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Hillside Innovation Academy students and principal outline clubs, aviation program and admissions timeline
Summary
Principal Dr. Silva and student leaders from Hillside Innovation Academy presented the school's mission, clubs, STEM and aviation programs, admissions process and goals for student agency and academic proficiency.
Principal Dr. Silva and scholar leaders from Hillside Innovation Academy told the Board of Education on Dec. 19 about the school's programs, extracurricular offerings and application timeline.
Dr. Silva said HIA is in its fourth year and reiterated the school’s mission and aligned priority goals — student achievement, social-emotional wellness and operational excellence — and described an emphasis on student agency and choice in how scholars demonstrate learning. She said the school sets annual goals in math, science and student agency and highlighted that HIA’s science scores have outperformed the state in recent years.
Student leaders David Opoku and Mackenzie Simahom described a range of clubs and activities: National Junior Arts Honor Society, School Newsletter Club, Student Government Association, Photo/Yearbook, Multicultural Club, National Junior Honor Society, robotics and a hydroponics STEAM club, My Sister’s Keeper and My Brother’s Keeper, and a public-speaking club called HIA Pro Society. Mackenzie described a recent aviation program led by the nonprofit Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) that included hands-on activities; Dr. Silva said the school received sponsorships that will allow some students to participate in simulated flight experiences.
Dr. Silva said HIA has a computer-science grant and plans for expanded pathways in coding and robotics. She described the admissions process as application-based with an information session followed by an application release in February and acceptance notifications sent in April; Dr. Silva said the school holds a required three-day orientation for incoming scholars.
Dr. Silva and student presenters also recognized staff and student achievements: a physical-education teacher named educator of the year and recent inductions into the National Honor Society at the high school.
Why it matters: The presentation provided the board and community with specifics about HIA’s academic focus, extracurricular opportunities and outreach to families considering the school.
Follow-up: Dr. Silva invited board members and community members to visit HIA and participate in outreach and admissions events.
