INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev. — So often, we as parents hear our children ask “why?” when directed to complete a chore or task. Believe it or not, educators get the same questions. Inquiries such as “Why is geometry so important after high school?” or, “Why do I need to know this?” circulate throughout the high school classroom.

Many students are graduating high school without the understanding or connection to the career-world. Here in Incline, we have a wealth of experiences and careers that can support learning in the classroom. It only makes sense that we consider connecting our classroom learning to our community, to assist students in understanding why their education is purposeful to the careers of tomorrow.

Through the planning and reflections of the Incline Great Schools Committee and community surveys, it is profoundly expressed that we continue to capitalize on and enhance our Advanced Placement Curriculum, but also provide rigorous college-career preparation for all Incline students. We have outstanding resources and community connection with our neighboring Sierra Nevada College, UC Davis, UNR, TMCC, and area businesses. With these partnerships, we should be aligning our curriculum to enhance our resources, and allow stronger post-secondary preparation for our students. The time has come for us to be proactive in our educational philosophies and better prepare our students for the 21st century.

We are currently in the process of designing a Signature Academy at Incline High School which accentuates our community strengths and provides our students a quality secondary education at all levels of learning.

Signature academies are an innovative approach to ensuring college and career readiness for all students. This initiative creates career- and industry-based programs at each comprehensive high school over the next four years, including here in Incline. The signature academies will focus on specific programs, topics and distinguishing themes to prepare all students for college, careers and to join the workforce of tomorrow. Our students must be prepared for the competitive job market that awaits them, one that is shifting in areas of growth and skills required. Signature academies focus our students in areas of future needs and enable Nevada to diversify its workforce to draw new industries and businesses to the region. High schools across Washoe County School District, including Incline, have engaged in this work to develop a program designed to match the interests of the school community.

WCSD's strategic plan, “Envision WCSD 2015 — Investing In Our Future,” makes a commitment to ensure all students graduate from high school, and graduate ready for future careers and further educational opportunities.

These signature academies directly support these goals by engaging students in additional opportunities to participate in more rigorous, relevant curriculum which students can apply to their daily lives; increase highly-skilled career-readiness through capstone projects, internship opportunities and industry-recognized certifications; increase college-readiness by expanding opportunities for students to earn college credit; increase student achievement by creating interdisciplinary connections between signature academy and core curriculum classes; and increase graduation rates by offering coursework that is relevant to students, which keeps them engaged and motivates them to stay in school.

All of these align directly with the Incline Great Schools recommendations.

Decisions have not yet been made as to the type of academy we will offer. We need input from everyone to help make this a great program for all up-and-coming high school students.

A survey will be forthcoming, allowing an opportunity for all Incline residents to express ideas and thoughts on potential career supports for our students.

What to expect

• All staff members grades K-12 will have the opportunity to complete the survey over the span of the next few weeks.

• All students' grades 6-11 will have an opportunity to participate in the survey. The survey will be completed within the school day, during students' enrichment classes. Lake Tahoe School students in grades 6-8 will also be provided the opportunity to take the survey as future students of Incline High School.

• All parents will receive a ConnectEd email with the link to take the survey. If you are a community member without children, or with children in a private school, you will be able to access the link at: www.k12insight.com/WCSD/InclineCommunitySurvey.html — the survey window closes on February 24.

• Parents who do not have a registered email on file with the school will receive a paper copy of the survey in the mail.

Volunteers needed

I encourage you to become active in the educational endeavors of Incline Schools. I am recruiting volunteers who are willing to assist with analyzing the survey data, discussing various options and support the administration in creating an implementation plan.

Please contact the high school at 775-832-4260 if you are interested in volunteering for the Signature Academy Focus Group. All interested individuals will be randomly selected from a pool of volunteers to participate in this focus group.

The group will be composed of a blended mix of staff, parents, students, administration and community.

Support our future graduates with providing career ideas to accentuate the classroom experience. Your input counts.

— Stacey L. Cooper is principal at Incline High School.