July 10, 2017

West High School

425 East Ridgeway Avenue
Waterloo, IA 50702

Greetings, Wahawks!

I hope this information finds you having a relaxing and restful summer vacation! As you may know, the
Waterloo School District has recently adopted a plan for career-infused curriculum. As part of that plan,
the school has created Career Academies to help your student develop more of the skills he or she may
need in their future as a nurse, mechanic, engineer, welder, graphic designer, police officer, or carpenter,
just to name a few.

In addition to that, the school has implemented a Performance Based Diploma Academy geared to those
students who want to learn through a more non-traditional manner. This Academy utilizes technology to
help students learn through a self-guided approach, allowing students to learn at their own pace. Waterloo
Schools is very excited to offer this opportunity to all students, but especially those who have the urge to
accelerate their learning and those who feel they could be more successful in this small community-like
environment.

Research indicates there are several benefits to online learning, such as increased flexibility with
schedules, mass customization to meet your childs specific learning needs, and increased efficiency and
productivity among the learners. (The Heritage Foundation, 2010) Give your child the option to see if
online learning is right for them.

On the back of this note, you will find information geared specifically to the Performance Based Diploma
Academy at West High. This information includes: acceptance criteria, courses offered, after hours
opportunities, and more!

For more information, we will be holding an open house event on both Tuesday, July 25, 2017 and
Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at 6:00 P.M. in room 229 at West High. Please do not hesitate to stop in for a
chance to ask more questions and see how the program works up close! If you are unable to attend but
would like more information, please call or email using the information provided below. I will be happy
to share more about the Performance Based Diploma Academy with you personally.

Thank you,

Ashley Reimer
PBDA Coordinator
319-433-2700 ext. 12345
reimera@waterlooschools.org

http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2010/01/how-online-learning-is-revolutionizing-k12-
education-and-benefiting-students#_ftn10
 The Performance Based Diploma Academy
Are you struggling to earn credits in the traditional setting? Do you want to earn your
44 credits faster? If you answered yes to either of these questions, the Performance
Based Diploma Academy (PBDA) is right for you!

What is PBDA? PBDA is an online-learning academy located right inside West High!

How do I get accepted? If your record of attendance is good, but your number of credits is
not exactly where you want it to be, fill out our online application and turn it into your current
guidance counselor. Better yet, come into our August session of summer school and try the
program out for yourself. Earn a credit and youre automatically accepted into our academy!

What courses are offered? PBDA offers courses mainly in the four core subject areas:
Science Physical Science A/B, Biology A/B, Geology A/B, Ecology A/B, & Health
Math Algebra I A/B, Geometry A/B, Algebra II A/B, & Consumer Math A/B
Social Studies U.S. History A/B, World History A/B, Contemporary Affairs, Economics, Government,
Geography, Sociology, Psychology, & C3 Foundations
English English 9 A/B, English 10 A/B, American Literature A/B, & English 12 A/B
We also offer ACT Prep for any student willing to go the extra mile!

Will I have homework? Edgenuity, our online learning system, allows you to work ahead
outside of school if you have Internet access. Typically students utilize these capabilities to move
ahead in the class and earn more than the traditional 14 credits per year.
The After Hours program also allows students to stay after school from 2:45-4:45 on
Tuesdays and Thursdays with a teacher to receive extra support in all subject areas. Dont
have a ride? Dont worry weve got you covered through our activity bus!

Remember, we want YOU in the Performance Based Diploma Academy! We hope to see
you at one of our open house events or to hear from you in the near future!