With OSMTech, IB, AP, Young 5s, and an array of other acronym programs, you might need a decoder ring to know what Clarkston Community Schools offer.
They’re all programs offered for students outside traditional, K-12 instruction.
‘We have an obligation to offer programs that meet students? needs ? take advantage of their strengths,? said Dr. Al Roberts, superintendent. ‘They offer different avenues for different students.?
Young 5s is a program at the Early Childhood Center, 6397 Clarkston Road, for children old enough for regular kindergarten but not quite ready yet. It offers math, literacy, motor skills, and other activities. Next year’s program is for children turning 5 years old between June 1-Dec. 1, 2008.
Funshine Preschool is another pre-kindergarten program. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, it is a year-round program for children 2-5 at the Early Childhood Center, and the Child Development Center at Clarkston High School, 6093 Flemings Lake Road.
It offers daycare and tuition-based preschool, as well as dance, science, art, and language programs.
Kids Connection offers before- and after-school daycare for children in grades 1-5 at Clarkston’s elementary schools and Early Childhood Center.
Information session on Clarkston’s kindergarten programs is set for 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Administration Building, 6389 Clarkston Road.
For more information, call 248-623-4350.
OSMTech, pronounced ‘awesome tek,? stands for Oakland Science, Mathematics and Technology.
A half-day academy at Clarkston High School, it emphasizes math and science with hands-on, cooperative-learning instruction using computers, robots, and other technology.
It is open to students in Oakland County school districts, and supported by donations from several local businesses and individuals.
Students must apply and be accepted to join. Application deadline for next year’s program is Feb. 28
IB is International Baccalaureate, a liberal-arts, college- preparatory program set to be offered in Clarkston starting fall, 2009. It is heavy in writing skills, appreciation of other cultural perspectives, and creative arts. The new program has a budget of $51,900 for training and other startup costs.
When up and running, it should bring in revenue by attracting students from other districts, as well as Clarkston students who attend other schools, Roberts said.
Other high-school-level programs include Renaissance High School on Waldon Road, an alternative to the traditional high school setting, and Oakland Technical Center on Big Lake Road, offering in-depth technical training in natural resources, business, culinary arts, automotive engineering, health science, construction, and visual imaging.
Call 248-623-5400 for more information.