Stories from Scott 2
October 5, 2017
S, Ivy Tech partner to bring new college pathways to students
For many years, SHS offered students the ability to earn more than 100 college credits before graduation. In the last year, the administration, guidance department, and Ivy Tech officials have worked together to bring multiple pathways for SHS students.
“This decision is not one size fits all,” said Shannon Mount, college and career counselor at Scott County School District 2.
The new pathways include a path for students to earn an Associate of General Studies; a path for students to earn 30 college credits toward a Statewide Transfer General Education Core; and a path for students that is fully customizable, so the student chooses which college course offerings that best align with their plans after high school graduation. SHS is also working with Ivy Tech to finalize a certificate in welding and advanced manufacturing. This welding and advanced manufacturing path will allow students to earn a certificate to use in the workforce after graduation.
The college courses in these new pathways will continue to be taught by our SHS staff, who are highly-qualified, Ivy Tech credentialed, and know and care about the students they serve each day in the classroom.
"Having our staff teach the majority of our college classes is what makes our model unique. Our teachers know our students and can push them and support them while taking rigorous courses,” Mount said.
Beyond the new pathways, SHS is pursuing certification to become the only Early College High School in the southeast Indiana region. The Early College High School model combines high school and college in a way that is rigorous but supportive while allowing students to earn a high school diploma and complete their first two years of college.
With the new pathways, SHS officials will be meeting with the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021 as they will be the first classes to have the pathways opportunities. To bridge the programs, school officials will also meet with the Class of 2018 and the Class of 2019 to determine what paths are available and customize a plan that works for each student, including knowing what college classes transfer by state law and how to advocate for themselves during the college admissions process.
“We will work with students, one-on-one, to figure out what path is best for them,” Principal Ric Manns said.
SHS will be hosting parent and guardian nights share more information about the new college pathways, starting with repeating, brief informational sessions throughout the night of parent-teacher conferences. SHS will hold its parent-teacher conferences from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 5.
Enroll today to see how Scottsburg High School and Scott 2 can be “Your Path to a Brighter Future.” We’ve helped thousands of students find their path. We will help your students find theirs
SHS student finds his path for service
Scottsburg High School senior Paolo Bartoch looked for a path after graduation where he could continue to serve his community and not incur any college debt.
He looked to the military to find his path.
During his lunch periods at SHS last year, Bartoch was able to meet with different military recruiters, learn about the various branches of the military, and figure out which branch was right for him.
“Recruiters being there helped piqued my interest,” Bartoch said. “I was able to see a good portion of the branches. I could look at it as an outsider and talk to someone who is in the branch.”
From those meetings, Bartoch chose to enlist in the National Guard in February. For enlisting, Bartoch has the opportunity to serve his country while receiving assistance and receiving military scholarships for college.
“I don’t want to be up to my shoulders in debt. [The National Guard] is a bit more of a secure way to [pay for college] while giving back to my country in turn,” Bartoch said.
Serving is a core value for Bartoch, who has been in the Boy Scouts of America since second grade and is an Eagle Scout. For his Eagle Scout project, Bartoch worked on a wrought iron fence for a church cemetery and erected a cross for a pro-life memorial.
The National Guard also recognizes Bartoch’s Eagle Scout status by giving him a higher rank, and as a result, a higher pay grade than if he did not have this accomplishment.
“I can truly say I have never been an E-1 in my life,” Bartoch said.
After enlisting, Bartoch completed basic combat training this summer before starting his senior year, which is unlike some of the other military branches. For 10 weeks, he worked to become physically and mentally stronger at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC. Following high school graduation, he will move onto advanced individual training.
Once at college, Bartoch plans to join the Reserve Officers' Training Corps while majoring in an engineering program. The National Guard ROTC program is a college elective and teaches its members leadership and teamwork skills with academic and hands-on, physical training.
To help pay for college, Bartoch is exploring all the options opened to him as an enlisted soldier. He will receive financial aid from the military, but he will also have access to a pool of scholarships offered to only to enlisted men and women, including scholarships that amount to full-tuition.
After college, Bartoch will have some time left to serve on his six-year contract. As a National Guardsman, he will help with disaster relief around the United States and wherever else his unit is called. Helping others is what attracted Bartoch to the National Guard along with the college financial assistance.
“The National Guard really seemed to follow that guideline [of helping people],” Bartoch said.
Enroll today to see how Scott 2 can be “Your Path to a Brighter Future.” We’ve helped thousands of students find their path. We will help your students find theirs.