Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce Quality of Life - Conyers Rockdale Georgia 2017 | Page 27

post-secondary institutions , a student may earn an associate ’ s degree or certification in a program of study before graduating . A consortium of the school system , community , and local business and industry , RCA students participate in an outstanding , state-certified college / career / technical curriculum while learning the marketable job skills necessary to prepare them for post-secondary educational and workplace opportunities . A new addition to RCA , the RCPS School of Medicine and Healthcare Sciences , will provide high school students a multitude of experiences and learning in all aspects of healthcare from nursing , biotechnology , EMT and paramedic to pharmacy and healthcare technology .
RCPS is home to two of the twenty-five STEM Certified schools in Georgia . The Magnet School for Science and Technology provides a four-year research curriculum and has a unique partnership with Georgia Tech . Magnet students have traveled as far as Turkey and Japan to present their research and are often awarded in the top three at international science competitions . Memorial Middle School ’ s STEM program is a school choice program which focuses on environmental studies . It provides hands-on learning for those interested in STEM and is open to students throughout the district .
Students thrive in learning environments suited to their needs , so RCPS offers several non-traditional learning opportunities including a virtual campus where all graduation requirements can be met online or through a blended learning model . Students can attend the Virtual Campus and still be able to participate in extracurricular activities .
Transforming teaching and learning with technology is critical to keeping pace with today ’ s students and the global workforce that demands it . RCPS has implemented a ‘ One to One ’ plan which provides access to an electronic device for every teacher and student . Students in grades 3 – 12 are issued individual laptops while students in pre-K – 2nd grade have access to iPads in every classroom . Virtual classroom space and vast digital resources are provided through a learning management system . Digital Citizenship training is provided for all students , teachers , and parents as a key component of the technology transformation .
� Starting early The school system has introduced an exceptional Early Learning Initiative through public / private partnerships . Early Learning activities support the optimal development of young children and their families . The RCPS Early Learning Initiative aspires to ensure all Rockdale County children possess the necessary readiness skills upon entering our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs by targeting educational opportunities for children ages 0 to 4 of moderate- to-low-income families . Early learning initiatives through Georgia ’ s Pre-K program are available at all public elementary schools and many private early learning centers throughout the county .
� Establishing a firm foundation Elementary School - Grades Pre-K - 5 The Pre-K and Kindergarten programs of the public school system expose children
to a structured school environment and introduce school readiness concepts , while the remainder of the elementary school experience builds a solid foundation for learning .
The comprehensive curriculum includes language arts , math , science , social studies , health , and physical education . Access to technology is available throughout the elementary school experience . Music and art instruction serve as integral components of the elementary instructional program . Many elementary schools offer choice options such as STEM ( Science , Technology , Engineering , and Mathematics ) or AVID College Prep Program and STEAM – STEM with an arts component as special areas of focus . The goal is that all schools including elementary will offer a specialty choice option .
� Building upon the basics Middle School - Grades 6 - 8 Building upon the content instruction begun in elementary school , middle school instruction covers language arts , math , science , social studies , health , and physical education .
Language arts in middle school incorporates reading , writing , speaking , and listening skills . A rigorous mathematics program trains students to become critical thinkers capable of understanding complex issues . Middle school students participate in fine arts activities through the Connections program that includes art , band , chorus , and drama . In addition , Connections offers foreign language , exploration in family and consumer science , and handson experiences with technology . Choice options at the middle school levels include a focus on STEM , pre-medical sciences and performing and visual arts .
� Preparing for a bright future High School - Grades 9 - 12
The goal of Rockdale County ’ s high school program of study is to promote academic growth , career preparation , and personal development . The high school curriculum ensures that students acquire and apply basic skills , as well as the problem-solving and critical thinking skills necessary to effectively and efficiently make decisions and recognize the opportunities presented in a democratic , technological society and global economy .
A broad and flexible curriculum addresses each student ’ s needs , interests , and abilities . The fine arts offerings build upon middle school experiences providing students a variety of opportunities for academic pursuits and artistic expression . Work- based learning experiences help students develop an appreciation for future careers . Extracurricular activities from athletics to drama encourage individual excellence . These activities balance academic achievement with physical and mental well-being .
Students in Rockdale County high
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