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May 20, 2008

Column: As school year draws to an end, eyes turn to next year

By Carol Olson

More than seven years ago, Assumption High School began another improvement process cycle through the North Central Association. What does this mean today? It means awesome things are happening in the Assumption High School Science Department.

New hardware has been purchased to improve the students' study of this important core subject. In physics class, a new optics system helps students review the colors of the spectrum, and electronics kits are improving the study of electricity. New titration equipment is being used for various chemical experiments and is helping improve many of the science classes.

Students at Assumption continue to have opportunities to move ahead in their college life while a high school student. Allan Glinski will teach PACC chemistry next school year. This will give students at Assumption High School the opportunity to earn college credits through Saint Mary's University of Winona, Minn. Advanced biology will prepare students to complete the AP biology test. Assumption High School also has an advanced standing agreement with Mid-State Technical College for several credits.

The Assumption High School Science Department Demonstration Team visited with Wisconsin Rapids Area Catholic Schools elementary students this past year. The high school students used this opportunity to not only increase their own understanding of various scientific theories but the elementary students' as well.

At our May professional day, teachers learned more about grant writing and Web tools. The Math Textbook Evaluation Committee made final recommendations for K-6 math books.

Technology upgrades will be made to the high school, middle school, St. Vincent de Paul and Our Lady Queen of Heaven computer labs and classroom computers. The K-12 technology curriculum for all levels continues to change and be solidified to meet the current needs of students.

The Curriculum Committee has the K-6 curriculum online. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to, language arts and reading, math, social studies, science, technology and health. The committee completed and updated checklists from all academic areas except social studies and math.

Twenty-two German students made a tearful departure after being at AHS for three weeks as part of GAPP: German-American Partnership Program. Next year AHS students will travel to Germany and stay with the family of the student they hosted.

Principal Pam Fochs is a member of the Safe Routes to School Committee, initiated by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department. Concerns include students walking on streets because of high snow banks and sidewalks not being cleared. Crossing guards and all schools gave input. Grant proposals were written to improve the safety of local children.

The parishes and WRACS added more tuition grant funds to our budget for next year. If parents truly desire a Catholic school education for their children, we will help them find a way.

As the end of the school year approaches, students and their families are busy with sports, concerts, dinners and graduations. May all students have a safe, happy and healthy summer taking time for prayer and physical exercise.

Carol Olson is president of Wisconsin Rapids Area Catholic Schools.