Vince Licata has plenty on his plate this year, his first as Clarkston High School principal.
Chief among challenges is how to prepare the school for new, state-mandated graduation requirements.
The changes take effect in 2011, and will first apply to students now in ninth grade.
‘The big change is in math and science,? Ricata said. ‘It’s a global economy now. They’re not just competing with kids from Lake Orion and Rochester, they’re competing with kids all over the world ? we have to prepare them for it.?
Required of all students will be four years of math, including algebra I and II, and geometry; four years of English Language Arts; three years of science, including biology, and physics or chemistry; three years of social studies, including civics, economics, U.S. history, and geography; physical education; arts; online learning experience; and two years of foreign language.
Clarkston students already meet requirements in English, social studies, and electives, Licata said.
To meet requirements, a key change is the new trimester system, set to begin next fall, 2008. A team of administrators, teachers, and parents has been working on the change, creating a ?3-by-5? schedule, Licata said.
The current two-semester, six-class-a-day schedule will change to three semesters, five classes a day.
‘It gives more opportunities for kids,? the principal said. ‘They’ll have 15 opportunities per year. Now, they have 12 opportunities.?
The extra classes will allow students to take more classes, in core curriculum as well as electives.
‘It also helps in remediation ? if you don’t pass a class, you can retake it. This gives you room to do that,? Licata said.
Besides those changes, Licata plans to keep the high school mostly as is, he said.
‘That’s enough,? he said. ‘Trimesters will be a major restructuring.?
Licata served 24 years in administration, including eight years as assistant principal at Clarkston High School and 16 years as principal at Clarkston Junior High School and assistant principal at Sashabaw Middle School, and nine years as an English teacher.
‘I’ve been in Clarkston my entire career,? he said. ‘It’s been great.?
Returning to school as principal requires a different mindset, he said.
‘As assistant principal, I would focus on my role in the building. Now, I focus on the entire building,? he said.
‘The kids have been great ? in general, they’re always very respectful and cooperative.?