______The Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science ______C__l_a__s_s__ o__f_ _2__0__2__5__ _A__p__p__l_ic__a__t_i_o__n_ _P__a__c_k__e__t ______

The Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science end, the primary purpose of all of our CISD Academies, including (ACES) began its first full year of operation during the 2018- ACES, is to maintain students in the STEM Pipeline to collegiate level 2019 school year on the Oak Ridge High School Ninth Grade STEM study. Campus. As a result, students in the Graduating Class of 2025 Aces academic requirements are simple. Each year, Academy have the opportunity to be a part of the fourth class of the Academy students must complete at least 3 academy courses. In each year, in for Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES). Along with the other n actuality, most of these courses are required for graduation. In my two CISD Academies (The Academy of Science and Technology and

e experience, most Academy students take more than 3 academy the Academy for Science and Health Professions), the Academy for o c courses their junior and senior years. Also, because of the extensive Careers in Engineering and Science will offer a core curriculum of i

n course offerings at Oak Ridge High School, we will be able to broaden STEM courses, research and exploration opportunities, and t e our elective offerings for Academy credit in order to meet the needs i internship options. However, as with the two other Academies, ACES of students on a more individualized basis. In addition, each year, c will have the opportunity to customize offerings beyond core a Academy students must enroll in a research and problems course for S requirements, and, thus, take on a unique culture of its own. local credit. This component can fulfilled through participation in

c Moreover, because of the alternating block schedule and unique d science fair, robotics, HOSA, computer science academic

i offerings that already exist at Oak Ridge High School, especially in n competitions, UIL academic competition, or other activities related l relation to the engineering design program, NASA partnership and a to students interests. Also, over the four years of high school, Health Science Program, ACES will have the capacity to accept a class students must complete 14 exploration (field trip, speakers, g p of 120-140 students. In addition, since students have the opportunity seminars, meetings, etc.) credits. Lastly, students must complete an n to enroll in 8 courses per year on the block schedule, students should i internship in an area of career interest and accumulate at least 100

r be able to meet Academy requirements and pursue other p hours of community service. All of these requirements and

e extracurricular interests.

e the CISD Academy Model represent research based approaches

A While a STEM Academy Program may not be a good fit for every

n designed to foster interest in STEM study and maintain students in

i student, such programs do provide unique and rigorous learning the STEM Pipeline. In addition, these efforts are similar to g experiences in a close-knit school-within-a-school environment. In approaches utilized by most member STEM schools of the National e n my experience, students have the opportunity to develop strong Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools of which all CISD STEM

E connections to each other without becoming totally socially isolated.

Academies are members.

d In essence, Academy students are isolated together for their n

i Academy courses but have the opportunity to interact with other If you are seeking a challenging and rigorous academic environment

a students in their humanities, language and elective courses. In with a strong focus on STEM education in a small school environment s r

r essence, the model we utilize is supportive but not constraining. within a larger school setting, then the Academy for Careers in

e Engineering and Science might be for you. In addition, we have a Academy program requirements are designed to insure a high level e strong commitment to producing well rounded students who r G of rigor based on the utilization of a college readiness model of participate in a variety of extracurricular activities while pursuing a

a instruction. This approach gradually shapes course work to resemble strong academic program. I hope students and parents alike will

C college level courses during students’ junior and senior years of

seriously consider making application to the Academy for Careers in h instruction. As a result, the transition to collegiate study should be r Engineering and Science. I look forward to meeting you in the future.

t less difficult for students. As we become established, universities and o Please contact our Academy office with any additional questions or f scholarship programs will readily recognize the preparedness of our inquiries.

y students. 8

Dr. Mike Papadimitriou

m ACES offers extensive opportunities for specialization in ACES Headmaster

e mathematics, engineering, science and other related areas including S medicine, business, law, robotics, health science and computer d

a science. These course opportunities should foster interest in STEM E

c study and help encourage students to explore and apply their interests and abilities in an enriched learning environment. In the A C

A Eligibility: Application Process • Class of 2025 All students who will be in the 9th grade at Oak Ridge HS, Grand Oaks HS, College Park HS, or The Woodlands HS in August 2021 are 2020 eligible to apply for admission to the Academy Class of 2025. All students are provided the opportunity to apply. There is no additional cost 2021 for attending the Academy. Qualifications for consideration:

