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High school reports highlight Titan Achievement Academy, 'no zeros' rule, blood drives and new courses
Summary
High school leaders reported progress on the Titan Achievement Academy and a ‘no zeros on major assessments’ policy, student-led blood drives that generated about 139 units so far this year, additions to course offerings including fiber arts, and use of OpenSciEd curriculum in science classes.
High school administrators told the Tri City United board the Titan Achievement Academy and an instruction policy of not accepting zeros on major assessments have helped reduce failing-quarter grades, and they outlined upcoming events, course changes and student supports.
Administrators said the district’s high school saw a reduction in the percentage of quarter-one failing grades following the creation of the Titan Achievement Academy and a rule disallowing zeros on major assessments. The report summarized historical quarter-one fail rates and noted the district’s efforts have reduced fail-rate percentages since the pandemic period.
Nut graf: why it matters
Changes to grading practices, targeted academic support programs and extracurricular fundraising affect student outcomes, scholarship opportunities and course offerings. The board heard updates about those items and several student-led activities that the district said support scholarships and engagement.
Key points from the high school report
- Titan Achievement Academy and grading policy: Administrators credited the Titan Achievement Academy and a district practice to disallow zeros on major assessments with helping bring quarter-one failing grades down from higher pandemic-era levels to lower percentages in recent years.
- Blood drives and scholarships: The district ran student-led blood drives (including one in December) that produced a total of about 139 units to date; past thresholds have triggered additional scholarship funding for student organizers.
- Staffing and science curriculum: Staffing shortages in specific subject areas were noted; to support instruction, the district adopted OpenSciEd materials for chemistry, physics and biology classes and is using veteran teachers and instructional support to help newer teachers deliver those courses.
- New and revised courses and fees: Course registration is underway for 2025–26; a new fiber-arts course is listed with a $30 course fee. Some other course fees (for example, foods and agriculture-related courses) were increased by $5–$10 due to rising costs. The district also described career-day plans and vendor participation for an upcoming career day.
- ASVAB and career counseling: Juniors took the ASVAB career assessment; the military-provided testing and reports were described as useful for career guidance and district counseling files were updated with copies.
Board response and next steps
Board members asked about attendance, staffing and the course-registration process. Administrators said they will continue to monitor staff absences tied to recent illnesses and will proceed with course offerings and staffing based on registrations and licensing requirements.
Ending
The report was informational and the board did not take formal action on specific high-school initiatives at the meeting. Administrators said planning for spring events and next year’s courses will continue.
