Thank you to all who attended the 8th Grade Parent Meeting on January 30, 2025, at South Sioux City High School. This meeting was designed to introduce our current 8th-grade students (Class of 2029) and their families to the exciting journey ahead as they transition to high school. Below is a recap of the key information shared during the meeting, along with important details regarding the registration process.
High School Academies & Pathways
Mr. Clausen and staff introduced the many opportunities available through the Freshman Academy and provided an overview of the unique pathways offered within the academy model.
Key Components:
Academies: Small learning communities with a career focus, where students with similar interests take classes together in a structured sequence.
Pathways: A series of three or more classes focused on related career clusters to build knowledge and skills in a specific area.
Capstone Project: A culminating project completed by the end of senior year to demonstrate mastery within a chosen pathway.
Why the Academy Model Works
Smaller Learning Communities: Students build strong relationships with peers and teachers.
Increased Business Partnerships: Opportunities to develop future workforce skills.
Transferable Skills: Provides students with certifications, college credit, and career readiness.
College & Career Preparedness: Access to rigorous learning experiences that set students up for postsecondary success.
SSC High School’s Brand Promise:
"Here at SSC High School, we own our future! In our academies, we engage in hands-on experiences, explore career paths, and gain exposure to the real world. We have fun and are empowered to lead with confidence because of trusted community support. We are skilled. We are prepared. We are Card Pride!"
Freshman Academy Overview
Two Freshman Teams: Students will be grouped with the same teachers to ensure consistent support.
Freshman Seminar: A required course covering:
Teambuilding
Organizational Skills
Career Pathway Research
Career Readiness
Financial Responsibility
Digital Literacy
Electronic Portfolio Development
By registration time, students will choose an academy and pathway.
The Freshman Five
Academic Excellence – Set and achieve learning goals with teacher support.
Engagement in School & Community – Participate in extracurricular and community activities.
Personal Growth & Development – Explore opportunities for leadership and self-improvement.
Citizenship & Social Responsibility – Develop integrity, respect, and community involvement.
Team Collaboration & Leadership – Work in teams to develop leadership skills.
SSC High School Academies
After Freshman Academy, students will enter one of the following academies:
Academy of Business & Programming: Entrepreneurship, finance, and programming skills.
Academy of Engineering & Construction: Design principles, construction techniques, and sustainability practices.
Academy of Public & Human Services: Careers in teaching, law enforcement, and healthcare.
Athletics & Activities
Mr. Squier, Athletics/Activities Director, reviewed the extracurricular opportunities available at the high school, along with participation requirements.
Notable Differences Between Middle & High School
Courses count for credit (5 credits for semester classes, 10 for yearlong classes).
Graduation requires 250 credits (students earn up to 40 credits per semester).
Grades contribute to GPA, which impacts college admission and scholarship eligibility.
Senior Privileges: Access to internships, dual-credit courses, and career-based learning.
Failed core classes must be retaken (summer school options available).
Registration Process & Key Dates
Mrs. Moreau explained the registration process and expectations. Starting next week, high school counselors will visit middle school classrooms to guide students through course selection.
Pre-Registration Workshops in Science Class
Each student will receive:
Individual registration form (partially pre-filled)
List of elective courses
Course guide
Students will take their registration forms home to review with parents/guardians.
Individual Registration Meetings in Social Studies Class
Students will meet with Mrs. Moreau individually to finalize selections. It is essential that students bring back their completed forms on the following dates:
Tuesday, Feb. 4 – Mrs. King’s class
Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Mr. Lamprecht’s class
Thursday, Feb. 6 – Mr. Calugan’s class
Friday, Feb. 7 – Make-ups in the Middle School Library
Registration is a Commitment!
Help your student plan wisely.
Read course descriptions before making selections.
Schedule changes after May 31st will only be allowed for specific reasons outlined in the registration guide (see page 4).
For additional information, please visit our Academy website: SSC Academies Website.
We appreciate your support in helping your student prepare for high school. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Moreau or the high school counseling team.