Current in Fishers caught up with Marianna Richards, HSE School District director of school and community relations, to study up on what Fishers students and parents can expect his academic year.
Back to basics
Parents and students, be ready for a SkyAlert alert to go out with bus information, including pick-up and drop-off times for HSE Schools students leading up to the first day of school (August 15).
Richards said lunch prices increased this year. Lunch for students in kindergarten through sixth grade costs $2.20. Lunch for students in grades seven through 12 are $2.35. Milk is $.50, and breakfast is $1.25 at schools that provide it.
HSE Junior High
One major change is the new HSE Junior High facility at 12278 N. Cyntheanne Rd. The capacity at the new school building is 1,107 people.
A dedication for the new junior high is slated for August 22 at 6 p.m.
Freshman center
The building that housed the old junior high school, located across Olio Road from HSE High School, houses a new freshman center.
Parents, students and the general public can come out to the freshman center for the Panther Preview tomorrow from 1 to 7 p.m. to take care of pictures, grab schedules, get acquainted to the new building and more.
New science labs geared towards high school level work are just one feature of the freshman center. In addition to the new labs, a wing is dedicated to the special education program FOCUS (Foundation of Characteristics Unique to Success). The program is geared towards students who have emotional or behavioral challenges. A smaller classroom setting and lower teacher-to-student ratio is used to help students increase coping skills and social strategies, with the goal being to transition the students back to their own schools and a regular classroom setting, according to Richards. The program is for students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Senior Academies
Further down the road, parents can expect to see more information on new senior academies at HSE High School and Fishers High School. The academies require a referendum (which may be coming up in spring 2013) to become a reality for Fishers students. If the academies happen, they won’t be around until 2015 at the earliest, according to Richards.
The academies focus on bringing college-level courses to students and putting them in an environment closer to college or the work place.