HEB ISD School & Family Magazine Spring 2016 | Page 15

Keys High School

Life-changing success stories are taking place in HEB ISD schools every day , and although it is not a traditional campus , KEYS High School is no exception . KEYS implements individualized instructional to provide effective education for at-risk students who have had a difficult time in a traditional high school setting .
KEYS students thrive in a learning environment with self-paced coursework , individualized curriculum , and smaller classes . Each student enters KEYS with their own set of circumstances and challenges , and it is the true calling of the campus staff to meet each student where they are and work together to cultivate a pathway to success .
Massey ( right ) smiles proudly with the soon-to-be graduate , Robles ( left ).
“ This campus is made up of some of the most committed , compassionate , and gifted educators I have ever met ,” said Interim Principal Monica Stennis . “ I have only been at KEYS for a short time , but I quickly realized the full impact of the work these devoted educators do for the students here .”
Staff members focus on building relationships with students and equipping them with the tools to set them up for success . Students meet daily with their advisory class to discuss their progress in meeting the goals they have hand-crafted with the help of their advisory teacher .
The one-on-one instruction and planning provided at KEYS has proven to be life-changing for students facing difficult circumstances . Brianna Robles , a senior at KEYS , provides an example of the deep impact made by the dedicated staff on campus . When Robles gave birth to her daughter eight months ago , she was unsure she would be able to conquer school work and newfound motherhood . Her teacher Connie Massey worked closely with her to develop achievable goals .
“ Mrs . Massey is my favorite teacher I ’ ve ever had ,” said Robles . “ She invested so much time into helping me one-on-one and making sure I was all set up with Medicaid , childcare , and everything .” No matter how difficult the road ahead seemed , Massey poured her heart into making sure Robles achieved her goals .
“ Brianna is such a sweet , hard-working student . When she was pregnant she was insistent on learning every single detail possible about parenthood through my Child Development class ,” said Massey . “ The students here are all going through their own unique struggles , and it ’ s amazing to watch them balance such huge life changes while still being successful in school .”
KEYS High School celebrates student success by holding special graduation ceremonies each Wednesday . Students and staff line the hallway and applaud as graduates proudly march in their caps and gowns . Since students graduate at various times throughout the year , this gives them an opportunity to shine . Approximately 110 students graduate from KEYS each year , and because of her dedication and hard work , Robles will be celebrating that achievement in just a few weeks . She plans to continue her education and would like to become a teacher someday .
“ I plan to start taking online college classes so that I can stay home with my daughter ,” said Robles . “ I really want to be a special ed teacher or a kindergarten teacher . I ’ ve always wanted to be a teacher but being in Mrs . Massey ’ s Child Development class helped me realize that it ’ s what I really want to do .”
Robles ’ story is just one of many success stories happening at KEYS High School every day . The teaching staff truly invests the time and care to make a profound impact in the lives of their students .
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