The Atlas Freshmen House
To begin the 2009 - 2010 school year, Skyline launched Atlas, a program for freshmen.
In the Atlas system, each ninth grader is placed in a team named after a mythological figure represented by Skyline’s mascot, the Titan. Atlas is the Titan who carries the heavens on his shoulders, so giving his name to the freshman house symbolizes a commitment to building a strong foundation for a new Skyline.
In the Atlas system, each ninth grader shares the same four teachers for Math, Social Studies, English, and Science. This provides teachers with a greater opportunity to intercommunicate about the students’ social and academic development.
Freshmen also attend a weekly "Advisory" period during which they receive lessons in academic and career planning, study skills, interpersonal development and citizenship.
With each teacher serving as an advisor for 25 students, the Atlas system permits a greater connection to be established between teachers, students, and families. As one teacher stated, “No one falls through the cracks.”
Read more about this topic: Skyline High School (Oakland, California)
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