Parents show huge interest in upcoming Huron High program

Suzanne Walsh, who enrolled her daughter, Deren Vostina, at Mitchell Elementary to access IB at the earliest stages, addresses the crowd Sunday at Huron High School.
Suzanne Walsh, who enrolled her daughter, Deren Vostina, at Mitchell Elementary to access IB at the earliest stages, addresses the crowd Sunday at Huron High School.

More than 450 people—mostly eighth graders and their parents—showed up Sunday to learn about the upcoming International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) at Huron High School.

This population was targeted because they will be the first students eligible to enter the DP at Huron in the fall of 2017—the first year it will be offered.

The DP at Huron is a great option for students who want the most rigorous, research-based, and comprehensive system of teaching and learning offered, with all of the benefits of a comprehensive high school, said Kevin Karr, AAPS’s K-12 International Baccalaureate District Coordinator.

The Diploma Programme, like all International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, focuses on:

  • Inquiry-based teaching and learning
  • Global awareness
  • International standards
  • World language opportunities
  • Service

Students enrolled in Huron’s DP program would also be able to participate in athletics, music, and clubs, while maintaining friendships they’ve already built.

“It was very exciting to see the interest in the DP,” said Karr, who is also principal of Mitchell Elementary.  “This was most obvious during the question and answer section of the program.  Many thoughtful questions were asked and answered where students and parents inquired about the future program and how it connects to their hopes, dreams and goals.”

He said one important question was asked about how many students could potentially enroll in the Diploma Programme when it opens in 2017.

“The DP and our planning are flexible enough to accommodate the number of students for whom the program makes sense,” he said. “Whether that number is 60, 100, or 200-plus for the first cohort will be determined by the enrollment needs of the DP.”

Karr said parents also expressed interest in the other two IB programs under development in AAPS: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for K-5 students at Mitchell, and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6-10 at Scarlett and Huron.

Because the programs are designed to complement one another, those who participate in the PYP and MYP will be uniquely prepared to enter and be successful with the Diploma Programme at Huron.

The option to participate in kindergarten through 12th grade International Baccalaureate programming in Ann Arbor is unique in Washtenaw County. Across the state, only two other school districts currently offer the program.

 

 

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4 Comments

  1. Would you like more information on this program at Mitchell? We can connect you with the school.

  2. I believe all Mitchell students are able to come to the evening homework program.

  3. Any family who would like more information about IB in Ann Arbor, please contact Kevin Karr (karrk@aaps.k12.mi.us)…glad to help answer questions and/or connect you with others.

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