Application Checklist Yes No An overall 80 average in junior high with an 85 average in science and math courses will be n n required. Any entering Academy student must have completed Algebra I with an average of 85 Application Form completed ...... for the course prior to the new school year.; summer acceleration for Algebra I is available at Student Letter written & submitted ...... n n cost if selected to ACES program. All applicants must take an entry PSAT 8/9 assessment (given to Recent School photo of applicant ...... n n all 8th graders in CISD). Résumé ...... n n • In a few instances an applicant who may fall slightly below these qualifications may still apply, n n and seek, probationary/provisional entrance into the Academy for a preset timeframe at which Teacher recommendations ...... time recommendations will be made by the Headmaster for full status or dismissal from the Met Deadline: Friday, November 20, 2020 ...... n n Academy. • Private school/home school applicants may be asked to provide test data as part of the entry criteria. The Academy for Careers in Engineering and Science (ACES) 27330 Oak Ridge School Road • Conroe, Texas 77385 Phone: (832) 482-6700 Fax: (832) 482-6706 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://aces.conroeisd.net

Teacher Evaluation Form (May be downloaded from the ACES website.)

Student name ______

Course(s) taught to student ______

______

Teacher name ______School ______

One of Below Above Excellent the few in Average Average Average Top 10% my career

_M__o_ti_v_a__ti_o_n__ a_n__d_ _T_a_s_k_ C__o_m__m__i_tm__e__n_t ______n n n n n _ _1_. _S_h_o_w_s_ _in_t_e_re_s_t_ i_n_ s_c_ie_n_c_e_,_ m__a_th_,_ t_e_c_h_n_o_l_o_g_y,_ h_e_a_l_th_ _p_r_o_fe_s_s_io_n_s______2. Participates in science fair, DI, and/or other competitions or n n n n n _ _ __p_a_r_ti_c_ip_a_t_e_s_ in_ _o_t_h_e_r _a_c_ti_v_iti_e_s_ t_h_a_t_ s_h_o_w__ m__o_ti_v_a_ti_o_n_/_c_o_m_m__it_m__e_n_t ______n n n n n _ _3_. _P_r_o_d_u_c_e_s _w_h_a_t_ i_s_ p_r_o_m__is_e_d_ o_r_ r_e_q_u_i_re_d______n n n n n _ _4_. _A_c_c_e_p_t_s _c_h_a_ll_e_n_g_e_s ______n n n n n _ _5_. _A_tt_a_c_k_s_ p_r_o_b_l_e_m_s_ c_r_e_a_ti_v_e_ly______In_t_e_r_p__e_r_s_o_n_a_l_ S__k_il_ls______n n n n n _ _1_. _U_n_d_e_r_s_ta_n_d__s _v_ie_w__p_o_in_t_s_ o_t_h_e_r_ t_h_a_n_ h_i_s/_h_e_r_ o_w__n ______n n n n n _ _2_. _A_c_c_e_p_t_s _le_a_d_e_r_s_h_ip_ _ro_l_e_s ______n n n n n _ _3_. _A_c_c_e_p_t_s _fo_l_lo_w__e_r _r_o_le_s ______n n n n n _ _4_. _P_r_o_m_o_t_e_s_ c_o_o_p_e_r_a_ti_v_e_ b_e_h__av_i_o_r_ a_m__o_n_g_ p_e_e_r_s ______n n n n n _ _5_. _S_t_ay_s_ _o_n_ t_a_s_k,_ p_a_y_s_ a_tt__e_n_ti_o_n_, _p_a_r_ti_c_ip_a_t_e_s _d_u_r_in_g_ _cl_a_s_s ______P_e_r_s_o_n_a__l _C_h_a_r_a_c_t_e_r_i_s_ti_c_s ______n n n n n _ _1_. _A_s_k_s_ in__si_g_h_tf_u_l _q_u_e_s_ti_o_n_s ______n n n n n _ _2_. _S_e_e_k_s_ h_e_l_p_ w_h__e_n_ n_e_c_e_s_s_ar_y ______n n n n n _ _3_. _S_h_o_w_s_ _p_ri_d_e_ i_n_ h_i_s_/h_e_r_ _w_o_r_k ______n n n n n _ _4_. _S_h_o_w_s_ _re_s_p_e_c_t_ f_o_r _o_t_h_e_r _p_e_o_p_le______n n n n n _ _5_. _M__a_n_a_g_e_s _ti_m__e_ w__e_ll _(n_o__t _a_ p_e_r_fe_c_ti_o_n_i_s_t _o_r_ p_r_o_c_ra_s_ti_n_a_t_o_r)______S_u_m__m__a_r_y ______n n n n n _ _1_. _O_v_e_r_a_ll_ a_c_a_d_e_m__ic_ p_o_t_e_n_ti_a_l______n n n n n _ _2_. _O_v_e_r_a_ll_ c_h_a_r_a_ct_e_r_ &__ p_e_r_s_o_n_a_l _p_ro_m__is_e ______Application Timeline & Application Elements

