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March 2010
In This Issue
NSHS Charter Renewal
Word on the Street
NSHS is the first to offer Regents Diploma
Drs. Hawk lead NSHS to success
Meet a NSHS Student
Join Our Mailing List
Now Accepting Applications
Are you interested in getting a head start on your college education? Nevada State High School is now accepting applications from current sophomore and juniors for the upcoming fall 2010 semester.
 
APPLY NOW
Learn More About NSHS
Nevada State High School invites you to learn more about how to earn FREE college credit while still attending high school.

The next informational meetings are Monday, April 5 at 5 p.m. and  again at 7 p.m. in the Wells Fargo Building  located at 112 South Water Street, in Henderson.

RSVP today or click here to view the recent postcard with a full schedule of upcoming meeting dates.
 
NSHS Charter Renewal
Nevada State High School will be requesting to renew its charter for the next six years during a presentation to the Nevada State Board of Education, on Friday, March 19 at 8:30 a.m.. NSHS will state its case for renewal through examples of the school's innovative methods that have required higher accountability from students and in-turn proved successful with a graduation rate of over 98 percent. The public is welcomed to attend.
Word on the Street:
What People are Saying
About NSHS
On February 16 the Green Valley/Henderson News  printed a story about the Nevada State High School's program.

Read the full story.
Quick Links
Nevada State High School is the first school in Nevada to
offer Regents Diploma


APPLY NOW
Nevada State High School prides its self on its ability to prepare students for the transition from high school to college better than traditional high school programs. As part of this initiative, NSHS has developed the Regents Diploma in addition to the standard, advanced and honors diplomas already offered by the high school. To be eligible for the Regents Diploma students must uphold a 3.25 unweighted GPA and must have completed an average of 12 college credits per semester while enrolled at NSHS to be eligible for the diploma.
 
As part of the application process for the Regents Diploma students are evaluated in the following areas: resume and interviewing strength, academic plan, college planning, volunteer service and SAT and ACT preparation. Students applying for the diploma must create a portfolio based on a comprehensive checklist that hits on each of these areas.
 
"The Regents Diploma is our certification that these graduates have not only achieved the minimum requirements to graduate high school, but exceeded it in their preparedness for college transition and beyond graduation," said Dr. Wendi Hawk, principal at NSHS. Hawk, who played an integral role in the establishment of Nevada State High School, has worked hard to develop the unique diploma for the school as a way to continue to help students succeed in the transition from high school to college.
 
Though the Regents Diploma sets the bar high for graduates from NSHS, students who receive a standard diploma from the school are also held to a higher standard. NSHS students graduating in 2010 and beyond must complete any required remedial college coursework upon graduation from the high school or they will not receive a diploma from NSHS. According to the Nevada System of Higher Education Remedial Report 2009, 32.6 percent of Nevada high school graduates from the class of 2009 who attended Nevada colleges and universities needed remedial math or English. In the last five years, only 11 percent of NSHS graduates have enrolled in remedial courses. With the new requirement, no student graduating from NSHS will require remediation.
 
 Find out more about the Regents Diploma.


Drs. Hawk lead Nevada State High School to increased enrollment, success amongst students
Married executive director, principal dedicated to helping students reach potential
Nevada State High School, an institution where juniors and seniors can earn college credits while still in high school, is truly a labor of love. No aspect of the high school proves this point more than the married duo who leads the school, Principal Dr. Wendi Hawk and Executive Director Dr. John Hawk.
 
The Hawks have been active in Nevada State High School since before its establishment in 2004. Sitting on a committee together with five other individuals, they were essential to the school's creation. Wendi Hawk was the school's sole employee for its first year and enlisted the help of John Hawk as a part-time administrative employee in 2005. After the first two years, both Hawks were full-time employees and were committed personally and professionally to helping students with college as Nevada State High School's leaders.
 
"It's the accountability we have to the students and the state that motivates us every day," John Hawk said. "We've been given the freedom and flexibility from the state department to run this program in exchange for being held more accountable for the education we're offering the students. It's all about providing each student with the best learning experience possible."

Read more
Meet a NSHS Student: Ronni Boskovich

 

APPLY NOWRonni, a NSHS junior whose home is in Pahrump, Nevada, lives over an hour away from Nevada State High School. At one time she was commuting once a week to NSHS but  now as a mentor only has to make the trip on occasion for testing and other meetings. Ronnie takes college classes at the College of Southern Nevada and  Great Basin College. Recently we had a chance to find out why she has chosen NSHS over attending her local high school.

 


Q: WHAT ABOUT NSHS APPEALED TO YOU WHEN DECIDING TO

ENROLL IN THE PROGRAM?

A: Probably one of the largest factors that appealed to me was the freedom students were given. I really liked how we were able to choose the classes we wanted and the times we could take them. The other deciding factor was that I could get a jump start on college for no cost to me. I am definitely planning on continuing my education after high school, so I wanted to get ahead as much as I could.


Q:WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO ATTEND NSHS OVER ATTENDING YOUR LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL THAT'S ONLY 10 MINUTES AWAY?
A: I chose NSHS over my home school because I am motivated and I want to do what I can to get ahead in my education. My home school didn't offer the classes that I was interested in, and it didn't satisfy me. I was ready to move on in my education and NSHS gave me that opportunity.

 

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF BEING A STUDENT AT NSHS?

A: I would have to say the best part of being a student at NSHS is the freedom we are given. I also really like how students are given a voice and our opinions matter. You don't find that in a conventional high school setting.

 

Q: HOW HAS NSHS PREPARED YOU FOR COLLEGE?

A: Through my time at NSHS I have realized what college professors will require of their students, how I should handle my classes, and the amount of dedication it takes to maintain good grades throughout college. I believe because of NSHS, I will be able to make a smooth transition into college.

 

Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL A FRIEND THAT IS CONSIDERING

ATTENDING NSHS?

A: I would tell anyone who was interested in attending NSHS that if they are motivated and interested in getting ahead in their education, it is the perfect school. Attending NSHS was the best choice I could have made.

 

Q: ONCE YOUR EDUCATION IS COMPLETED WHAT OCCUPATION DO YOU PLAN TO PURSUE?

A: After I have completed my education, I plan on going into law. I will more than likely become a lawyer, but I'm not sure what category of law I will practice.


 
About Nevada State High School

Nevada State High School is a FREE early college high school that gives 11th and 12th grade students with a minimum GPA of 2.0 the opportunity to attend 'real' college classes for 'real' college credit.  Each college class counts for both high school and college credit and brings about opportunities, purpose, and savings.  NSHS is part of a National Charter School Movement, which has helped support mini educational laboratories of innovation - in exchange for being held more accountable for improved student achievement.


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