Lowell High School - Freshman Academy FAQ's

Freshman Academy FAQ's

Welcome to Lowell High School > Parents > Freshman Academy FAQ's

Q. What is the Clement G. McDonough Freshman Academy and how is it different from Lowell High School’s other academies?
A. The Freshman Academy is a program designed to promote an effective and positive transition for students going from grade 8 into their first year at Lowell High School. Through the offered academic and social supports, our vision is to insure that all students who enter as freshman successfully leave with the skills and knowledge needed to enter grade 10 without remediation.

Q. Can Freshman Academy students participate in the other LHS academies?
A. The Freshman Academy is designed to be an independent first year program. All students are eligible to enroll in the full range of other LHS academies upon completion of their first year.

Q. What is Freshman Seminar?
A. Freshman Seminar is a class designed to introduce students to the culture of high school and the essential study skills necessary for high school success including literacy strategies to assist students in all content.

Q. What is a cluster?
A. A cluster is a small team of content teachers that works extensively with a group of approximately 200 students. The cluster model allows for a small school feel within the larger high school community.

Q. How does a freshman find out about signing up for clubs and sports?
A. Activity sign-ups are promoted throughout the year and are announced regularly during daily morning announcements. The Student Activities Advisor visits freshmen advisories to promote clubs and activities during the first few weeks of school. Additionally, flyers and posters are displayed in the building throughout the year. Student can also inquire about activities at the Freshman Academy main office during advisory.

Q. Where and when can students buy bus passes?
A. Bus passes may be purchased during lunch at the end of each month in the Freshman Academy cafeteria. During the 2008-2009 school year, bus passes were $20 per month. This price is subject to change by the LRTA.

Q. Where do students catch the bus?
A. Buses come to Lowell High School at the end of each school day. Students should inquire as to the location of the bus they need on their first day of school. Teachers and administrators will be available outside to assist students at the close of school during the first week of school.

Q. Can Freshman students eat in either cafeteria of Lowell High School?
A. Students assigned to advisories in the Freshman Academy building must eat lunch in the Freshman Academy cafeteria.

Q. Who do I call if I am not sure who to talk to about an issue?
A. Call the Freshman Academy Office at 978-441-3704.

Q. I left a phone message that my child would not be in school today, so why did I receive a phone call saying my child was absent from school?
A. Our system is fully automated and is designed to place a phone call to confirm any and all students who are recorded as absent.

Q. What time does school start and end?
A. School starts and students must be in their advisory room at 7:55 am. The school day ends at 2:30 pm. We recommend that students be at school by 7:45 am.

Q. What is the attendance policy?
A. For the 2009-2010 school year, students exceeding 8 unexcused absences in a semester cannot earn course credit.
Q. What is an excused and unexcused absence?
A. Excused absences are those absences that are documented by a medical office note, a court appearance receipt, or similar official documentation. Please refer to a more complete and detailed list available in the student handbook. A parent note does NOT excuse an absence for academic purposes but is important in letting the school know that the child was not truant. The parent note also allows the student to make up the missed schoolwork.

Q. What is the policy about cell phones and electronic devices?
A. Cell phones, electronic devices and/or their holders cannot be used or displayed during any part of the school day. All use must stop upon entering the school in the morning and devices must be turned off and put away out of sight for the remainder of the day. Use may resume at the time a student is dismissed for the day. Students who must report to detention have NOT yet been dismissed.

Q. Will the school call the parent if a child receives an after school detention?
A. Students are encouraged to call their parents from the Freshman Academy main office to let their parents know when they have received a detention.

Q. What is the dress code at Freshman Academy?
A. Please refer to the student handbook for a more detailed discussion of the LHS dress code. Please note, however, that camouflage of any color and/or gang-related clothing are NEVER permitted at Lowell High School. Hats are not permitted to be worn on the campus during the school day.