______Application folder Discipline and Attendance Assessment Due on or before: Friday, November 20, 2020 • Information as to each applicants discipline, behavior, attendance, 3 p.m. in the Academy Office/ORHS demeanor, interest, motivation, and level of participation will be • Application form [see adjacent page] examined. • Recent school picture ______• Student letter • Why he/she wants to attend the Academy Notification of Status • Special qualities the student will bring to the Academy Dates: February 14-28, 2021 • Examples of activities, such as projects, awards and other things that show interest, motivation, and commitment in math, science, • All applicants/applicant parents will be notified of their selection healthcare, leadership, & technology status in writing. • Two Teacher Evaluations • Ask teachers to complete the form (shown on the page to the left) ______or download a copy of the form from the ACES website. Invitations Returned to ACES • Student Résumé Dates: March 20, 2021 • Include all 7th and 8th grade academic courses • Extracurricular activities (in and out of school) • Applicant acceptance or declination decisions must be returned in • Leadership positions (in and out of school) writing to the Academy Office by designated date. All completed • Awards (in and out of school) travel, medical, and Internet permission forms are due by this date. • Work experience Failure to submit all forms will act as a declination of the invitation • Community service activities (in and out of school) issued. ______PSAT Assessment Request for Reconsideration • Applicants will be required to complete a standardized 8th grade PSAT Dates: March 31, 2021 8/9 assessment. (All CISD 8th graders take this exam.) • A written request for reconsideration of a non-selection decision • Private school students must complete the PSAT 8/9 if other must be received at ACES by the designated date. The request must standardized scores are not available. include a detailed explanation of why reconsideration is justified and evidence supporting the request. • Student score results will be returned to parents ______Applicant Interview Reconsideration Decision Dates: April 15, 2021 Dates: January 14, 15, 19 and 21, 2021 Monday - Friday • 4:30 p.m. • Reconsideration will be completed within 7 business days. The original decision may be affirmed or reversed. If reversed, the • Interviews will be held at Oak Ridge High School Library student may be selected or placed on the alternate/wait list. • At least one parent MUST be present; both are welcomed • The interview will elaborate on information in application letters ______and will measure the poise, communicative skills, and motivation/commitment of the student as well as the support of the parent/guardian(s) for the student and Academy program. Note: Interviews might take place via Zoom, depending on the public health situation. ______Directions: This application is for current 8th grade students. Please print or type the information requested below. We 5 need accurate phone numbers with area codes. If there are questions, please call the Academy Office at (832) 482-6700

2 or (832) 482-6703 or email the Academy Office at [email protected]. Note: An email account is needed. Should you currently not have an email account, please acquire one at Yahoo.com, 0 Google.com, or Hotmail.com. 2 Student Information f ______o ______Student name CISD # s ______

s Address City Zip

a ______

l Date of birth Student email address

C ______

Junior high presently attending

High School attendance zone: n Oak Ridge HS n College Park HS n The Woodlands HS n Grand Oaks HS m n Private/Parochial in ORHS/CPHS/TWHS/GOHS attendance zones r n Will be moving into ORHS/CPHS/TWHS/GOHS attendance zone o Parent/Guardian Information F ______

Father Mother n

______

o Name Name i t Work phone: ( ______) ______Work phone: ( ______) ______a

______c Home phone: ( ) Home phone: ( ) i l Cell phone: ( ______) ______Cell phone: ( ______) ______p

______p Email home: Email home:

A ______Email work: Email work: l a

i Preferred student/parent interview dates and assessment dates ______c Please indicate 1st and 2nd choices by writing 1 and 2 respectively. All interviews take place at the Oak Ridge High School Library. Dress for students is: Professional or professional casual; no jeans or shorts or athletic uniforms, please. The public

ffi health situation may require virtual interviews via Zoom.

O n Thursday, January 14, 2021, beginning at 4:30 p.m. n Friday, January 15, 2021, beginning at 4:30 p.m. n Tuesday, January 19, 2021, beginning at 4:30 p.m. n Thursday, January 21, 2021, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Application submission deadline: This application must be received by Friday, November 20, 2020 in the ACES Office on the Oak Ridge High School Campus by 3 p.m. Applications received after this date will be considered only on a space-available basis in July.

The Conroe Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner. For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; (936) 709-7752.