JCHS offers new initiatives
By Field Manley Intern

DR. KIRKLAND

Administrators at Jenkins County High School are hoping a curriculum change this fall will help students make

better grades.

The high school is planning to start " Ninth Grade Academy," which will include all rising freshmen.

According to principal Dr. Joseph Kirkland, the Ninth Grade Academy is a popular program throughout the nation that many schools implement to decrease drop out rates.

The freshman class will be separated from the rest of the school in an attempt to help students pass the ninth grade the first time around.

"I think this program will work because students will be supported by their teachers and have a more structured environment to learn," said Kirkland .

Five teachers will instruct the freshmen, along with a graduation coach to help students who fall behind.

In addition to Ninth Grade Academy, there will also be a new alternative school available to students. Eagle Academy will cater to students who are at least two credits behind and need to catch up.

"This school is not for students with a disciplinary problem," Kirkland said. "It's for students who have fallen behind and really want to catch up."

Eagle Academy will enroll 20 students per semester, and the student and his or her parents must agree to the alternative schooling.