Renaissance at Centennial High School

Theory behind Renaissance Program

Centennial High School has adopted a program based on one of the most successful Performance Management programs in the business world.  Performance management is not a new term to the business and industry community.  It is not unusual for you to determine the results you want, pinpoint the behaviors of your employees which will accomplish those results, and use measurement and feedback to decide when to give positive reinforcement for improvement.  We have developed this same type of program to celebrate and recognize academic and character behaviors for students at Centennial. 

It is sad to think that most people only get recognized for 15 seconds in their lifetime and that those 15 seconds are usually during their high school graduation.  Students often go unnoticed for achieving good grades or improving them, for earning high SAT scores, or for classroom accomplishments. 

We are joining 3,500 other schools across the nation that engages in this new way of motivating students. Other schools across the nation have seen many positive outcomes of rewarding and recognizing their students and staff based on performance and improvement.

What does Renaissance looks like at Centennial?

Last year was the 2nd year for the Renaissance Program and we are happy to report that we had over 1,300 students earn a white, sliver or gold Renaissance card in the spring. Students earned cards based on their numeric GPA. Students were eligible for a card if they maintained an 80 average or higher. Freshman students are eligible to participate in the spring and they will receive cards based on their fall GPA. Local business partners have offered discounts to students. Higher GPAs earn students deeper discounts like last year, students will have to keep up with their card in order to get into the Fall and Spring celebrations. Last year, the Renaissance cards became a coveted card with many students, and one could easily see the number of students that were focused on academic achievement by the Renaissance T-Shirts the students all wore!

Behind the scenes work:  Collaboration with Students, Parents, Teachers and Administrators

In the spring, teachers recommended students to serve on the Renaissance committee based on work ethic, good grades and character.  After the student’s names were submitted, the students were invited to submit an application to join. A committee of teachers and administrators carefully screened all applications and fifty students were chosen to serve on the committee. These students will be responsible for helping to plan both the fall and spring Renaissance Academic celebration, as well as various projects to improve school moral and school culture. Renaissance is not just about the students; Renaissance is also about recognizing teachers for their dedication to student achievement. With that said, we have many teachers who serve on various Renaissance subcommittees. This year, Mr. Brian Heglund is the teacher coordinator of the Renaissance program. We also have an Assistant Principal, Ms. Ashley McGill and an Administrative Assistant Mr. David Alexander, who work closely with the students and Mr. Heglund to ensure Renaissance success.

If you have any questions about ways you can get involved with the Renaissance program, please contact Ashley McGill @ McGillA@fultonschools.org or Brian Heglund @ Heglund@fultonschools.org.

What can Centennial parents to do help this worthwhile program:

Do you own or manage a local business – or know some who does?

We are looking for Renaissance Business partners – to either offer discounts on goods or services  during the school year to the honor students and staff or to make monetary contributions to the Renaissance Fund or to be a T-shirt sponsor.

If you would like to participate or would like additional information – please contact:

Kathryn Blanks, PTSA Committee Chair of Renaissance Business Partners – krblanks@bellsouth.net

Volunteer to help with the Fall Celebration on Friday, Oct. 31^st – during lunch periods –
Kate Mckay hapacadaka@aol.com or Kathleen DeBuys rcdebuys@bellsouth.net

Other volunteer opportunities with student enrichment & recognition –
Elissa Fisher efisher@mdigroup.com