380 Edison Way
Reno, Nevada 89502
P: 775.327.3945 * F: 775.861.1299
www.washoeschools.net/sacte
Signature Academy General Application
2015-2016 School Year
Graduating Class of 2019 Only
(Current 8th grade students)
Applications Available On-Line
January 27, 2015
www.washoeschools.net/Page/2256
To ensure accuracy, please complete application on-line
Please Note: This application is for Signature Schools (AACT and Wooster) and Signature Academies ONLY. This does not
include TMCC High School or the Hug GATE program. Please visit those websites for program applications.
STUDENT INFORMATION
Student’s Legal LAST Name(s): __________________________ Legal FIRST Name(s): _______________________
Student ID No.: ________________________
Date of Birth: _____/______/___________
(If you do not have a Washoe County School ID, enter zero and see last page for additional information needed)
Name of Current Middle School: _______________________________________
Student Email: ____________________________________Student Cell Phone: _________________________________
Please indicate support services you are qualified for (even if you are not currently receiving services):
 English as a Second Language
 Special Education Individualized Education Plan
 IDEA Section 504 Accommodations
 Multi-Tiered System of Support Services (MTSS)
 Other: _______________________________________  I am not qualified for any specialized support services
PARENT INFORMATION for the STUDENT’S PRIMARY RESIDENCE
Parent/Guardian LAST Name(s): ___________________________________ First Name(s): ________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________ City: ___________ State: ______ Zip: ________
Parent Email: ______________________________________________
Primary Phone: _____________________ home cell work other
Alternate Phone: ____________________ home cell work other
STUDENTS RECEIVING SPECIALIZED SUPPORT SERVICES
Upon meeting the minimum qualifications for Signature Academy admission, students who have a documented disability under section
504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) and/or under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”), identified as
receiving multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) services or designated as an English Language Learner (ELL), will be scheduled for a
placement meeting at the school where the student is currently enrolled. A placement team, to include the student and parents, will
evaluate and determine if the desired Signature Academy program is best placement for the student. If deemed appropriate, the
student will be placed in the pool of qualified candidates to continue through the lottery selection process.
(See Signature Academy Policies & Procedures, www.washoeschools.net/Page/2256, for more information.)
Application | WCSD High School Signature Academies
Applications Due: January 27, 2015
SECTION ONE: Signature Academy Selection
Please RANK the three signature programs you would like to attend next year.
1 = First Choice 2 = Second Choice (you are not required to select three)
Rank
Signature Academy
Host School
MBA High School of Business,
Business Management
Academy of Arts,
Careers &
Technology (AACT)
AACT
AACT
AACT
AACT
AACT
AACT
Damonte Ranch HS
Damonte Ranch HS
Damonte Ranch HS
Damonte Ranch HS
Damonte Ranch HS
Communication Arts & Media
Culinary & Hospitality
Education
Engineering
Medical Careers
Natural Resources & Animal Science
Performing Arts Center - Choir
Performing Arts Center - Dance
Performing Arts Center - Theater
Performing Arts Center - Band
Performing Arts Center - Orchestra
S.T.E.M. Academy – Project Lead the Way
Aerospace & Biological Engineering
Health Sciences Academy – Sports Medicine
Health Sciences Academy – Community Health Svcs
Global Studies Academy – World Language
Global Studies Academy – Fine Arts**
Center for Agricultural Science & Engineering
(CASE) - Agricultural Engineering
CASE – Agricultural Resource Management
Enterprise Project - Biomedical Studies
Enterprise Project - Civil & Environmental Engineering
Enterprise Project - Human Services**
Red House Project
Spanish Springs Academy - C3Media
Spanish Springs Academy - Sports Medicine
Information Technology Academy –
Animation & Web Design
Information Technology Academy –
Manufacturing Technologies**
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
IB Career-related Programme Energy Technology or Entrepreneurship
Does applicant have a sibling
currently attending this
academy (Yes/No)? If yes,
please provide name of sibling.
Galena HS
Hug HS
Hug HS
McQueen HS
McQueen HS
North Valleys HS
North Valleys HS
Reed HS
Reed HS
Reed HS
Reno HS
Spanish Springs HS
Spanish Springs HS
Sparks HS
Sparks HS
Wooster HS
Wooster HS
**These programs are pilots for the 2015-16 school and available only to students living in the school zone.
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, marital status, ancestry,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, or military or veteran’s status; and the District shall provide equal access
to designated youth groups.. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Office of the General Counsel, 425 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada
89512, 775-348-0200.
Application | WCSD High School Signature Academies
Applications Due: January 27, 2015
SECTION TWO: Essay Question
In one short paragraph (150 words or less), explain why you think this program will help you achieve your goals after high
school. Attach essay to application.
SECTION THREE: Readiness Criteria
Are you ready? Signature Academies look for specific attributes when screening applicants. The qualities are based on
research regarding success in a career academy program or school.
Review the following requirements and readiness skills. Do you meet these criteria today and can you continue to live
up to these expectations for the next four years in a Signature program?
1. Good attendance (85-90%), all reasons included.
2. Clean disciplinary record, including NO suspensions.
3. Ability to take responsibility for your academic behavior and success.
4. Read and comprehend at your grade level.
5. Write proficiently, as determined by Nevada CRTs, HSPEs, End of Course Exams, and/or by receiving As, Bs, and
Cs in, grade-level English classes.
6. Have and maintain a 2.0 or better GPA with no Fs.
7. Organizational skills and ability to complete your school work and homework without assistance.
8. Completion of your school work and homework on time and completely.
9. Good time management skills to handle an increased class schedule and challenging work load.
10. Demonstration of mature social behavior and self-control such that you could blend into a college or work-like
environment.
11. Demonstration of thoughtful decision-making and acceptance of responsibility for your actions.
12. Demonstration of appropriate and respectful behavior with adults.
13. Demonstration of appropriate and respectful behavior with your peers.
14. Ability to manage a rigorous high school curriculum that includes honors classes and performance-based
grading.
I have read and understand the success requirements, skills and attributes that indicate readiness to succeed in a
Signature program environment. I believe I meet these skill requirements and can commit to maintaining them
consistently through completion of the Signature Program.
 YES
 NO
Student Signature: _________________________________________________
Parent Signature: _________________________________________________
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, marital status, ancestry,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, or military or veteran’s status; and the District shall provide equal access
to designated youth groups.. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Office of the General Counsel, 425 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada
89512, 775-348-0200.
Application | WCSD High School Signature Academies
Applications Due: January 27, 2015
SECTION FOUR: Teacher/Counselor Recommendations
Please provide a name and email address for the following educators that you have this year:
 One current core academic teacher (English, math, science, or social studies)
 One current counselor or teacher of your choice.
The Signature Academy Department will send out recommendation surveys if needed.
Example:
Betty Smith
bsmith@washoeschools.net
Current Core Academic Teacher Name: _________________________________ Subject: ________________
Email Address ______________________________________________________________
Current Teacher/Counselor Name: _____________________________________ Subject: ________________
Email Address ______________________________________________________________
SECTION FIVE: Signature Academy Basic Understandings, Athletic Participation
Signature Academy Basic Understandings
For all Signature Academy students, the following basic understandings apply:
MINIMIUM CRITERIA
Acceptance to a Signature Academy is based on a criteria set by the district. All accepted students are provisionally
accepted, dependent upon their final grades, attendance, credit accrual, standardized test scores, and behavior for the 8th
grade school year.
Acceptance basic criteria:
 2.0 overall GPA, no Fs – in grade-level core academic coursework
 Meets standards on 7th grade standardized tests
 Regular school attendance (90%, all reasons included)
 Demonstration of appropriate self-management abilities (no major discipline events/suspensions; few minor
discipline events)
ATTENDANCE IS A PRIVILEDGE
Acceptance is a privilege and is for one school year only. Enrollment will continue from year to year provided that
students continue to meet the grade, credit, GPA, and behavior requirements as stated above. Students not meeting these
requirements will be notified of probationary status and subsequent revocation of attendance privileges, if applicable.
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation is provided from/to the nearest high school for Signature Schools only (AACT and Wooster).
Students/families will need to provide transportation to and from the nearest high school, as schedules will not overlap to
allow for door-to-door service. There is no district sponsored transportation for any other Signature Academy program.
ONE YEAR COMMITTMENT:
Available spaces in Signature Academy programs are limited and highly competitive. Students who accept one of the
available spaces are required to make a commitment to remain enrolled through the conclusion of the school year.
(Note: Requests for release from a Signature Academy prior to the end of the commitment period must be submitted in writing through the school
counselor and must be reviewed/approved by the Signature Academy Department and Deputy Superintendent’s Office.)
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, marital status, ancestry,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, or military or veteran’s status; and the District shall provide equal access
to designated youth groups.. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Office of the General Counsel, 425 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada
89512, 775-348-0200.
Application | WCSD High School Signature Academies
Applications Due: January 27, 2015
Signature Academy Athletic Participation Guidelines
Student athletes attending a Signature Academy at a school other than their zoned high school are eligible to participate in
any sanctioned sub-varsity sport offered at that school as a freshman (NAC 386.787/NRS 386.430). Upon acceptance,
students will be granted a Signature Variance.
Students must abide by the regulations of the Signature Variance, which include:
 Students must maintain full enrollment in the plan of study designated by the Signature Academy and associated
Signature Program with which they are affiliated. If student is not enrolled in a signature course the variance will be
revoked. Enrollment will be reviewed annually.
 Student athletes are eligible to participate in NIAA sanctioned sports at any level other than varsity for the first year.
Athletic participation is limited to the sanctioned sports offered by the school the student is attending.
 Students must continue to meet the requirements of participation in the Signature Academy and associated
Signature Program.
If a Signature Variance is revoked or a student opts to leave the Signature Academy:
 Students who elect to return to the zoned school will lose athletic eligibility for the remainder of the school year in
which the transfer occurs and for an addition 180 school days for any sport in which the student’s name appeared
on a varsity NIAA roster (NAC 386.786).
 Students who are removed from a Signature Academy but want to stay at the school in which the Signature
Academy exists (which is not the students’ zoned school) may apply for a “school granted variance” to remain at

