Teacher Spotlight
Gerald Childers is a Math teacher at the Area Career Center University. He teaches Algebra II and the advanced or college level classes. The college-level classes include Pre-calculus, Trigonometry, and College Algebra, with a couple more likely to come in the future. Childers has been working in this district for more than 10 years. He has worked at other schools including Morton High in the early 2000’s.
Even though he is highly effective at his job, teaching was not his first career. Mr. Childers was an engineer for many years.
Childers job at the career center encompasses more than just teaching class however. He does work for the school’s math department, but also helps with the school’s testing, and even does work for the district. Childers takes great pride in his house. The property boasts some amazing trees, a great water treatment system, and a beautiful exterior. Childers also takes the time to repair anything in his house that he can, and takes the opportunity to ensure his home represents he and his family.
As a dedicated member of Area Career Center University, Childers is just one part of the strong foundation the school stands upon.
Student Spotlight
Danielle Munoz is a Senior at the Area Career Center University. Danielle is one of many students on the associates track at the school. Her favorite part of the program is her friends and hanging out with them during and after school. She also likes the fact that she is able to participate in her homeschool activities like sports. Danielle is captain of Hammond Clark’s cheerleading squad and plays spring softball.
One of Danielle’s hobbies is modeling. She has entered multiple competitions and placed in almost every one. Danielle loves drama and theater which has led her to participate in multiple plays and musicals at Clark. She’s also enjoying a theater class at the Area Career Center University.
Danielle is attending the Area Career Center University under the Health Sciences pathway. In this pathway, she learns the fundamentals of most jobs in the health career field. Danielle is not yet sure what she wants to be believes she’ll do well in whatever she ultimately chooses.
Danielle’s main motivation is being the best she can be. She aims to do the best at everything she attempts. This shows because she has maintained number one at her homeschool, Clark, and at the Area Career Center University.
Danielle is planning on going to Indiana University Bloomington, where she will complete her bachelor’s degree in half the time. This will not be her final step towards her education as she is motivated to get her master’s degree and, if necessary, even her doctorate. Danielle is a perfect example of why Area Career Center University is an exemplary program.
What Has Happened
The Area Career Center University and the other schools affiliated with the effects of the referendum results were able to take a sigh of relief the night of November 7th. The final results of the referendum showed the needed 51% of votes to pass. The referendum has kept over 80 faculty members from being laid off, while also allowing programs such as Area Career Center University and HAPA to remain open. The elementary school level arts program also benefitted, and will remain intact.
Area Career Center University did not let the stress take away from their ability to contribute to public events. They marched alongside the other participants in the 2017 Hammond Veteran’s Appreciation Day Parade. The path was a little over one mile and traveled down 173rd street until they reached the Hessville Park Veteran's Memorial. The parade started at 10 am and ended with a small ceremony. Area Career Center University held a couple fundraisers to raise money for veteran programs. One fundraiser was ‘Jeans for Troops’ this involves having student donate a dollar in order to dress down.
Next with ACCU
The Area Career Center University has a lot of testing going on during the next month. The school will be conducting Istep+ and ECA testing and as well as the bane of every student, finals. The Area Career Center University’s students have been doing practice tests and studying to pass these tests. Their dedication is what will allow them to have one of the highest passing rates in the district. Some of the seniors once thought exempt from the peril of testing are even retaking their SATs.
The students at Area Career Center use the website Khan Academy in order to practice for these tests. Khan Academy is done through classroom encouragement and even a little competition. The students at Area Career Center University complete the quizzes and other assignments on Khan to either review previous material or learn something new. It has even been integrated into the classroom through bellwork. The students at the Area Career Center are continually working to better themselves.