Things you need to know :

The Academic Decathlon is a unique program, because it is not limited to high-achieving students.

The purpose of the Academic Decathlon is...

- To encourage students to develop a greater respect for knowledge
- To promote wholesome competition in academic areas of study and interest
- To stimulate intellectual growth and achievement
- And to encourage public interest and awareness of outstanding programs within our school.

All competing students are eligible to earn scholarship awards and medals.

Decathlon members shown building their confidence at the

Fresno "ROPES" Course.

Competition includes six tests of academic strength, three demonstrations of communication ability, and the Super Quiz - a written test and team event before a large audience. In addition to an interview (seven minutes), an essay (50 minutes), and two speeches (four minutes prepared and two minutes impromptu), written comprehensive exams are given in Economics, Art, Music, Language/Literature, Mathematics, Social Science and the written Super Quiz. The final event is the Super Quiz Relay.

Under the direction of teachers John Davis, Jennifer Scheidt and Laura Andrews, the Leadership course is designed to teach students the skills to be successful leaders in their school, community or profession. Students learn team work, communication skills, conflict resolution, self-evaluation, finances, and Alpha Valley Leo club organization, in the classroom. Students participate in club meetings and volunteer for community service projects demonstrating their abilities to plan, organize, promote, and finance their projects to fruition. They also collaborate with the Sunrise Toastmasters club of Merced, to improve their public speaking abilities and be afforded the opportunity to compete in regional speech contests. They are the student body representatives voicing their opinions and concerns on behalf of their fellow students by attending meetings with school staff and administrators, as well as outside agencies. Students earn elective credits and can also receive a gold cord during graduation by earning a minimum of 25 community service hours. These students obtain a sense of pride in their school and club, as well as learn an appreciation of serving for the good of the community.

Leadership students help @ the Schelby School

Halloween Dance for students & parents!

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Welcome to WLA

Learning by Doing - Doing by Learning

- Learning for Life!

Construction & Landscaping/Horticulture

The Workplace Learning Academy collaborative is a joint effort between WLA, ROP, Merced College

and the Merced Union High School District.

Students in WLA will be be provided with training and will gain skills from practical application in the following areas:

Occupational Safety
Concrete / Masonry
Roofing
Landscaping
Hand / Power Tools
General Carpentry
Welding
Plumbing
Electrical
Painting and Finish Work
Fundamentals of Drafting
Estimating and Costing Projects
Building and Safety Codes

WLA is also an approved pre-apprenticeship training program for the Carpenters Union / Carpenters Training Committee for Northern California, as well as the Associated Builders and Contractors. This allows students to leave the WLA Construction Technology program and move right into the field of construction as an apprentice. In addition, WLA has e a proven track record of placing students directly into permanent employment opportunities in the local building and landscaping/horticulture industries with which we have developed strong working partnerships.

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WE PRACTICE CHARACTER COUNTS:

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your choices

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment