Gold Card members got an inside look at the success at Cardwell Career Preparatory Center and Ratteree Career Development Center during a tour last Tuesday. Members - Irving residents 65 and older - heard from Cardwell Principal Lesley Kelley and her staff about the history of the school, the school’s unique mission to “meet students were they are” and the extracurricular opportunities available. Six students also shared how the school’s flexible programs prepared them for success. Programs include:
- STAR Academy for over-aged seventh graders who complete an eighth- and ninth-grade curriculum mix and end the year with enough credits to be considered sophomores the following year
- House for ninth through 12th graders who have a typical eight-period day schedule with an optional late arrival or early release
- Grad LAB computer-based digital instruction for seniors who need to complete a few credits to graduate and require a half-day program
- Compensatory Education Home Instruction (CEHI), part of the Teen Pregnancy and Parenting Students (TAPPS) program and is offered during maternity leave, six weeks after delivery. Instruction is provided by a certified teacher four hours per week for most students.
During the tour, attendees had the opportunity to join the celebration of a ceremonial graduation walk. Because programs at Cardwell are tailored to meet individual student needs, students complete the requirements at their own pace and graduations occur throughout the school year. When the student reaches their goal, the school invites the student’s parents to the campus for a ceremonial graduation. The student wears a cap and gown and walks through all of the classrooms and down the halls as teachers and students cheer. After a couple of graduations, attendees boarded a bus bound for the Ratteree, to hear from instructors and students in the cosmetology and automotive technologies programs.
Photos from the tour can be found on the district Photo Gallery.