current school, and NOT LOSE athletic eligibility for 180 school days for any sport in which the student’s name appeared on
a NIAA roster. This variance must be approved by the site Principal (NAC 386.786).
Students who leave from a Signature Academy in which they were granted a Signature Variance and apply and are
accepted to a different Signature Academy located outside of their zone of residence will be placed on a standard
variance and will lose athletic eligibility for 180 school days for any sport in which their name appeared on a varsity
NIAA roster (NAC 386.786).
Students who intend to play at the varsity level during the first year (including sports that don’t offer a sub-varsity level)
can petition the Signature Academy Department to be placed on a magnet variance which will allow conditional
participation.
Success Statement
Signature Academy staff and teachers believe in student success and make a commitment to support students in
every way possible. We also believe that it takes a commitment from the student and parent(s) to achieve this
success. Your signature below indicates that you  support your student’s interest in attending a Signature program,
 have reviewed and understand the Readiness Criteria
 have reviewed, understand and accept the Signature Academy Basic Understandings
 have reviewed and understand the athletic guidelines as they apply to Signature variances
Parent Name: ___________________________ Parent Signature: ______________________
Student Signature: ______________________________
Date: ____________________
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, marital status, ancestry,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, or military or veteran’s status; and the District shall provide equal access
to designated youth groups.. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Office of the General Counsel, 425 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada
89512, 775-348-0200.
Application | WCSD High School Signature Academies
Applications Due: January 27, 2015
Application Checklist
Please double check that all of the following are included prior to submitting the application:

