KENMORE WEST HIGH SCHOOL
Plans for advanced study program move ahead in Ken-Ton
Plans are moving forward to introduce an international baccalaureate diploma program at Kenmore West High School in 2011.
As officials in the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda School District await word on their initial application to the program’s governing body, several teachers are scheduled to attend their first training session next month.
The two-year advanced study program, which is voluntary and carries fees similar to those paid by Advanced Placement students, aims to give students a global perspective and claims to give them an edge when applying for college admission. Students also can study for certificates in individual subjects.
Though the Ken-Ton district has two high schools, only one application at a time can be made to the International Baccalaureate Organization.
Kenmore West’s designation as the start-up site came somewhat by default, according to School Superintendent Mark P. Mondanaro.
“There, frankly, seemed to be more interest from West,” Mondanaro said. “And the . . . coordinator is housed at West.”
The coordinator is Vanessa Scinta, a former principal of Nardin Academy who teaches English — and Advanced Placement courses — at the school.
“There’s absolutely no interest here in having competition . . . between those schools and stealing students from one school to another,” Mondanaro said.
Since the district has open enrollment, there is the option for Kenmore East students to transfer to Kenmore West to take advantage of the new program. But open enrollment is subject to space availability, and parents would be responsible for transportation.
Next month’s four-day training session in Florida, for program administrators and teachers, is the first of four scheduled through March 2010. Teachers attend only one multi-day session in their given subject.
The courses will be taught by existing staff at Kenmore West. The additional professional development they’ll receive is sure to benefit the rest of their classes, Mondanaro said.
Meetings will be held Dec. 1, 2 and 3 for parents of freshmen to learn more about the program. All sessions start at 7:30 p. m. in the Kenmore West auditorium. Enter at door 15.
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