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Academies
Be Known for Exploration
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Parents: Help your student consider their future career options! Apply Today to Enroll Into a PLC Schools Academy! Papillion La Vista Academies give students the opportunity to explore future career areas while still in high school. By participating in these academies, students may:
• Engage in hands-on learning. • Participate in real-life learning experiences. • Collaborate with industry professionals. • Develop professional relationships and 21st Century Skills. • Earn high school, college credit, and industry certification.
A brief overview is given of each academy on the following pages.
Apply Today!
• Visit www.plcschools.org • Click on the programs tab and select academies. • Select the How to Apply page.
For more information on the Academies: Contact your high school counselor At PLHS: 402-898-0400 At PLSHS: 402-829-4600 Visit www.plcschools.org or Contact the Academies Office at 402-537-6217
Academy Overview Regardless of the future career path of our students, it is the vision of the Papillion La Vista Community Schools (PLC Schools) to ensure that all students are adequately prepared for the transition into the next phase of life after graduation. To be prepared, students need to have mastered 21st Century Skills and have exposure and experiences in a variety of future careers. The PLC Schools academy programs help accomplish this vision. The PLC Schools offers ten academies that are taught by PLC Schools teachers. Additional academy programs are also made available through Metropolitan Community College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Introducing the Academy Program‌
PLC Schools Academies are real-life, hands-on learning experiences designed around a specific career area. Academies are located at the school or in a business setting and are designed to take learning and career exploration to a whole new level. Academies combine both classroom learning where students are taught by a PLC Schools teacher, and hands-on learning where students work directly in their chosen career interest. The exciting part of PLC School Academies is the opportunities for high school students to work directly with professionals in their chosen career area. Students who participate in an academy gain high school credit, and in many cases, college credit or industry certification.
 
Academy Q & A
Q. Who can apply?
A. Academies are designed to enhance the career exploration of high school students. Some academies have specific grade level requirements. Students apply for academies in the fall prior to the year they will participate.
Q. Where will my classes be located?
A. Some programs are located at the high schools, while others are in area businesses or college campuses.
Q. What is the time commitment?
A. Some programs are all day, others are before school, after school or during the school day.
Q. Do students provide their own transportation?
A. Transportation is available to some academy programs.
Q. What type of credit do I earn?
A. All academy students can earn high school credit. College credit and specialized certifications for particular career areas are also available.
Q. Where is college credit from? Is it transferable?
A. Most college credits are through Metropolitan Community College (MCC). However, UNO and UNMC also provide credit for some academies. In most cases, these credits will transfer to another 2-year college or 4-year university. Check with a school guidance counselor for specifics.
Q. Are there scholarships available?
A. Absolutely! Ask your building counselor for a scholarship application. You can also contact the Academy Programs Office at 402-537-6217.
Q. If I participate in an academy can I participate in extracurricular activities at my high school?
A. Yes. Students that participate in academies remain connected to their high school and can participate in extracurricular activities. The academy is meant to be an enhancement of the high school experience, not a replacement.
Q. Who are the academy teachers?
A. PLC Schools certified teachers teach at the academies. In many of the academy programs, the PLC Schools is partnered with a professional from the career area who will assist with the instruction.
Q. How do I apply?
A. To apply for a PLC Schools academy, students must complete an online application which can be found at www.plcschools.org. For more information on the application process, check out the PLC Schools website at www.plcschools. org.
Q. How can I learn more about the academies PLC Schools offers?
A. For more information, check out the District website at www.plcschools.org, contact your school guidance counselor or call the Academy Programs office at 402-537-6217.
Q. Can I tour the facility?
A. Yes. Tours are given for certain academies at the beginning of the registration period. For more information, contact your building guidance counselor.
Student Quotes “Through the academy, I found a passion I didn’t know I had.” - Jake Zink, Media Academy Class of 2016
“The education academy has given me insight about the classroom and behind the scenes of being a teacher”
- Katie Krzemien, Education Academy Class of 2017
“The Zoo Academy has helped me to make real life connections to the curriculum.”
