Thursday, March 26, 2015
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
Twelve Rayen Early College Middle School students will participate in the shaping of the incoming class.
The students will be part of tonight’s interviewing of prospective students. A group of eighth-graders worked after school one day to develop the questions, and students from all grade levels were chosen to be part of the interviews.
“Describe yourself in three words” and “Why do you want to come to REC?” are two of the questions.
Rayen Early College, which houses sixth through eighth grades, is one of the Youngstown City School District’s specialty schools. Students must apply to and be interviewed before acceptance. They also must meet certain academic requirements.
Cameryn Serenity Stevenson, 12, a sixth-grader, said they’re looking for classmates who are mature and well-spoken. They also should exhibit confidence, added seventh-grader Altonio Clark, 13.
“They should also have good behavior and good grades,” said sixth-grader Aalissia Thomas, 12. “They expect a lot of us at this school.”
Altonio agreed.
“The higher grades are expected to set an example for the lower grades,” he said.
Even a shy, quiet student can succeed at REC, Aalissia said. They won’t be left out.
Aija Clarett, 12, a sixth-grader, said she and other students try to include students who haven’t found their niche.
The 12 students participating in the interviews had to interview for that role too, said Principal Deborah DiFrancesco. They were expected to dress professionally, shake hands with interviewers, make eye contact throughout the encounter and remember to say “thank you.”
The interviews were videotaped, and students were offered suggestions for improvement.
DiFrancesco said a student survey last year showed that sixth-graders, who are separated from the older students, didn’t feel a part of the school.
Cameryn, Aija, Aalissia and fellow sixth-grader Jade Gomez, 12, say that’s not the case anymore. They feel integrated with the other students.
Eighth-graders Sonya Lenoir and Keith Ellison, both 13, say one way that’s been addressed is through what they call triads.
It’s a group of three students, one from each grade, who get to know one another and participate in activities together.
“We’re like a big family here,” Cameryn said.
Teachers help too, Aalissia said.
They try to explain things in different ways so all students understand the material, no matter what types of learners they may be, she said.
Teachers also provide extra help if a student needs it, Cameryn said.
Students listed teachers Mary Ramhoff, Shalynn Keller and Jason Yemma, guidance counselor Ashlee Cline and Drew Boso, a tutor, as some of those who provide extra help.
“My teachers try to make everyone enjoy class, so we’ll not be bored,” Jade said.