Student success is at the center of all we do. Teachers and curriculum directors take a look at national trends and use curriculum mapping to help keep our programs current and responsive to the demands of students and the needs of the global community. Project Lead the Way through CJ STEMM is an example of a newer curriculum initiative that brings the hands-on experience of science, technology, engineering, math and medicine into our classrooms. Curriculum mapping is a teacher-driven process that captures "living" information from each of the courses offered. The data is used to evaluate and strengthen curriculum based on what is taught, learned and assessed.

Whether you are a student who wishes to apply to the Ivy League or one who needs extra academic assistance in transitioning into a college prep curriculum, CJ teachers and staff will work with you to succeed. If you enter CJ with a strong commitment to your educational goals and a willingness to work hard, CJ is the place for you to learn how to soar.

Consider a Few Current Successes

• Four members of the Class of 2010 were named as National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalists

• CJ students are consistently top-placers in academic competitions in the areas of science, art, business, writing and math.

• ACT and SAT scores are above national norms.

• Ninety-seven percent of 2009 graduates enrolled at a college or university.

• The Class of 2009 earned college scholarships totaling more than $9.3 million.

Awarding Credits Per Semester

Beginning during the 2012-13 School Year

Beginning this school year, Chaminade Julienne will award class credit on a per semester basis rather than at the completion of a class. This change only affects year-long courses, which are worth 1.0 total credit.

Now, students will earn 0.5 credits at the end of the first semester and another 0.5 at the end of the second semester. Both semester grades will be reported on the student's official transcript.

Also as a result, please note that:

• Students' grades will start over each semester.

• Updated GPAs will be calculated at the end of each semester.

• Exemption from final exams may still be granted to a student at the end of the year in a year-long class if he or she has an A average for the entire year and meets the other exam exemption criteria listed on page 19 of the Student Handbook.

• Any student who does not earn both of these credits will need to earn the missing credit through a remedial summer school program.

The switch to awarding credits per semester more closely mirrors the system most colleges use. If you have questions or concerns about this change, please contact me or stop in the academic office.

Steve Fuchs