- Mallory Hays, Zoo Academy Class of 2016
“The Health Systems Academy has given me amazing opportunities and I could not be more thankful. I never imagined that I would be working as a CNA at 17 years old. I get real-life experiences in health care every single day and I love coming to the academy. I am more than prepared for college and my future in nursing”
- Claire DeCoster, Health Systems Academy Class of 2016
“The zoo is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in a work environment and explore your options for after high school.”
- Kristen Manker, Zoo Academy graduate
Papillion La Vista Community Schools Academies
A description of each academy offered in the Papillion La Vista Community Schools can be found on the following pages.
Zoo Academy
Who should attend the Zoo Academy?
Are you looking for a future career where you can work with animals? Do you want to learn about the environment? Do you enjoy life science and research? Then this academy is for you!
What is the Zoo Academy?
The Zoo Academy is one of the few academies that can be a full day program. Four PLC Schools certified teachers (math, science, language arts and social studies) are housed at the Zoo. Students attending the Zoo Academy can gain all of the credits they need to graduate from high school right at the Zoo. Students can also choose to go back to their high school for a portion of the day to obtain electives, AP credit or participate in extracurricular activities. This academy is designed to meet the individual needs of the students.
What is a typical day?
Through this academy, students are able to explore all aspects of the Zoo. With the entire Zoo serving as the classroom, students learn their core curriculum through zoo related themes. They will also work sideby-side with Zoo professionals in a rotation of internships. Students will experience first-hand careers like zoology, genetics, ecology, vet science, horticulture, animal behavior, marine biology, zoo management, business, marketing and more.
Logistics Location: Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Transportation: It is provided at the beginning and end of the day from the students home high school Prerequisites: On track for graduation, successful completion of Biology and Physical Science classes Credit Options: High school credit and MCC credit Cost:$50 uniform fee, MCC tuition (if applicable)
Health Systems Academy
Who should attend the Health Systems Academy?
Do you like the medical fields? Do you have an interest in being a nurse, a doctor, a scientist or working in any of the other 100s of occupations in the health care industry? Then this academy is for you!
What is the Health Systems Academy?
The Health Systems Academy is an academy that can be a full or half day program. Six PLC Schools certified teachers (math, science, language arts, social studies, and two teaching nurses) are housed at CHI Midlands Hospital. Students attending this academy can gain all of the credits they need to graduate from high school right at the hospital. Students can also choose to go back to their high school for a portion of the day to obtain electives, AP credit or participate in extracurricular activities.
Logistics Location: CHI Midlands Hospital Transportation: It is provided at the beginning and end of the day from the student’s home high school Prerequisites: On track for graduation, successful completion of Biology and Physical Science Credit Options: High school credit, MCC credit and Certified Nursing Assistant License. Cost: $45 uniform fee, MCC tuition (if applicable)
What is a typical day?
Through this academy, students are able to explore all aspects of the health care industry. During Year I, students take core courses designed around a health care theme, while earning their certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) License. Year II students continue their core curriculum along with clinical rotations. During rotations, students work side by side with health care professionals, while getting hands-on work in areas like the research labs, occupational therapy, diagnostics, physical therapy, surgery, x-ray, general patient care and more.
Education Academy
Who should attend the Education Academy?
Do you have a passion for helping children or adults learn? Are you thinking about a future career in education? Then this academy is for you!
What is the Education Academy?
The Education Academy is located at each of the high schools and is a part of the regular school day. During a one period class, students will learn many aspects of working in the education field. Speakers from different areas of education will present to students. Students will also get the opportunity to see what it’s like as a classroom teacher at our PLC Schools elementary, junior high and high schools. What is a typical day? Year I students participate in an introductory course in teaching and learning. Students also have an opportunity to participate in job shadowing experiences and mock interviews. Year II students focus on internships. Each Education Academy student is assigned an internship in the Papillion La Vista Community Schools where they work directly with a classroom teacher. In addition to experiences in the classroom, students meet collectively once a month to share their experiences with other academy students as well as create lessons.
