LANCASTER – Antelope Valley parents wanting to send their 6th grade students through a groundbreaking engineering program are encouraged to consider the Hillview Middle School 6th Grade Honors Academy.
A parent information meeting for this program will be held at the school cafeteria at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at 40525 Peonza Lane in Palmdale.
Fifth graders in the Antelope Valley who meet the standards may apply for the academy, regardless of where they live. Applications for the 2013-14 school year must be turned in to the District office by 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 15. Eligibility for the academy requires at least a 3.0 GPA during 5th grade and ‘Proficient’ or ‘Advanced’ on 4th grade STAR, English Language Arts and Math Test.
The honors academy opened its doors in the fall of 2012 to 100 6th graders from around the Antelope Valley.
The first year included a comprehensive engineering program that allowed students to work on building projects and study career opportunities in the industry. Engineers from Lockheed Martin visited students throughout the year, guiding them toward a future career path.
“The exploratory program provided to our 6th graders is unmatched in the Antelope Valley,” says Rob Garza, principal of Hillview Middle School. “These students reach a level of college preparation very rare among their age group. Our engineering introduction program prepares students for anything. By studying engineering, they learn to invent, innovate and improve existing programs in whatever field they do choose.”
The honors academy also includes programs like Project Lead the Way, Mathletes and AVID.
Advanced study programs and subjects include Advanced Algebra, Lego Robotics, Science Olympiad and Honors Language/Honors History. Students accepted can also participate in all other school programs including athletics, drama and extracurricular clubs.
“Westside continues to provide excellence in everything we do for our students through programs like Hillview’s 6th Grade Honors Academy,” says Regina Rossall, Superintendent of Westside Union School District. “This rigorous program prepares our students for any field they choose to pursue in the future.”
For more information or to pick up an application, call the District office at 661-723-0716.
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karen says
My son attends this school and was selected because of his 5th grade GPA and 4th grade STAR results. It clearly states these qualifications in the application as well as the article. If the District uses these measures to determine who gets into the program, and further considers a students’ socioeconomic, racial background, and residency can only add a wealth of depth to the students’ experiences and the school’s overall program. It is not like the District is admitting less than qualified students. Besides, the historical exclusion of specific students from the engineering field (just to name one) is really a part of the reason this country has a shortage of engineers and other professionals (like nurses, doctors, and scientists). I do agree, however, that it is great that the AV has several programs designed to meet these shortage areas.
John Howard says
I’m highly suspect that this academy uses socioeconomic and racial background as part of the application process… as is the case with SOAR.
It’s just too bad that any individual would be excluded from a program like this considering neither of those factors are related to why we have a shortage of engineers in this country.. On the same token it’s good we have programs like this at all in our community..
Parker McClain says
Karen is right John. My daughter goes there and we live in an entirely different district. It’s based on the students academic performance. It has to be really good. Also not all that applied to get in were accepted. Only 106 students are in the 6th grade class. My kid used to complain about the bad kids in her class that were always disruptive when she was in 5th grade. She hasn’t complained once this year. So I don’t think that the socioeconomic and racial background kids are attending this Academy. These kids are well behaved and talented.
Erica says
You said, “I don’t think that the socioeconomic and racial background kids are attending this Academy. These kids are well behaved and talented.”
So what you’re really saying in essence is “socioeconomic kids and racial background kids” are NOT well behaved and talented??? I pray to God you are not passing down this ignorance to your poor daughter. You make me sick!!
Parker McClain says
Erica, there’s always one of you in the crowd. My post made you sick but John’s didn’t? If you really understood what I said you wouldn’t have anything to say.
Erica says
What’s most frustrating is that this type of elitist bigotry is so ingrained in you and others like you that you seem to see absolutely nothing wrong with it. When called on your crap you remain indignant. You just don’t get it and you never will. I normally don’t attempt to address people like you because experience has taught me that you are a hopeless cause. Read your post again. Hopefully my comments has caused you some inward reflection. If not, too bad for you. I’m out!
Parker McClain says
Yes Erica your posts have caused me to reflect on the fact that I don’t have to deal with people like you on a daily basis and that my kid will never have to deal with your little trolls. Thank You for the compliment by calling me elitist. I did read my post again. I read it several times because it was so good. Now why don’t you go back to Berkley and smoke some pot while you sit in a tree since you are out!