1. What is Project Based Learning?
Project Based Learning is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that
engage student interest and motivation. These activities are designed to answer a question or
solve a problem and generally reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday
world outside the classroom.
Project Based Learning is synonymous with learning in depth. A wellͲdesigned project provokes
students to encounter (and struggle with) the central concepts and principles of a discipline.
Project Based Learning teaches students 21st century skills as well as content. These skills
include communication and presentation skills, organization and time management skills,
research and inquiry skills, selfͲassessment and reflection skills, and group participation and
leadership skills.
Project Based Learning is generally done by groups of students working together toward a
common goal. Performance is assessed on an individual basis, and takes into account the
quality of the product, the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the
contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization.
Finally, Project Based Learning allows students to reflect upon their own ideas and opinions,
exercise voice and choice, and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the learning
process in general.
Combining these considerations, we define Project Based Learning as:
a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning essential
knowledge and lifeͲenhancing skills through an extended, studentͲ
influenced inquiry process structured around complex, authentic
questions and carefully designed products and tasks.

2. Vicksburg Warren School District
Scholastic Academy
Program Requirements
The student must possess the following characteristics:
• Good Work Habits
• SelfͲMotivation
• Well Developed Social Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Positive Attitude
• SelfͲDiscipline
• Willingness to Collaborate and Cooperate with Others
• Leadership Skills
The student must:
• Meet Curricular Expectations
• Achieve Academic Standards
• Maintain Regular Attendance
(Late arrivals and early checkͲouts will not be acceptable for students
in this program.)
The student must adhere to the Vicksburg Warren School District Student
Handbook.
Any student who does not meet and maintain program requirements will
be subject to probation or dismissal from the program.

3. Vicksburg Warren School District
Application Deadline:
Scholastic Academy (Grades 7Ͳ8)
May 11, 2012
Student Application
Please print neatly in blue or black ink or type the information. Return this application packet with required
documentation no later than May 11, 2012. Late applications will be placed in a "late file" and considered
after all other applications have been processed. All applications should be submitted to Charlotte Grant
at the Central Office: P.O. Box 820065, Vicksburg, MS 39182; (601) 638Ͳ5122.
Date of Application:
Student's Name
Last: First: Middle:
Student's Date of Birth: Gender: Age:
Race: School Student Currently Attends: Grade:
Street Address: ________________________________________________ Apartment Number:
City: State and Zip Code:
Home Phone Number: Work Phone Number:
Cellular Phone Number: Email Address:
Does the student attend a private school, school outside of the Vicksburg Warren School District, or is the
student homeͲschooled? If so, please provide the name, address, and phone number of the student's
counselor or indicate that the student is home schooled.
Name of Previous School: ______________________________ HomeͲschooled (Yes or No):
Mailing Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
City: State and Zip Code:
Counselor's Name at Previous School: ___________________ Phone Number:
Required Documents:
• Copy of Report Card
• 3 Letters of Recommendation from a school administrator, teacher, and nonͲfamily member
(Each recommendation must be in a sealed envelope. The person making the recommendation
must sign across the flap of the sealed envelope.)
Uniform Requirements:
• Shirts Ͳ White
• Pants or Skirts Ͳ Khaki or Navy
Refer to Vicksburg Warren School District Student Handbook for all other uniform requirements.
Other Requirements:
• Lab Fees (to be determined)
• Summer Reading Ͳ
2 Required Books: Across Five Aprils by Irene Hunt; The King's Fifth by Scott Odell
3 Optional Books Chosen from List Provided
Page 1

4. Student Application Ͳ Scholastic Academy (Grades 7Ͳ8) Deadline: May 11, 2012
Student Name: _______________________________________ Date of Application:
Agreement of Understanding
By completing and signing this application, I acknowledge my understanding of the following condition(s)
for this application and hereby give permission to the current school my child attends to release any
information needed to complete the processing of this application in accordance with public law, policy,
and governing regulations.
• I understand that the deadline for receipt of this application is May 11, 2012. Late applications will
be placed in the "late file" and considered only after all other applications have been processed.
• I understand that incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• I understand that program placement will be based on eligibility requirements and availability of
space.
• I understand that, if my child is accepted into Scholastic Academy, he/she must meet and maintain
program requirements.
• I understand that my child's attendance and discipline will be reviewed.
• I understand the exit criteria for dismissal from the program.
Parent's or Guardian's Last Name: ________________________ First Name: _________________________
Parent's or Guardian's Signature: __________________________________ Date:
PLEASE DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE. THIS SPACE IS FOR DISTRICT USE ONLY.
Scholastic Academy:
Student is accepted. Student is not accepted.
Comment(s):
Date Stamp:
Page 2

5. Vicksburg Warren School District
Scholastic Academy (Grades 7 – 8)
Consideration for 2012 – 2013 School Year
Recommendation Form
Student's Name:___________________________________________ School Name:_______________________
Please use the following rating scale to describe the student applicant's learning characteristics and levels of
motivation and creativity. Also, please provide comments you feel may be helpful to our selection process. Your time
and professional judgment are greatly appreciated.
5 – Outstanding 4 – Excellent 3 – Good 2 – Average 1 – Below Average
Directions: Place an “X” in the appropriate box.
5 4 3 2 1
Expresses creativity
Values others' thoughts and ideas
Grasps new and different concepts easily
Appreciates diversity
Shows a high level of selfͲmotivation
Shows a high level of selfͲconfidence and assertiveness
Demonstrates an ability to work independently
Demonstrates an ability to work collaboratively with students and adults
Exhibits leadership skills
Demonstrates an ability to manage time and responsibilities
Has good oral and written communication skills
Has good organizational skills
In the space below, please provide additional comments you feel may be helpful to our selection process.
Please place an “X” in the box indicating your overall recommendation for this student.
I highly recommend this student. I recommend this student.
I recommend this student but with reservation. I cannot recommend this student.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Name (Print) Signature Date
This form is confidential. All completed recommendation forms are due by Friday, May 11, 2012 to Charlotte Grant
at the Central Office: P.O. Box 820065, Vicksburg, MS 39182. For questions, call 601Ͳ638Ͳ5122.
Thank you.