Partnership Boosts Student Achievement, Participation

By Natalia Thaniel

Department of Defense Education Activity

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 30, 2014 – Havre de Grace High School in Maryland recently honored advanced placement students during a ceremony recognizing exceptional academic achievement , part of a partnership between the Department of Defense Education Activity and the National Math and Science Initiative.

The NMSI Comprehensive AP Program began at the school in 2012and has increased the number of AP students taking the rigorous, college-ready courses.

“DoDEA is proud to be able to share its resources and partner with the NMSI to advance opportunities to excel in math, science and English,” said Kathleen Facon, Chief of Educational Partnership at DODEA. “The relationship between DODEA, NMSI and Havre de Grace High School aims to better prepare children for college and career.”

The school has about 600 students, 18 percent of whom are militarily connected.

“We are very appreciative of NMSI and DODEA for the opportunities they have given our students,” said principal, Jim Reynolds. “This is an opportunity for our students that are achieving in math, science, and English to stand out and be recognized.”

The partnership not only makes advanced placement courses more readily available, it also enables students to attend regular and all-day study sessions and have access to tutoring. The courses are designed to prepare students for college level work.

"I’m planning to go to college so I think the colleges will recognize me better and they would be more willing to accept me,” said 11th-grade advanced placement student, Nicholas Pippin.

Principal Reynolds said he is proud of the accomplishments of the current advanced placement students and he hopes prospective students will see Havre de Grace High School as being synonymous with high achievers and high standards.

When asked what she would tell potential students, 12th grader Kaitlyn Castillo said, “They should take it. It honestly is a great opportunity and you learn so much and you get ready for the next four years during college. And it’s really a benefit because you start understanding more and get more into what you are learning.”

NMSI’s comprehensive advanced placement program fosters sustained academic achievement in high schools across the nation by providing open enrollment in advanced placement math, science and English classes for all students, increased time on task for students through special study sessions, intensive teacher training, support from master teachers and incentives for teachers and students.

DoDEA sponsors participation for more than 40 military-connected schools across the country.