Junior Ali Labeid transferred to CCHS from Hollywood Hills High School. One hundred and seventy-two students came to CCHS through the Opportunity Scholarship Program. Photo Credit: KAYLEE OBERFIELD
BY RACHEL SHARPE
One hundred and seventy-two students transferred to CCHS at the start of this school year when the Florida Legislature revised the state’s Opportunity Scholarship Program (OSP), which gives students who attended a “D” or an “F” school a chance to attend a higher performing school in the district.
At the end of each school year, every school in Broward County receives an overall performance grade based on FCAT performance points determined by the Florida Department of Education.
Schools that received grades of “C” or higher were identified as “receiving” schools. CCHS, along with McArthur High School and South Broward High School were the three receiving schools in the south area of Broward County.
“Twelve thousand letters were sent out to families across the district,” guidance counselor Sharon Friedlander said. “Parents could submit an application if they wished to take advantage of the program.”
Parents were able to rank their top three choices of schools by priority. Students were divided among the three schools based on state school grade criteria
and space available. CCHS received students from Hollywood Hills High School and Hallandale High School.
Junior Dean Yaron is one of the students who transferred to CCHS from Hollywood Hills High School.
“So far I love CCHS,” Yaron said. “Not only are the students much nicer, but they care a lot more about the school, and it shows.”
Junior Ali Labeid also previously attended Hollywood Hills. Labeid says he is most looking forward to getting involved in many of the sports offered at CCHS.
“I play football, soccer and tennis,” Labeid said. “I’m really excited to play for the teams and represent CCHS.”
Though it may seem like these students have had no problem adjusting to life at CCHS, coming to a new school is a big change.
“My biggest challenge switching schools is the fact that I made the transition at such an “old” age, being a junior,” Yaron said. “Everyone already has their own group of friends.”
Fortunately, the increase in students means CCHS will be allowed to hire additional teachers. Each school has a projected enrollment rate, and when a school goes over that projection, they get additional money called growth dollars. These dollars generate money for additional teachers and instructional material.
“We are hoping to have new teachers on board here in the next couple of weeks,” Principal Wendy Doll said.
As for now, teachers and administrators are focused on making the students feel comfortable at CCHS.
“Our main goal is to make sure that everyone is a part of CCHS and that everyone feels welcome,” Doll said.