Logistics Location: Papillion-La Vista HS & Papillion-La Vista South HS Schedule: Year I – 5th hour Year II – Internship Prerequisites: None. Suggested prerequisites include Parenting I & II, Sociology, and Psychology Transportation: Students must provide their own transportation to the internship. Credit Options: High school elective credit; UNO college credit year two only Cost: $50 uniform fee, cost of college credit (if applicable).
Law, Public Safety & Security Academy
Who should attend the Law, Public Safety and Security Academy? Do you have an interest in the legal system or protecting the safety of others? Are you thinking about a future career in criminal justice? Then this academy is for you! What is the Law, Public Safety and Security Academy?
The Law, Public Safety and Security Academy is located at Metropolitan Community College Sarpy Campus. Students will learn many aspects of law enforcement.
Logistics Location: Metropolitan Community College Sarpy Campus Schedule: 7:45 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. Prerequisites: None Transportation: Students must provide their own transportation Credit Options: High school elective credit and college credit through Metropolitan Community College Cost: $30 uniform fee and cost of college credit
What is a typical day? Students will have an introductory course in criminal justice and law enforcement. This course will be taught through a certified high school teacher with assistance from local law enforcement. Students will also have an opportunity to participate in job shadowing experiences, internships, ride-alongs and college seminars.
Associate to Bachelors (A2B) Academy
Who should attend the Associate to Bachelors Academy? Do you see yourself going on to a 4-year college after high school graduation? Would you like to get a jump start on that degree while still in high school? Do you like the idea of paying $40 PER COURSE for college tuition? Then the Associate to Bachelors Academy (A2B) is for you! What is the Associate to Bachelors Academy? The Associate to Bachelors Academy puts 11th and 12th grade students on a college-bound program-of-study that allows them to complete an associate degree by the summer after graduation. The associate degree transfers toward a bachelor’s degree at schools like UNMC, UNO, UNL and Iowa State.
What is a typical day?
A2B courses are taught by PLC Schools teachers who are also adjunct instructors through Metropolitan Community College. A2B students attend the same classroom as non-A2B students; except that A2B students complete “aboveand-beyond” college-level learning activities. Students gain high school credit toward graduation as well as college credit in preparation for the next phase in life after high school. NOTE: To complete the Associate Degree in time for high school graduation, summer, night, and online courses may be necessary.
Logistics Location: Papillion-La Vista HS & Papillion-La Vista South HS Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing Credit Options: High school elective and core credit and an Associate in Science Degree if the specific course work is completed Cost: $40 per MCC course taught by PLC Schools staff. Lab fees may apply depending on course. This is compared to a university cost of $200+ a credit.
Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Academy
Who should attend the Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Academy? Do you have an interest in working in the medical field? Are you specifically interested in sports medicine? Then this academy is for you!
What is the Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Academy?
The Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Academy is located at each of the high schools and is part of the regular school day. Students learn many aspects of athletic training including how to recognize, evaluate and care for sports related injuries. Speakers from different medical fields will present to students. Students also become certified in first aid and adult CPR/AED.
Logistics Location: Papillion-La Vista HS & Papillion-La Vista South HS Schedule: Usually offered at the end of the day Prerequisites: None Credit Options: High school elective credit. Specialized Certifications: First aid, adult CPR/AED Cost: $30 uniform fee
What is a typical day?
During Year I, students participate in an athletic training/ health related course. Students also have an opportunity for some hands-on experiences working with PLC Schools sports teams. Those experiences include caring for injuries, taping, assisting in rehabilitation, and working at sporting events and practices. During Year II, students who have an understanding of the fundamentals receive extended internship opportunities by working with other sports trainers and high school athletes.
Leadership Academy
Who should attend the Leadership Academy?
Do you have an interest in being a leader? Would you like to improve your leadership skills? Then this academy is for you!
What is the Leadership Academy?
The Leadership Academy is located at each of the high schools and is a part of the regular school day. Students will learn leadership skills and focus on enhancing their own strengths while becoming a leader. Speakers from different areas of the community will present to students.
