Approximately 16 percent of the Lenape Regional High School District student body participates in the Burlington County College Acceleration Program, according to Chris Heilig, LRHSD Director of Programs and Planning.
The most recent report about students in the program was presented at the Nov. 28 board of education meeting.
According to the BCC website, the program provides students with the opportunity to take college-level courses for credit while enrolled in their current high school classes. Students in this program can begin working on their associate degree while simultaneously completing their high school coursework.
Certified high school teachers who have been approved as Burlington County College adjunct faculty teach the courses.
The most recent report about students in the program was presented at the Nov. 28 board of education meeting.
Participating high schools, in cooperation with BCC administration and faculty, determine the courses, taught in the high school, that qualify for this program. To enroll in the program, a student must be approved by their guidance counselor, or principal, to enroll in a C.A.P. class offered at their school.
These courses are equal to BCC credit, and students receive a BCC transcript for completed courses when they receive a grade of a C or higher. Students can then apply to transfer these credits to the college they will be attending.
The cost of classes are determined every year. During the 2011–2012 school year the cost was $125 for a three- or four-credit class, $250 for a six- or eight-credit class.
In the district, 40 percent of classes are comparable to college level courses, according to Heilig.
Superintendent of schools, Dr. Carol L. Birnbohm, initiated the program in 2010 while serving as assistant superintendent.
At Shawnee High School, the top classes include pre-calculus, calculus, honors U.S. history I and II, A.P. English language and composition, and Italian I and II.
A total of 358 students are enrolled in the program. There is an average of 6.71 credits per student earned.
“Parents save money. It’s a good opportunity for students and their families,” said Heilig. “It’s grown. It’s been successful.”
In other news: John Glyn, marketing director of Whole Foods Markets presented a check for $694 to the district.
The money was collected through the program, Nickels for Non-profits.
“Every reusable bag a customer brings into the store saves a nickel,” said Glyn. “We then ask customers to donate that nickel to the cause.”
The customer service employees chose LRHSD’s Transitional Services Program to spotlight their assistance to students. Additionally, the program allowed them to directly help fellow employee, Michael Capella.
“He’s really become a part of the Whole Foods family,” said Glyn. “It was decided by the customer service staff, that through working with Michael, they had a chance to do more. They did so, through this program.”
The staff at Whole Foods is currently planning to run another Nickels for Non-profit fundraiser to donate directly to the district.
“This was one of the first time [employees] could help a fellow Whole Foods employee, and they want to do it again,” said Glyn.
Following the presentation, the board of education passed a resolution honoring Evesham representative Barry Fitzgerald, who was recently unseated during the November election, for his services to the district.
The resolution declared Fitzgerald a valued partner and an advocate for children’s education for the LRHSD.
“To say you’re an advocate is an understatement,” said Birnbohm. “You’re an enthusiast.”
Regular action was taken on the agenda.
The next LRHSD board of education will not hold a meeting in December. The next meeting will be held Jan. 2 for reorganization, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the district building located at 93 Willow Grove Rd. in Shamong.
