Megan Taylor
A mix-up at the optional open house at Germantown High caused confusion among some parents and even teachers and administrators. Dr. Melinda Keller, IB coordinator, explained the confusion was caused by a difference in wording of information.
There are two pathways under the optional school program. One is called CAPA, which includes creative and performing arts. The other is named IB/College Prep.
“The classes in 9th and 10th grade will be basically the same for all of those students in IB/College Prep then at the 11th grade year they make the choice if they want to do full IB, or partial IB, or all AP,” Keller explained.
Even if a student is not a part of the optional program, AP and even IB classes are available to them if they meet the pre-requisites.
Despite all the confusion, Keller saw the open house as a “rousing success.” She said over 1000 people came out, and she was a “very positive response” from parents.
Students that reside in 38138 now have the option between Germantown High and Houston High.
“If you are a new student who has traditionally been zoned to Germantown High School, you will continue to come to Germantown High School – even 8th graders,” Keller told.
Intent forms were handed out to 9th-11th graders on January 10th that asked students if they would be returning to Germantown or not.
“I probably have maybe 1000 [intent forms] back and of those thousand I have 4 ‘no’s,” Keller said.
Keller does not expect many students to leave GHS; however, there are 150 transfer seats for students not at Germantown High to transfer into the optional program. She expects that all the spots will be filled.
“We’ve always had around 200 students apply for IB, so I don’t anticipate that changing,” Keller told. “As a matter of fact, we may have more.”
With all the changes, the outlook for GHS is positive.
“This is a chance for GHS to stand out,” stated 9th and 12th grade English teacher Daniel Ford. “Every other school is trying to maintain or make small improvements, but at Germantown we’re innovating and making drastic wholesale changes for the good of our students and community.”
Keller agrees.
“We don’t think anything bad is happening to Germantown High School; we think things are just getting better,” Keller told.
A mix-up at the optional open house at Germantown High caused confusion among some parents and even teachers and administrators. Dr. Melinda Keller, IB coordinator, explained the confusion was caused by a difference in wording of information.
There are two pathways under the optional school program. One is called CAPA, which includes creative and performing arts. The other is named IB/College Prep.
“The classes in 9th and 10th grade will be basically the same for all of those students in IB/College Prep then at the 11th grade year they make the choice if they want to do full IB, or partial IB, or all AP,” Keller explained.
Even if a student is not a part of the optional program, AP and even IB classes are available to them if they meet the pre-requisites.
Despite all the confusion, Keller saw the open house as a “rousing success.” She said over 1000 people came out, and she was a “very positive response” from parents.
Students that reside in 38138 now have the option between Germantown High and Houston High.
“If you are a new student who has traditionally been zoned to Germantown High School, you will continue to come to Germantown High School – even 8th graders,” Keller told.
Intent forms were handed out to 9th-11th graders on January 10th that asked students if they would be returning to Germantown or not.
“I probably have maybe 1000 [intent forms] back and of those thousand I have 4 ‘no’s,” Keller said.
Keller does not expect many students to leave GHS; however, there are 150 transfer seats for students not at Germantown High to transfer into the optional program. She expects that all the spots will be filled.
“We’ve always had around 200 students apply for IB, so I don’t anticipate that changing,” Keller told. “As a matter of fact, we may have more.”
With all the changes, the outlook for GHS is positive.
“This is a chance for GHS to stand out,” stated 9th and 12th grade English teacher Daniel Ford. “Every other school is trying to maintain or make small improvements, but at Germantown we’re innovating and making drastic wholesale changes for the good of our students and community.”
Keller agrees.
“We don’t think anything bad is happening to Germantown High School; we think things are just getting better,” Keller told.