Ellenville Central School District

The Ellenville Central School District is committed to increasing equity in educational experiences, including access to advanced courses.  The District believes that all students should have the ability to pursue advanced coursework if they are committed to that path.  The purpose of this memo is to ensure that students and families have information regarding advanced courses available in our district.  

Benefits of Taking Advanced Courses:

Taking advantage of advanced coursework in Grades 7 through 12 can have a profound impact on a student's academic and personal growth, setting them on a path to success. Benefits may include:

• Academic Preparedness: Advanced coursework helps students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It challenges them to think more deeply and abstractly, preparing them for the rigors of college and beyond.
  

• College Preparation: Many colleges and universities look favorably upon applicants who have taken advanced coursework. High achievement in challenging courses demonstrates a student's readiness for college-level work and may improve their chances of admission to competitive institutions.
  

• Credit and Placement: Advanced coursework often allows students to earn college credit or advanced placement in college courses. This can save both time and money by reducing the number of classes students need to take in college and potentially allowing them to graduate earlier.
  

• Intellectual Growth: Engaging with advanced coursework exposes students to new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. It fosters intellectual curiosity and a love of learning, which can benefit them throughout their lives.
  

• Increased Confidence: Completing challenging coursework can boost students' self-esteem and confidence in their academic abilities. It shows them that they are capable of tackling difficult material and overcoming obstacles, which can have positive effects on their overall well-being.
  

• Personal Development: Advanced coursework often requires students to manage their time effectively, set goals, and work independently. These skills are valuable for personal development and can help students succeed in various aspects of their lives beyond academics.

How to Prepare Your Child for Advanced Courses:

Preparing your child for advanced courses lays a strong foundation for their future academic success. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Develop Strong Attendance Habits: To access all the benefits of school, students must be present daily.  Help your child establish good attendance habits early on. 
  

• Encourage Curiosity and Exploration: Foster a love for learning by exposing your child to a variety of subjects and activities. Encourage them to ask questions, explore new interests, and engage in hands-on learning experiences.
  

• Develop Strong Study Habits: Help your child develop effective study habits, such as time management, organization, and goal setting. Teach them how to prioritize tasks and break larger assignments into manageable chunks.
  

• Support Critical Thinking Skills: Encourage your child to think critically and solve problems independently. Provide opportunities for them to analyze information, make connections between different concepts, and think creatively.
  

• Promote Reading and Writing Skills: Reading is fundamental to academic success. Encourage your child to read regularly and explore a variety of genres and topics. Foster their writing skills by providing opportunities for them to express their thoughts and ideas through writing.
  

• Expose Them to Enrichment Activities: Look for enrichment opportunities outside of school, such as educational programs, camps, workshops, and extracurricular activities. These experiences can broaden your child's horizons and deepen their understanding of different subjects.
  

• Provide Advanced Learning Resources: Offer access to advanced learning resources, such as challenging books, educational websites, and educational games and apps. These resources can supplement your child's classroom learning and provide additional opportunities for exploration and mastery.
  

• Communicate with Teachers: Maintain open communication with your child's teachers to stay informed about their progress and to discuss opportunities for enrichment or advanced coursework. Work collaboratively with teachers to identify areas where your child excels and areas where they may need additional support.
  

• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset in your child by emphasizing the importance of effort, perseverance, and resilience. Teach them that intelligence and abilities can be developed through hard work and practice.
  

• Set High Expectations: Set high but realistic expectations for your child's academic performance. Encourage them to challenge themselves and strive for excellence, but also support them in setting goals that are achievable and meaningful to them.

• Foster Independence and Responsibility: Encourage your child to take ownership of their learning and to advocate for themselves when they need support or accommodations. Teach them how to manage their time effectively and take responsibility for their academic success.

Advanced Courses Offered at Ellenville Jr/Sr High School:

The list below outlines the advanced courses available to students.  Please make note of the enrollment information.  If your child is interested in enrolling in one of these courses and has met the requirements, they should inform their school counselor of their interest. 

Academic & Non-Academic Support Provided by the District to Help Your Child Succeed in Advanced Coursework: 

• Extra help via after-school extended day

• Peer tutoring via the National Honor Society

• Extracurricular clubs

• Access to the Library during after-school hours

• Access to a wide variety of online resources and programs to help strengthen skills

• Regents review courses

• Access to student support staff who can provide school-based counseling services 

• Students enrolled in college-level courses may be able to access free or reduced tuition based on their family's income.  We encourage all students to complete the Application for Free and Reduced Lunch as this is also used to determine eligibility for tuition assistance.  

This information can also be found on our website.  Questions related to your child’s participation in advanced coursework may be referred to their principal or school counselor.