Dear Windber School Community,
I trust this message finds you well. I wanted to remind you about the exciting news that will undoubtedly enhance the educational journey for our current 8th and 9th-grade students at Windber School this summer.
I want to remind our families about the partnership with Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, offering a unique 5-week, 1-credit course titled "ACP 100 - Academic and Career Planning." This course is strategically designed to provide our students with a robust foundation for academic and career success, fostering essential skills for navigating their educational and professional paths.
Scheduled from June 10th to July 11th on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, the course will take place at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College. While parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from the college, we believe the benefits of this program far outweigh any logistical considerations.
What makes this opportunity even more remarkable is that there is no cost for this course. Thanks to the generosity of First Commonwealth Bank, we have received a substantial donation of $5,000 earmarked for the Community Foundations for Windber's Dual Enrollment program. These funds will cover all associated costs, allowing us to extend this invaluable experience to our students at no charge.
The donation comes at a pivotal moment as we strive to increase program offerings and opportunities for our students. It reflects a shared commitment to providing Windber students with experiences that go beyond the conventional, preparing them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their academic and professional pursuits.
It's crucial to understand that this is not just a run-of-the-mill program. The "ACP 100" course is a college-level offering, granting participating students college credit. The commitment required is significant, and we emphasize the importance of attendance, engagement, and successful completion. This opportunity is not exclusive to those bound for traditional four-year colleges; students exploring associate degrees, vocational programs, or additional postsecondary training are strongly encouraged to apply.
Penn Highlands Community College representatives will visit Windber on February 27th to discuss this exciting opportunity with our students. However, we wanted to ensure our community had advance notice to facilitate conversations with your children about this enriching experience.
For those interested in having their child considered for this summer course, please complete a brief survey. We will compile a list of interested students and provide further details as we move forward with the registration process.
This initiative represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to broaden horizons and provide unique educational opportunities for our students. We encourage all parents to consider the potential benefits this program offers in terms of academic and career preparedness.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out directly. We appreciate your ongoing support as we strive to make Windber School a hub of innovative and enriching educational experiences.
Best regards,
Mr. Michael J. Vuckovich
Superintendent of Schools