News
New program focuses classes for sophomores
MORGAN HIENTZ PHOTO
The Communication Business and Technology Institute (CBTI) is a new program instated this year for sophomores who have displayed interest in any of these areas. The program essentially focuses on areas of business, technology and communication.
Speech teacher Sarah Hamilton is a part of the communications department and believes the program will better students’ education.
“It’s going to educate them (students) by making real world connections with classes, as well as preparing them
for careers or advanced education,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton feels the program gives students a purpose with their education.
“They will start learning about their career on a high school level and be ahead of everyone else,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton is excited for the opportunity that these students will have.
“We are going to have community members working with students, doing interviews, possible internships and field trips. In the classroom we will be connecting course work from all the
different programs and bringing them together,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton feels her teaching in the classroom will not be affected by the program.
“It won’t affect my teaching style because I will still be doing the same type of programs and projects but I will have a captive audience because they will all be focused toward the same goal,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton has a clear vision of the ultimate goal of the program.
“(The goal is to) give students an opportunity to tailor their classes to our areas of communication, business and technology,” Hamilton said.
Judith Renoux is one of the teachers involved with the computers aspect of the institute and is one of the developers of the program.
“(Publications teacher Timm) Pilcher and I have talked about it for several years. It started with his journalism and my desktop publishing. It just grew from there,” Renoux said.
Renoux agrees with Hamilton about the opportunity that students have.
“We are providing students with extended opportunities to learn and investigate a specific career choice. They will have opportunities to listen to speakers, take field trips and possible internships. They (students involved) will be able to apply their education at more of a realistic level,” Renoux said.
Renoux feels the institute is developed a lot like college.
“Things will be more cohesive and refined,” Renoux said.
Like Hamilton, Renoux feels the program will improve students’ education.
“It will help (education) because
things will be more extensive and more hands on. I think it will be more fun, more real life activities for kids,” Renoux said.
Students will be required to maintain a 2.5 GPA and their attendance will be monitored more so than a student who is not involved. They will be held accountable to their responsibilities.
Renoux feels the requirements to be involved in the program are well intended.
“We need students at the top of their game,” Renoux said.
Sophomore Alexis Buckley is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this program.
“I know from what I have heard a lot of people were not given the opportunity and It will help me succeed” Buckley said.
Buckley is really excited to get started.
“It’s something I really want to do,”
Buckley said.
Buckley is interested in the communication and journalism aspect of the program.
“I want to focus on the things that revolve around that,” Buckley said.
Buckley feels like every program its going to take some getting used to.
“I think it’s going to take a lot of time but over all it’s going to be a huge success,” Buckley said.