What is a typical day? Year I students enroll in an introductory course in leadership that teaches students about their personal leadership style. During Year II, learning takes an “online� twist. Students partner with a business mentor based on their leadership style and blog about their experiences. To complete the academy, students and mentors collaborate to solve a real-world problem or project, and together, present the solution to their peers.
Logistics Location: Papillion-La Vista HS & Papillion-La Vista South HS Prerequisites: None Credit Options: High school elective credit and Metropolitan Community College elective credit (HMRL 1010) Cost: $40 Per MCC course taught by PLC Schools staff
STEM Academy
Who should attend the STEM Academy?
Do you enjoy solving problems, working with their hands or drawing? Students learn how science, technology, art and math are applied in engineering and architecture. Then this academy is for you!
What is the STEM Academy?
The STEM Academy is a sequence of courses that start in 9th grade, which follows a proven hands-on, real-world problem-solving approach to learning. STEM Academy courses complement traditional mathematics and science courses, and are designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and careers in STEM-related fields. Students learn and apply the design process, acquire strong teamwork, and communication proficiency. Students have access to 3D design software used by companies like Intel, Lockheed Martin, and Pixar.
Logistics Who: Priority is given to incoming 9th grade students who are committed to pursuing a STEMrelated career, but entering 10th grade students may apply. Location: Papillion-La Vista HS & Papillion-La Vista South HS Prerequisites: Strong interest in STEM-related careers Credit Options: High school elective credit Cost: To Be Determined
What is a typical day?
This is a 4-Year academy. Year I students enroll in Introduction to Design Engineering and Architecture (IDEA). Year II students begin a specific pathway by enrolling in Robotics and/ or Civil Engineering & Architecture (CEA) courses. Year III students continue their chosen pathway of Robotics, Engineering or Engineering & Architecture Development (EAD). Year IV students collaborate with their STEM Mentor and apply past STEM learning to develop and present a solution to a real life problem.
Information Technology (IT) Academy
Who should attend the IT Academy?
Are you interested in computer repair? Do you want to know more about computer networking? Then this academy is for you!
What is the IT Academy?
This academy will have two parts. The first will be an online/lab class offered during the summer. Coursework will be available online and labs will be scheduled every Monday and Wednesday from 3:30-5 p.m. and every Tuesday and Thursday from 8 am-9 am. Students will be required to finish all labs by the start of school. This class will be facilitated and the labs monitored, by Bill Pulte, PLC Schools Director of Information Technology. In addition to Logistics earning a credit toward graduation, this course will be taught in conjunction with Location: Papillion-La Vista HS & Metro Community College. At the Papillion-La Vista South HS completion of this course, students will Schedule: Year I: (Summer) BU24 PC have an understanding of what it takes Support/Mnt. w/A+Certification. to earn an industry standard certification. BU23 Computer Assistant Intern What is a typical day? Year 2: BU23 Computer Assistant Intern All assigned reading and tests Prerequisites: None. Students can apply can be completed at home. Students to be a part of the IT academy beginning will need to find 20-25 days to be their freshman year. available for labs and instructor guidance. Students are not required Transportation: Students must provide to attend every day. Students will also their own transportation to the internship have the opportunity to intern with the IT department helping to manage Credit Options: High school credit and the helpdesk and act as a building Metro Community College credit technician. Cost: $25
Media Academy
Who should attend the Media Academy? Do you see find yourself working in broadcast media in the future? Do you like recording and editing videos? Then this academy is for you! What is the Media Academy? The Media Academy is designed to provide students with hands-on practical training in live production of broadcast media, and broadcast journalism. Students will also complete a variety of long and short form projects including but not limited to documentaries, public relations and publicity pieces, and post-event production. Problem solving, teamwork, confidence building, and leadership development will all be focuses of the academy.
Logistics
Location: Papillion-La Vista HS (open to students at PLHS & PLSHS) Prerequisites: Must have a good attendance record. Must be willing to film events outside school day. Credit Options: High school elective and core credit and an Associate in Science Degree if the specific course work is completed Cost: $12 or $15 uniform fee and $10 SD card
What is a typical day?
