News of Bluehawk Academy

This morning, there was a press conference to announce the launch of Bluehawk Academy, which happened on February 1. Subsequent to the press conference, Hudson City School District issued a press release about the new program, which is described as "a pilot school within the Hudson Junior/Senior High School designed to emphasize the strengths and interests of students to prepare them for the real world."

The following are excerpts from the press release:

This non-traditional pathway for students grade 7-12 will be centered around learning opportunities with local businesses, artisans and individuals who make a positive difference in the community. The Bluehawk Academy will start with 34 scholars who will have flexible schedules based on the strongpoints and passions built and monitored by three new staff members: Megan Amendola, a career guidance counselor; Michelle Donnelley, a former social worker; and Larry Walker, a professional focused in restorative justice.

"The program will be centered around generating employability, establishing work ethic, and developing life skills and techniques to become successful in life after high school," Superintendent Dr. Lisamarie Spindler said. . . .

There was and will be an application and interview process for interested scholars and mentors and/or internship locations to take part in the Bluehawk Academy. Junior High School students in the Bluehawk Academy will be involved in learning opportunities within a similar timeframe as the normal school day, while Senior High School students will have more flexibility in their schedule, similar to a college schedule or workday.

The mentors who will be serving as the supervisors for the Academy's students have bought into the mission the district is trying to establish, to strengthen the skills and pursue the interests of scholars in preparation for future opportunities in and around Hudson. These individuals and businesses have taken the time to fill out applications to describe their goals for the scholars, where they see the program going, and their passion for bridging the gap between the district and the community.

Such vendors include Columbia County Youth Bureau Executive Director Daniel Grandinetti, Commissioner of the Columbia County Department of Social Services Robert Gibson, Michael Molinski of Molinski Photography, Circle of Queens Inc., CEO of Blake's Design and manager of three pediatric offices Akilah Blake, Greater Hudson Promise Neighborhood Inc., and well over a dozen more businesses and/or individuals.

Fields in which Bluehawk Academy students will have the chance to study and work in include business, local government, youth recreation, marketing, musical and theatrical arts, technology, creative writing, and more. . . .