More Jackson students enroll in A+ aid program

As awareness increases, more Jackson School District students are getting interested in the A+ Program.

Now under the Missouri Department of Higher Education, the main goal of A+ is to make sure students are well prepared to pursue advanced education and jobs, the district website said.

Students who graduate from a designated A+ high school may qualify for a state-paid financial incentive to attend any public community college or career/technical school in Missouri if they satisfy certain requirements, the site said.

Amanda Forester, A+ coordinator, presented a report on the program to the Jackson School Board at its Tuesday night meeting. Forester said 62 seniors are "on track" to graduate with A+ eligibility, but she expects the final number will end up being closer to 100 by the end of the school year.

Students may save anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 on postsecondary education, depending on what college they attend, Forester said. She said many four-year schools are starting to offer similar programs because A+ has become so popular.

Forester said she tries to get an application on file for each student. Students may change their minds at any point, she said.

In other business, the board:

* Approved the 2014-2015 calendar. Each building in the district was given a chance to vote on two calendar options for next year. School will start Aug. 14 and tentatively end May 22.

On another item, superintendent Ron Anderson said the last day of school this year is tentatively May 29 because of snow and weather-related school cancellations. "We're still early into winter, and we'll have to wait and see what happens," he said.

The weather also has affected construction of the district's new elementary school at 455 N. Lacey St. Anderson said close to 30 days on the project probably have been lost because of weather.

* The board approved offering "Intro to College Algebra" and precalculus for the 2014-2015 school year. The revisions will meet Southeast Missouri State University requirements for dual credit, a program that allows high school students to earn college credit at a reduced cost, said Matt Lacy, associate superintendent personnel/instruction.

* Recognized students selected for all-state choir; students who will attend an upcoming sight-reading contest; and those who will participate in the Southwestern American Choral Directors Association divisional honor choir in March in Little Rock, Ark. Honor choir participants also will attend a Pentatonics concert while in Little Rock.

* Students also recognized the board as part of School Board Appreciation Week, which is the last week of January.

rcampbell@semissourian.com

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614 E. Adams, Jackson