Watervliet High School offers an extended program for grade 9 students called the Pivot Program.
The purpose of the program is to help ease the transition from middle school to high school by providing the necessary skill-set for incoming high school students to handle an increased work load, more independence and responsibility.
Ninth-grade students attend school one extra period per day Tuesday-Thursday from 2:30-3:30 p.m. This leaves Mondays and Fridays for after-school activities and academic support.
PIVOT provides each 9th grade student an opportunity to earn an additional high school credit while learning the soft skills that will better prepare them for the challenges of pursuing a college education or entering the workforce.
In addition to improving academic skills, students participating the Pivot Program will attend career talks, complete a career shadow experience and explore colleges during the year.
The Pivot Program extends the school day for all 9th graders to 3:30 p.m. three days a week — Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
We ask that parents and guardians please plan accordingly for their children’s after-school activities.
Expectations
- Students will be respectful to all peers and adults at all times.
- Students will be responsible for their own behavior by making good choices.
- 100% effort will be put into all classwork and assignments.
Classroom Rules
- Follow all school rules.
- Respect yourself, others and their property.
- Listen and follow directions the first time they are given.
- Be prepared for class and ready to work when the bell rings.
- No food or drink (except for bottled water).
Grading
Pivot is a graded course in which successful students receive one high school credit. Therefore, class attendance and participation is necessary to be successful. Excessive absences (27) will result in failure. Homework is minimal. Normally, if your child has Pivot homework it is because they did not finish their work in class or missed class and needs to make up that work. Grading will be based on attendance, guest speaker presentations, class participation and work.
Parent programs
A series of parent programs will take place throughout the school year on the following dates:
- Tuesday, August 28: Welcome to Pivot
7:30 a.m. Breakfast - Thursday, November 15: Organization and Study Skills
5:30 p.m. in cafeteria before report card night - Thursday, February 14: Researching Colleges and Careers
5:30 p.m. in cafeteria before report card night - Thursday, June 13: Pivot Review: Class presentations
2:30 p.m. in the WHS auditorium
Please note: Topics and dates are subject to change. RSVPs are encouraged.
Mrs. Choi is the PIVOT Program coordinator. She can be reached by email at cchoi@vlietschools.org.