Academic Support

Since 1939, successive HVRHS administrators have sought the most effective way to support students through a rewarding, engaging, and educational high school experience.  As educational philosophies have evolved so have the available academic supports; supports that are more important than ever as the long-term effects of the pandemic rise to the surface.

HVRHS is now using a three-tiered intervention system. This approach is based on data points, and the numbers are looking promising.  This system helps with:

• Early identification of students who are falling behind
• Assessment of what the issues may be
• Avoiding a student from falling through the cracks

The three Tiers are:

• Tier 1: Classroom Strategies
  • Teacher identifies student who are falling behind in class work
  • Teacher assesses if the cause is academic or behavioral
    • Works with parents/guardians and provides frequent updates
    • Identifies appropriate in-class strategies to meet student’s needs
  • Categories of Academic Strategies
    • Environmental
    • Organization/Work Completion
    • Assessment/Assignments/Time
    • Instructional
  • Categories of Behavioral Strategies
    • Anxiety/Depression
    • Argumentative/Defiant/Disruptive
    • Peer Relations
    • Behavior Management
    • Inattentive/Easily Distracted
• Tier 2: Student Assistance Team (StAT)
  • Tier 2 Designation: Assistant Principal reviews student records weekly and identifies every student with two or more NYPs (Not Yet Proficient)
  • Files are reviewed by StAT, which include an Administrator, Student Assistant Teacher, School Counselor and Psychologist
  • NOTE: 90% of the students identified in this process lost their academic motivation during the pandemic
  • The Team develops a plan for each student which may include any or all the below:
    • Structured Study Hall – small groups managed by a certified teacher who liaisons with StAT and classroom teacher
      • Assistance with development of action plan for becoming current
      • Strategies for improving time management and organizational skills
      • Fosters the development of a relationship with a caring adult
      • Provides productive atmosphere for working
      • Student controls how quickly they return to regular study hall groups
    • Flex Block provides four times a week when the student can spend time with the teacher in smaller groups or one-on-one.
      • Assign a case manager
      • Teachers can also assign students to Structured Study Hall to take re-assessment or make-up tests or assignments
• Tier 3: Alternative Programs
  • Students are assigned to Tier 3 based on academic performance, attendance/tardiness records, and meetings with parents
  • The goal for this group is to find an academic/behavioral plan that will help them graduate with a high school diploma
  • The Bridges Program and Juvenile Review Board are examples of tools that may be deemed appropriate

Parents/guardians who think their child might benefit from Tier 2 or 3 placement should contact the Assistant Principal or School Counseling.