Joanne Herbert
Staff Writer
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English teacher Mrs.Gingrich transitioned from the High School to the Ninth Grade Academy for the 2021-2022 school year. The academy is a learning community created for a more personalized environment for the freshman.
Cumberland Valley’s Ninth Grade Academy is the district’s newest building created specifically for the freshman. The ninth grade academy has a big impact on the students. The school puts an emphasis on community and connections, because of fewer staff it is easier for the teachers to collaborate within their department.
“We are a very close-knit school, I believe, because we only comprise the 9th graders. Teachers, staff, and administrations have the ability to really get to know each student better, and we have built an environment where it is easy to connect with everyone. Our goal is to try to not let anyone get lost in the shuffle,” Gingrich said.
CV9 offers a Freshman Seminar course, known as Eagle Academy, which transitions the ninth graders to prepare them for success in high school by emphasizing social-emotional learning and academic skills essential to being successful during a student’s academic tenure. Students focus on learning more about professional skills and career knowledge.
“Our administrators really care about the students, kids and the community at large and do their best to truly help each and every student have a wonderful experience. The nature of our building and our Eagle Academy period allows students to get the help they need and to really connect with the teachers they feel they can go to for help,” Gingrich said.
As the first marking period starts to wrap up, teachers are starting to get more familiar with the school and the staff continue to provide support for the freshman around a concept of a small learning community.