With construction projects both completed and well underway at Selma and Kingsburg High schools, the focus for both schools is shifting further into a subject that is always of concern -- academics. Selma High School Principal Mark Babiarz said that with the year starting with more than 1,700 students and 12 new teachers, making lessons come alive for students is vital to success. A new model that the school is following, the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol, is aimed at getting students to be actively engaged in the subject that they are studying, according to Babiarz.

"(SIOP) allows for a structured delivery of classroom instruction based on language development in all content areas for all students," Babiarz said, emphasizing the importance on involvement outside the classroom as well.

Extracurricular activities help students meet others and be a part of something that will expand their horizons, according to Babiarz.

"Co-curricular and extracurricular activities will continue to be an important part of Selma High School," Babiarz said. "All students are encouraged to join clubs and/or athletic teams as a means of experiencing all that Selma High School has to offer."

Kingsburg High School Principal Randy Morris said that the school is focusing on academics as well.

"Like everyone, we are always working to improve academically," Morris said. "Our teachers are working very hard at analyzing student data."

Using software called Data Director, for the last three years, teachers have been able to get detailed analysis of scores very quickly, according to Morris.

"It gives pretty good analysis of where students are," Morris said about the software, which he feels helps improve instruction. "Because teachers have information accurately and they get it quickly."

Trying to put new life into the old system of rewards for good grades, Morris has been meeting with students and other faculty to see what can be done to further motivate students.

According to Morris, rewarding improvements in STAR testing is a big focus, along with grade point average, attendance and completing homework.

To celebrate those who are excelling, the high school is planning a spring rally to recognize the various achievements.

The academic rally, much like rallies before a game, is to get students more excited about academics.

"What we're going to try to do," Morris said, "is recognize students for their academic achievements on a school-wide level."