NOTES FROM PRINCIPAL’S COFFEE OCTOBER 7, 2015
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TRAILBLAZER PROGRAM – GUEST SPEAKER, MR. STEVE JOHNSON, METROPOLOTIN
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
o The Trailblazer Program was started in 2009 with the goal to have students who would
like to acquire their college degree at a faster rate, starting while they are still in high
school. Students can graduate high school with their diploma and obtain their associates
degree for general education classes at the same time.
o Students can either receive their associate’s degree or up to 62 transferrable college
credit hours while still in high school.
o Students may earn up to 30 credit hours through AP courses or dual enrollment courses
at Blue Springs School District.
o To apply for the program: 1)Attend the information session during sophomore year
2)Request the information 3)Student must take ACT or Compass Placement test
4)Students must have 3.0 or higher GPA 5)Fill out application/essay/3 reference forms
o Students that go through this program will still be eligible for freshman level
scholarships and will go into college as a freshman with hours.
o Dual credits may also be obtained during high school years. These credits will transfer
over to most 4 year colleges. These classes are taught by college certified instructors
that are employed by the high school and the college. The credits are transcripted to
both high school and college transcripts.
 Students can take these courses at the MCC campus.
 AP Courses – taught by certified teachers – when scoring, the norm determines
a score of 1 through 5. If the students receives a 3 or higher, the grade will be
converted to a college credit, beginning sophomore year.
o Dual Enrollment – students can start taking classes at the MCC campus during Junior
year.
 Students can use MCC classes to fill high school credits, i.e. fine arts, etc.
 Students may need to take
o Getting this information early will help you map out the remaining years of high school
and beyond.
o Cost of program – you are solely paying for the credit hours. Your total cost should be
right around $5300 for the entire program.
 Dual credits are half the cost of full credit courses.
 MCC does do payment plan and works with parents to figure out the best way
to pay for these courses.
o PARENT Q & A REGARDING TRAILBLAZER PROGRAM:
 How many kids complete this and do extracurricular activities at the same time?
Can they do this?
 If the student prioritizes and uses time management well, they will
succeed in this program and still be able to do activities. For example,
we had a recent student that played varsity soccer and was involved in

HOSA while completing the Trailblazer program. He was accepted into
the 6 year medical program at UMKC.
 MCC will work with students to figure out what days they are available
and try to schedule them accordingly.
 How does this affect the A+ program?
 A+ money cannot be used until after the student has received their
diploma.
 Even if students do apply to this program, they are still encouraged to
do the A+ program.
 Scholarships can still be given to students that complete the A+ program
even if they do the Trailblazer program.
 When will the Trailblazer program start picking up credits?
 There will be more information available to parents during sophomore
year in March. After the informational meeting, students should sit
down with their counselors to plan the remaining 2 years implementing
the Trailblazer program.
 Students can enroll in the program starting Junior year.
 The goal is to get students through their college years in a 2 to 3 year
span once out of high school.
 If they’d known about this before freshman year, would they have been able to
set up their 4 year plan differently?
 None of the freshman level classes will carry over to college credits.
 AP History as a sophomore will be able to be carried over as a college
credit.
 FAFSA – how can they use pell grants/FAFSA for this program?
 FAFSA and other grants are not able to be used until after a high school
diploma is obtained.
 This will alleviate some cost later, however as the credits purchased
during high school years are generally half the cost of regular tuition.
DR. DANICA FUIMAONO – ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – INTERNET SAFETY
o App awareness for parents – several new apps out there that should be concerning to
parents – see the PowerPoint presentation for examples
o Start discussions with your kids about who they are talking to online
 It’s easy for online predators to pinpoint where kids live by using numerous
techniques, i.e. GPS location, kids tagging themselves at various locations, etc.
o Mr. Martin, school principal, says that BSSD has started a program called iSafe –
curriculum surrounding internet and predator safety by teaching kids how to be
responsible online. The program goes from 5th to 12th grade. During freshman year, this
program is during health class and advisory.

PARENT QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS:
Parents were asked to write their phone number or e-mail address on any feedback they
provided if they wanted a response from Mr. Martin. Please call him if you would like to
receive feedback regarding any of the following items.
o Would like to see…
 Stop disruptive students in the classroom – too hard for kids to focus and learn
in class.
 Less crowded, smaller class sizes
 The schools need to be separate – too much controversy with competing
schools
 When parents encourage students to ask questions of the teacher, have teacher
respond with something other than check your syllabus. This deters the student
from asking questions in the future.
 High School teachers not present during FC Parent-Teacher conferences, i.e.
forensics
 More time to eat lunch
 More communication – email/scheduling, especially with sports involvement
 Where can I find tutoring for specific classes such as Algebra?
 Interventions to support students that are struggling
 Collaboration time is good, but individualized or smaller group sessions might be
better
 The counselor can help figure out schedule changes, but it would be nice if there
was a way to filter classes by high school when they are assigned
 Supply lists were difficult because parents/students didn’t know what was
needed for tax free weekend and then all of the teachers asked for
tissues/other items.
o Things that have gone well this year…
 Student is enjoying school, especially band
 Amazing teachers
 Student was concerned about the combining of South/BS kids, ended up not
even being a problem
 Teachers are communicating basic lesson plans, quiz and test dates with parents
 Home and school communication
 Student is enjoying school year very much – zero drama
 The principal coffee had excellent information. Sports night dealt with
academics as well and was presented in a very clear way. Very impressed with
the excellence and organization! Great job!
 Good start of school with scheduling – car line works well
 Pleased with great communication! Would rather get an email per day than not
to get important info.
 Many teachers send emails letting parents know what’s going on in class

o
Love the communication of some teachers – sending emails to parents on a
weekly basis is great!
 Students loves it here – most teachers are away for their concerns as a
freshman – great teachers – great attitudes!
 Teacher conferences were great. Enjoyed meeting teachers.
 Parent Portal is very helpful
Things to make better…
 Explore other options for Freshman placement – too crowded and BSHS/BSSHS
rivalry