Requirements
First Page - student and parent information complete
SECTION ONE: Signature Academy Selections made (at least 2)
SECTION TWO: Essay completed and attached
SECTION THREE: Readiness Criteria reviewed and signed by parent & student
SECTION FOUR: Teacher/Counselor recommendation names & email provided
SECTION FIVE: Basic Understandings and Athletic Participation Guidelines reviewed; Success
Statement signed by parent and student
APPLICATION DUE DATE:
PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 27, 2015.
Applications received after this date will not be processed until after March 1, 2015. Qualified students will
be placed at the bottom of the wait list for the requested Signature Academy program.
Please complete the application on-line, if possible. If you do not have access to the internet to complete the application,
paper applications and supplementary materials can be submitted as follows:
Option #1: By mail to Washoe County Signature Academy Applications, 380 Edison Way, Reno, NV, 89502
Option #2: To your current school counselor to be forwarded to our office (must be received by deadline)
Option #3: Fax to 775-861-1299
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION NEEDED FOR STUDENTS
NOT CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN WASHOE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Students applying for a Signature Academy program who are not currently enrolled in a Washoe County
School District school or WCSD sponsored charter school must provide the following information as part of the
application:

Transcript from 7th grade and first semester 8th grade (as soon as available)

Discipline and attendance records for 7th grade and first semester 8th grade

Most current state standardized test results in Math and Reading (such as CRTs, Iowa Tests, etc.). If
standardized testing is not available or was administered prior to the 7 th grade year, the student will be
administered an alternate math and/or reading test to be used for application purposes. To sign up for
a test date, call the Signature Academy Department at 775-327-3945.
Non-Discrimination Statement: The Washoe County School District does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin or ethnicity, marital status, ancestry,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, religion, age, mental or physical disability, or military or veteran’s status; and the District shall provide equal access
to designated youth groups.. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Office of the General Counsel, 425 East Ninth Street, Reno, Nevada
89512, 775-348-0200.