At STHS, students return from summer vacation to find a new period called Elevate.

Wayside High School has introduced Elevate, a new academic program designed to help students to improve their math and English skills. The program gives students a structured period to practice these subjects and track their academic progress.

“We simply made it shorter so it could be more purposeful,” said Principal Mr. Sanchez, explaining why the school changed Raven Next to Elevate.

According to Principal Mr. Sanchez, the purpose of Elevate is to increase students’ reading and math skills and help them prepare for important tests like TSI and START tests. The Elevate Program replaced Raven Nest with a shorter and more focused time. 

Kimberly Guillen, a high school student, believes Elevate helps students understand their academic progress. However, she thinks the program could include more activities. “I feel like just doing math and English is very boring, Kimberly said. 

Another senior scholar, Jackie Valencia, thinks that Elevate is useful when students have unfinished assignments because it gives them time to complete their work. However, she feels students need more help with academic applications for example involving universities and degree programs. ”I feel like I need a little more explanation,” Jackie said 

Elevate takes place every day of week, and each period lasts approximately 35 minutes. During this time, students receive works based on the areas where they need more help or practice and use IXL to improve their skills. To measure students’ progress, the school give them a short assessment periodically. The schools hopes Elevate will help students to be better prepared for future tests.

“She always asks if we have a question or if we need help,” Jackie said about the teacher who supervises her Elevate period. 

For students like Jackie Valencia and Knimberly Guillén, Elevate provides a new way to use part of the school day to work on academics while also giving them time to finish other schoolwork.