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By JOAN JOSEPHSON OBSERVER Staff Writer SINCLAIRVILLE — The response to the 250 surveys sent out to Cassadaga Valley students who graduated between the years of 2005-2008 wasn’t that significant. The purpose of the survey was to determine the former students’ success beyond high school in college, university or trade school, based on their CVCS education. They were also invited to attend a coffee with Superintendent John Brown to discuss the strengths and areas of weakness with their preparation for college, university or trade school. There were 22 responses to the survey and four graduates showed up for the meeting with Brown. “We are always open to ways we can better prepare our students for advanced education,” Brown said He then reviewed the responses received on the survey’s questions which covered academic skills, fine arts, business, agriculture, library skills and technology. Of these responses, 47 percent felt they were extremely prepared; 94 percent felt they were well prepared; 88 percent thought they were prepared; 40 percent thought they were not prepared and 19 percent thought they were totally unprepared. Next, Brown opened the discussion with the graduates by stating, “We welcome ideas on what we can do to improve our school.” The major suggestion from all four was improve the students’ study skills. Each had different majors in college, but Ashley Bens (foreign language) and Kiera Duckworth (sociology) both emphasized the need for these study skills. “I learned when I got to college I didn’t know how to study and that I needed to be challenged in high school,” Ashley said. Kiera said she felt there was also a need for critical thinking and for study skills. “I learned quickly once I got to college that I didn’t know how to study,” she said. Kerry Rhinehart, who majored in biology, said she felt CV was strong in the sciences but weak in language art skills. Joelle Dziduch, whose major is English, said high school students would be wise to take at least one college class, such as those offered at Jamestown Community College or through the distance learning lab. “You need this exposure, if you plan to go on with your education,” she said. CV Guidance counselors Mary Gier and Heather Nocero, along with computer-technology coordinator Phil Bens, pointed out the changes that have been made, since the graduates left CV. They include eight different college courses offered through distance learning which give the students the opportunity to earn 44 credits. Brown said with the two distance learning labs now up and running, the district now has more flexibility in scheduling and he sees the number of students enrolled in the courses being offered increasing proportionately. Help for students who may be struggling with their studies is also available, he said. “We provide after school busing four days a week, with the students able to stay after for tutoring then taken to their doorsteps; we have academic intervention services and Chautauqua Opportunities provides tutoring every day. “We promote learning for all our students and provide them with the means to achieve it,” Brown said.

 

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