DASA Gets High Score with HPCHS

Personal gadgets such as iPods, MP3s, MP4s, video games and yes, including the internet have generated an iWorld. Evolving from a time of labor, we have stepped into a digital arts world. And, as an iniative made approximately a year ago, students enrolled in Digital Arts and Sciences Academy (DASA) at Highland Park Community High School have begun to equip themselves for this time of technology.

This was their first year, and after 9-10 months, the students have adopted the curriculum; open to 9^th grade students who are going into the tenth, with elective classes including Digital Journalism/Introduction to Mass Media and Introduction to Web Design/3D Animation.

Added benefits included in curricular enhancements have been through visits by Alex Haley Jr and NASA Outreach among others. The students of DASA have also visited WCCC. "DASA is college-oriented," stated Administrator Rebecca Westrate. "The courses are directed to what universities are asking [you] to get." Sponsored through Lawrence Technological University, a Robotics Program where DASA students participated is also offered through the curriculum. And although this being their first year to participate in the Robotics Program, the HPCHS team took third place in the World Robofest Competition.

Another benefit according to Westrate is the small class sizes, which allows a core group of students remaining together for academic classes. "Each class has up to 20 students," Westrate added. "Our focus is on the students being more creative and to work in groups. [We're noting] that children don't work in groups. They're not playing together; they're spending more time involved with an item than with each other," included Westrate emphatically. "So, we try to do a lot of group projects. We try to use projects as a way for the students to work together." By the looks of things, students and teachers alike are all adapting, and are pleased. "These electives [classes] help the students be motivated," Westrate included. The students have learned the technology behind designing virtual rooms, websites, and flash animations. And, let's not forget the dissecting of frogs-Yikes!

DASA gets a 'thumbs up' from HPCHS. The staff along with the students enrolled in the program is more than excited to continue learning through this new program, with hopes to continue the curriculum through 12^th grade. Westrate explains that it is up to the grant funding and officials of Highland Park, whether or not the program is continued in Highland Park.