Giving Students A Choice
The launch of MyChoice Programs has given control to students and parents Written by Megan Middleton
Thanks to the new Fine Arts Academy , Catherine Emerson ’ s sixth-grade son Joel looks forward to school each day — sometimes even holidays .
“ He ’ s upset we had a holiday on ( Labor Day ),” Emerson said . “ He said , ‘ Mom , last year I was relieved we had a holiday . This year I ’ m sad because I want to be at school working on my stuff .’”
One project he ’ s particularly enjoyed is video animation with Legos in his Technology Arts course .
“ He ’ s excited . He wants to do more ,” said Emerson , also a fifth-grade teacher in the Fine Arts Academy . “ It ’ s making him think of other things and other extensions , and the teacher is not having to do that for him . He ’ s becoming the lifelong learner . He ’ s becoming excited and motivated to do more . I think it ’ s fabulous .”
Joel is one of nearly 1,200 students in MyChoice programs at Crowley ISD . The district launched several new programs in 2016-17 , including the Young Men ’ s Leadership Academy , Young Women ’ s Leadership Academy , Fine Arts Academy , Crowley Collegiate Academy , Inspire Academy and the STEM Academy at Sue Crouch Intermediate .
Those academies joined existing programs , such as Two-Way Dual Language at Oakmont and Deer Creek elementary schools , STEM Academy at Summer Creek
Middle School and Global Prep Academy .
MyChoice programs allow students of all ages to take ownership in their education . Families can choose learning opportunities based on personal interests , aspirations and preferred learning styles .
Ron Mendiola is a ninth-grader at Crowley Collegiate Academy , which gives students a chance to earn a high school diploma and an associate ’ s degree . Mendiola applied because he thought it would be great for his education , even though he ’ d have to forego school sports .
“ I thought that studies were more important ,” he said . “ I thought this can help me in the future because I really want to be a doctor and help other people . That ’ s why I chose this program .”
He ’ s enjoying the academy and likes the camaraderie among students and the help from teachers .
“ What I really like about Crowley Collegiate Academy is the support I get from teachers ,” he said . “ I get to spend more time on studying , and I ’ ve learned to manage my time wisely so far .”
Stacie Cavazos said her family chose the STEM program at Sue Crouch Intermediate so her daughter , Paige , could have a more structured and in-depth education .
4 CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS | Fall 2016 CROWLEY ISD CONNECTIONS | Fall 2016