Greetings and Welcome from Humboldt Sr. High, the best high school in the city of St. Paul!

We are getting ready for registration for our 9-11th graders for  next year.  Counselors will be working with students and families to make sure they sign up for the Academy of their choice.  The three academies will be Humanities, SETA (science, engineering & technology), and CLA (Community Leadership).  As parents and students look at which academy they choose that will also impact what courses they  select.  I have mentioned our three 10 – 12 grade academies in previous newsletters and they will be in place for their pilot year in the fall of 2003.  We are asking each student to sign up for one of the academies.  Only incoming tenth graders will be responsible for completing all future academy requirements for graduation.  The 9th grade academy will continue to function as they enter year two.  We are very pleased with the results of the 9th grade academy and look forward to the continuation of our Small Learning Community efforts to accomplish the five "C" that I talked about in the January issue of "The Corner", Caring staff, Cognitive Challenge (academic rigor), Supportive Culture, Community of student leaders, and connections to colleges. 

Extensive national research shows that the creation of academies raises student achievement, increases completion of college-level courses, improves school climate, and lifts attendance and graduation rates. The creation of academies within Humboldt will provide our students with the best of two worlds: small school connections and big school opportunities.  We look forward to the changes which we’re making, as we continue to raise the expectation for all students.  

Last year, advanced students in Ms. Atienzo's Spanish class at Humboldt were introduced to a volunteer program called Los Amigos de las Americas. Two of our students, Janai Beck, 17, and Cynthia Morales, 18, applied for and were accepted into the program. Janai and Cynthia had to demonstrate their ability to speak Spanish as well as prove their leadership abilities and willingness to work.