Year I students take media studies classes and begin to produce outside events. Year II students take media production classes and work on a year long production project and complete outside production events. Year III and IV students take media production classes and cover and produce outside events regularly.
Metro Community College Career Academy Programs
The following academy programs are available to Papillion La Vista Community Schools students through a partnership with Metropolitan Community College.
Metro Community College Academies What are Metropolitan Community College Academies? Metropolitan Community College (MCC) Career Academies are designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with opportunities to explore various career fields and get a jump start on their post-secondary education. Where are they located? Metropolitan Community College Academies are located at the various MCC campuses throughout the metropolitan area. Who will be teaching? MCC Academy classes are taught by certified MCC teachers. Will I earn high school and college credit? Yes. Students enrolled in MCC Academies benefit from earning college credit while also earning the credits needed to graduate high school. How much do they cost? MCC Academy students benefit from a 50% discount on college tuition. For current tuition rates, please visit www.mccneb.edu/futurestudents/ tuition.asp When do the academies meet? Most academies meet between 1-4 p.m. in the afternoon. Specific program information can be found by calling the PLC Schools Academy Programs office at 402-537-6217. Is transportation provided to the MCC Academies? No. Students are responsible for transportation to and from their MCC Academy. Who should apply? Students interested in getting a jump-start on their college education and who demonstrate an interest in any of the career fields that provide a career academy. How do I apply? Interested students can apply for an MCC Career Academy by submitting an online application at www.plcschools.org.
Metro Community College Academies
Auto Collision Technology - Do you enjoy watching TV programs about repairing and restoring automobiles? Through this program you will receive hands-on experience in a very popular and lucrative industry. Located at Applied Technology Center at 10407 State Street. Automotive Technology- Are you currently working on your car or want more experience in automotive repair? You will learn about electrical, brake and suspension systems while earning a Specialist Diploma in this two year program. Located at MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th & Q - Mahoney Building. Business for Starts - Do you enjoy learning about finances, real estate or insurance? Do you have a desire to one day be an entrepreneur? You will learn principals of financial studies including real estate, insurance and entrepreneurship. Upon completion, students may be ready for their certification exams in financial studies, real estate or insurance. Located at Fort Omaha Campus at 30th and Fort. Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) - Do you like helping people when they are sick or in need? You will earn a state recognized certification to work in the health field. A criminal background check will be conducted if you are accepted in this program. Located at MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th & Q - Mahoney Building. *Note: Metro Community College academies are subject to change. This is the most accurate list available at time of publication.
Metro Community College Academies
Diesel Technology - Working on an actual truck you will learn the components of the diesel engine, the fundamentals of transmissions and torque converters, along with an overview of diesel engines. Located at MCC Applied Technology Center at 10407 State Street. Digital Cinema/Filmmaking - Do you want to become the next great director or producer? Get your start by learning audio, video and script writing to create documentaries and a variety of moving productions. Located at MCC Elkhorn Valley Campus at 204th & Dodge. Early Childhood Education - Do you love working with little children? Do you want to make a career out of it? This program will introduce you to cognitive development, care, and nutrition of preschool children. Located at Learning Community of North Omaha at 24th and Franklin. Electrical Technology - If the dangers and benefits of electricity fascinate you - this program’s for you! You’ll be introduced to electrical theory, as well as hands-on experience in installation and circuitry standards including home wiring and safety. Located at MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th & Q. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) (Seniors Only) – Want to be the first on the scene? Do you thrive in a high stress environment and want to help people? The EMT program may be for you. You must be 18 years of age or older at the time of the test. Located at MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th & Q.
