October Issue 2014

Page 1

LightningStrike Taking Miami-Dade by Storm

O

Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High • 1410 Countyline Road • Miami, Florida 33179

FL Department of Education

-

A-- c?

Krop, Michael M. 2014-2015 School Grade

New school grading system brings possibility of lower school grades Dan Sicorsky editor-in-chief would turn into ‘F’ schools if teaching strategies, and teachMost people know that the “disconnect between in- ers have been informed of the the FCAT reading and mathcreased student performance new ways in which they will matics assessments are slowand decreased school grades” be assessed. ly being replaced by Florida were not addressed. Standards Assessments, but “We must align the curRegardless of public oppo- riculum to get a better school few know that a new state sition, the bill was eventually grade,” Baglos said. “But it’s bill could send Krop’s school passed in May 2014 under the going to take us a bit of time to grade plummeting. justification that the changes reach the new standards.” Florida Senate Bill 1642 will ultimately simplify how is posed to introduce drasWorried that prospective school grades are calculated students might be discouraged tic revisions to the existing and reported. school grading system. More from attending Krop if its ratKrop has been an ‘A’ school ing is lowered, Baglos speaks weight will be placed on since 2010. However, Princi- to parents at PTSA meetings standardized testing in the pal Dawn Baglos worries that and student orientations, excore subjects, industry certification rates, plaining that alcollege credit though Krop’s courses (through grade may drop AP, IB and next year, the dual enrollment oing everything we’ve ever done, school’s perforclasses), overall mance continues performing as well as we’ve ever graduation rates to increase. “Our and the learning performed, we would now be a ‘C’ kids are just as gains of the lowsuper and fanschool under these changes.” er 25 percent. tastic as they’ve Conversely, no ever been,” she –DAWN BAGLOS, principal weight will be said. under this new grading system, given to “at-risk” Baglos explained that the school’s grade will drop. these steps must be taken now, graduation rates and college “Doing everything we’ve ever before it’s too late. “It’s all a readiness measures, particdone, performing as well as chain effect,” she said. “If stuularly the SAT, ACT and we’ve ever performed, we dent population drops, so does PERT. would now be a ‘C’ school school funding and the number Although the bill promisunder these changes,” Baglos of teachers in the building.” es a smooth transition to the said at her recent press connew assessments and grading The bill specifies that the ference with Lightning Strike 2014-2015 academic year policies, teachers, education reporters. officials and parent groups will serve as a transition year To help prepare schools for where school grades will be spoke out against the prothe massive changes in how based on the new system but posed bill, arguing that althey will be held accountable will not have a large bearing though students may be perfor student performance, the on school funding. After that, forming better, their school Florida Department of Educa- beginning with the 2015-2016 grade will still drop since the tion provides online resources academic year school grades bill does not provide schools to help students and teachers across Miami-Dade County, with a sufficient transition adjust to the Florida Standards as well as other counties, are period to adjust to the new Assessments. grading measures. set to change drastically. At Krop, teachers have In June 2013, Superin“Everyone is concerned,” been offered optional profes- test chairperson Xandra Lilatendent Alberto Carvalho sional development and tech- vois said. “But the concern explained the consequencnology workshops. Depart- comes from how much of this es of the proposed changes. ments have met to discuss new is unknown to us.” He warned that ‘C’ schools

October 30, 2014 • Issue 2 • Volume 17

AWARENESS

Krop Best Buddies leads in competition “Buddy Bucks gives the club Mila Sicorsky staff writer

They’re like real dollar bills that you can cash into the bank, only better. Sponsored by Best Buddies, an organization that facilitates the integration of students with mental or physical disabilities into society, the Buddy Bucks program raises funds for the club. The program was created by Miami Best Buddies, an organization that sets up Best Buddies chapters in schools across the district. Initiated in the beginning of this school year, this program provides the Best Buddies chapter with an opportunity to earn “Buddy Bucks,” which get cashed in for money.

incentives for doing good deeds to Best Buddies,” senior Kaila Fives, president of Krop’s Best Buddies chapter, said. Club participants are able to have more activities, and therefore more events, with the profit earned from Buddy Bucks. As program manager of one of the two groups formed for this fundraiser, Robert Sawyer is impressed at Krop’s progress with Buddy Bucks. “When I met Kaila, I knew she was going to be an amazing leader for both Best Buddies and Buddy Bucks,” Sawyer said. With almost 1.5K Buddy Bucks earned resulting from the comments on Instagram, Krop leads other high schools in the area.

EDUCATION

CAP adviser organizes college fair

D

Handing more than grades: Students balance school and jobs

SCHOOL pages 10-11

JOBS

COURTESY OF DANIEL PONKEY

MEET THE REPS: On Oct. 13, students gathered in the Thunderdome for Krop’s annual college fair. A total of 114 colleges and university attended.

Erick Cohen business manager Although his small office doesn’t have any windows, CAP adviser Robert Roddy opens windows for students’ futures. Roddy goes from classroom to classroom giving presentations about the importance of college. He discusses grades, costs, and the importance of preparing for the rigors of college courses. He encourages students to challenge themselves and makes them aware of the high cost of college education. Although Roddy brings representatives ranging from Tennessee to Tel Aviv to speak with students, the low turnout disappoints him. “Colleges actually want to come here and meet our students, taking the time to book a flight and hotel to

drive down here.” Teachers, especially AP teachers, rarely let students leave class for the presentations since they will miss instruction. Roddy has considered moving presentations after school if attendance does not increase. Roddy makes it easy for students to register for presentations. Students only need to fill out a form from his email to register for the presentations and print out a pass. Roddy believes meeting representatives from colleges and universities can make a difference if students ask the right questions. Roddy has upcoming colleges visits in November. If attendance to presentations does not increase, Roddy may not have college visits so he can focus on classroom presentations.

More Inside:

• Do uniforms make us safer? - page 4 issues new 18+ policy - page 9 • The perfect gift for • Meet some transfer students - page 12 every occasion! • A student’s identity 18280 W. Dixie Hwy ~ 305-933-4027! transition -page 15

Edible.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.