The senior academy process of developing the program, doing the referendum, selecting contractors and architects and getting everything signed has been completed. In a few weeks the process of the senior academy will begin. The turn of the first shovel of dirt was celebrated Nov. 5 at the groundbreaking ceremony at FHS.

Politicians, the town and school board were all represented Nov. 5. Teresa Lubbers, Commissioner of Higher Education, was also there and presented a speech.

“She’s very supportive with what we’re doing with our senior academy,” superintendent Dr. Brian Smith said.Although it will be known as a senior academy, the academy is not limited to just seniors. There will be dual credit classes held in the building that some underclassmen will attend to. Classes such as physical education, arts and performing arts will not be duplicated so seniors will still be coming into the main building to attend these classes.

This academy is designed to be a transition space. Students will be responsible for managing their time from their traditional fixed schedule to a more flexible one. Expanded and dual credit classes will be offered. The school board is working with major universities in state to set up career pathways. If a student chooses to focus on a certain pathway the credit toward a particular major will depend on the college that student applies for.

“We want to talk more about preparing for success, portfolio development, dressing for success, how to network to get a job, doing job shadowing and internships,” Smith said. “…all of the real life things that students need to know to be competitive in today’s job market.”

This academy will be located in the current bus parking lot. According to Smith the academy is planned to be done by July 1, 2015, so the class of 2016 will be the first to experience it.