Metro Community College Academies
Fire Science Technology - Do you like helping others? Are you interested in learning about fire investigation? You’ll learn firefighter investigation and EMT training. Located at the MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th and Q. Introduction to the Trades/Manufacturing Internships - The best way to introduce students to the manufacturing trades is to let them experience it. We are offering an internship to the manufacturing trades and classes to prepare them to enter at the basic level. This includes classes on safety, hand and power tools, measurement, and obtaining familiarity with industrial equipment. Located at MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th & Q - Industrial Training Center Building. Process Operations Technology - This program provides training and advancement opportunities for entry-level employees in a variety of continuous process operating plants. Students may earn a manufacturing process operations career certificate or stationary engineer career certificate. Theatre - Whether you like performing on stage or being behind the scenes, you will learn it all. Learn about the blend of visual arts/design, music, literature, research, technology and more. Located at The Omaha Community Playhouse at 6915 Cass. Welding Technology - Mom told you not to play with fire, but if you like to use it to weld things together, this two year program may be for you. You’ll focus on welding techniques including gas metal arc welding and cutting while earning a Specialist Diploma. Located at the MCC South Omaha Campus at 27th & Q.
University of Nebraska Medical Center Alliance
The following academy program is offered to Papillion La Vista students through a partnership with the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
UNMC Alliance
Who should attend the UNMC Alliance?
Do you like the health care professions? Do you have an interest in being a nurse, a doctor or scientist? Are you at least 16 years old by the beginning of your junior year? Then this academy is for you!
What is the UNMC Alliance?
The UNMC High School Alliance is a partnership between the University of Nebraska Medical Center and many school districts, including the Papillion La Vista Community Schools. Through this partnership, students will take classes and have the opportunity to observe, and work alongside world renowned health care professionals and researchers at UNMC.
Logistics Location: University of Nebraska Medical Center Schedule: Classes are held MondayFriday from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Prerequisites: Students must have completed and attained at least a B in Algebra 1, Biology & Chemistry Credit Options: High school elective credit/ University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College elective credit Cost: None
What is a typical day?
Students enroll in one to three health care related classes each semester. Classes are taught in partnership by a UNMC faculty member and a certified high school teacher. During classes, students have the opportunity to gain exposure and work experience with UNMC experts.
Additional Career Exploration Opportunities
The following career opportunities are offered through the Papillion La Vista Community Schools and our partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Internships What Is An Internship?
Internships give students the opportunities to experience first hand what a potential career may be like. The PLC Schools partners with a local business and students are immersed in the business setting.
Where Can Students Currently Intern?
Papillion Times where students will learn the various departments and jobs within the journalism industry. Students may have the opportunity to do copy editing, reporting, graphics, layout and design, photography, advertising, and printing/ publishing. Sarpy Chamber of Commerce where students will gain experiences in the field of public relations and community involvement. Students will learn about newsletter content, updating membership lists, contacting chamber members, updating information, organizing and coordinating events, taking reservations for activities, answer phones and much more.
Logistics
Location: Papillion Times Internship: 604 Fort Crook Road N, Bellevue Sarpy Chamber of Commerce Internship Shadow Lake Town Center, 7775 Olson Dr., Suite 207, Papillion Time: Times Internship students will work 3 hours/day; M-T (production) W-F (field). Chamber Internship students will work 2-3 hours/day, Monday through Friday. Flexible hours Transportation: Students must provide their own transportation. Credits: Two high school elective credits per semester Pay: This is a non-paid internship.
Eligibility Requirements: • Must complete an application and be selected to participate. • Must be a junior or senior in the fall. • Have an interest in pursuing a career in journalism (Times Internship), business or public relations (Chamber Internship). • Must have a good attendance record.
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420 S. Washington Street Papillion, NE 68046
402-537-6200 www.plcschools.org
The Papillion La Vista Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age or other protected status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Students: Paul Bohn, Director of Student Services, 420 South Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 537-6214 (pbohn@paplv.org). Employees and Others: Dr. Renee Hyde, Assistant Superintendent Human Resources, 420 South Washington Street, Papillion, NE 68046 (402) 537-6206 (rhyde@paplv.org). Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education (OCR), please contact OCR at 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037, Kansas City, Missouri 64114, (816) 268-0550 (voice), or (877) 521-2172 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.