth. He or she values being viewed as an adult and feels prepared to manage more complex responsibilities. The Lovejoy graduate accepts the challenges of lifelong learning.   WELL ROUNDED At graduation, the Lovejoy student has had a variety of experiences beyond the classroom. Opportunities to excel in art and music, on the stage and on the athletic fields have led the graduate to view aesthetic and physical development as essential to an education. The graduate has participated in extracurricular activities that promoted teamwork, leadership, responsibility, humility and physical and emotional fitness. In competitive arenas, the graduate has learned the value of fair play and respect for teammates and adversaries alike. University Events, Workshops, Lectures, Tours, Camps Competitions Exposure to a Wide Variety of Fields of Study Academic Team Competitions

10. ENGAGED IN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE At graduation, the Lovejoy student has demonstrated the self-discipline to pursue physical, cognitive and emotional health. She or he has developed the desire to engage in a healthy lifestyle, including a life-long commitment to physical activity. The Lovejoy student understands the physiological effects of lifestyle — including nutrition, exercise, and high-risk behaviors — on long-term health. He or she has developed the habits and self-discipline to achieve life-long wellness.   FAIR AND RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS At graduation, the Lovejoy student has had the opportunity to interact with students, teachers, administrators and parents in a variety of settings. He or she has chosen to act in accordance with the principle - treat others as he or she would want to be treated. These experiences have led the student to go outside himself or herself to find happiness and joy in the love, friendship, and companionship of others.   Students who have found their field of study are statistically more satisfied and focused. Exposure through Academic Enrichment: the student will have interacted with a wide variety of corporate and academic professionals.

11. WORKS FOR JUSTICE IN THE COMMUNITY At graduation, the Lovejoy student has experienced the satisfaction of giving and service. She/he has learned through service projects to comprehend the abstract ideas of justice and community. The student has begun to appreciate the need to couple ethical thinking with ethical action. Ultimately, the Lovejoy graduate has learned to respond in love and service to those in need and now strives to move beyond self-interest in relationships with others. Maturity, through exposure to a variety of enrichment opportunities Dear Mom and Dad, I know what I want to major in. My talents and interests are perfectly aligned with my chosen field of study. Thanks to you, and Lovejoy for exposing me to me to this career choice.

12. 1. Liaison: We need a point of contact for each campus. 2. Promotion/Advertising: We are counting on the principals to promote the Academic Enrichment Tool at their campuses. Academic Opportunities: a. Free lectures, visits with students, tours, etc. b. High school Internships: Raytheon successfully pilots high school internship program, summer between 11th and 12th grade yare is an observation internship. Internships available for graduating students. Planning for Academic Enrichment: 2010-2011 school year needs to be outlined beginning now. Uncertainty is not good for the economy and it is not good for students. Academic Enrichment offered by Lovejoy ISD should be consistent year to year. Teachers will be able to count on it as well as students. Teacher commitment for UIL should be done in the spring of the previous year. The UIL competition coaching should be attached to the position, not the individual. All three elementary school need to offer the same enrichment opportunities.

13. Thank you, Patty Jackson, Lovejoy Elementary Kathy Foster, Hart Elementary Janet Anders, Puster Elementary Kent Messer, Sloan Creek Middle School Gavan Goodrich, Lovejoy High School -The Lovejoy ISD Enrichment Team