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The following article will be published in the January edition of Saginaw Township Living magazine.
Nouvel: Putting the Student First in Student-Athlete
By: Sarah Moore & Isabelle ZamoraAt Nouvel Catholic Central, the ‘student’ is always the priority in the term ‘student-athlete.’ While 97% of the student body participates in some form of extracurricular activity, such as athletics, band, or theater, many students participate in multiple extracurricular activities, simultaneously. It can be a lot to manage when 79% of Nouvel’s student body are multi-sport athletes. These activities require students to be better with time management and organization, and overall contributes to more well-rounded Panthers. However, at times, students can find themselves getting behind in their classwork or need extra help when managing everything. That is where Panther Academic Success Services (PASS) comes into play.
PASS is a program at Nouvel’s high school and junior high campus that is held most Tuesdays through Thursdays for an hour after school, where students can get extra help in any of their classes. It’s hosted in the recently remodeled Media Center, which is now more conducive to tutoring in small groups and independent work, with various forms of technology available. Instructors from the math, science, english and social studies departments are available to help students in a one-on-one or group setting. This allows students to get back on track with whatever they may be struggling with, make up a test, or just keep up with the day-to-day workload.Some students may be recommended, or required, to attend PASS by one of their teachers. Other students chose to head to the Media Center for a quiet study spot after school until they can be picked up, or they hope to receive a little extra help. It is always open to any student, 7th-12th grade at Nouvel. Some Panthers, who can’t stay after school, but may just require some quick assistance on math homework, can also attend Math Lab during lunch hours or Writing Lab as needed. This timeframe is especially convenient for student-athletes who can’t stay after school due to practice or game commitments.
Our Panthers shared why they appreciate having the support services. Freshman Manning Solek stopped in PASS to type up an essay after school and said, “You can get help from teachers and the Math Lab at lunch is nice if you don’t understand the lessons that day and just have a question.” Freshman Maddie Tarnosky shared, “I was at another school and they didn’t have anything like this so I like knowing PASS is there if needed and help is always available at Nouvel.”
Nouvel coaches are understanding and prioritize academics so that students can make it to PASS. “I love the PASS program,” Mike Kessler, Nouvel boys basketball coach and high school instructor, stated. “I think it really shows the commitment that our school has to ensure our students’ success. Many of our JV coaches come in and help students out. This shows how our sports teams really care about academic success too.”
This academic support system is just one of the ways that Nouvel focuses on academics and provides support to help all students succeed. Graduation rates remain at 100%, with all students prepared to succeed in college, the military or trades. Panther student-athletes additionally receive the benefit of smaller class sizes and individualized attention in the classroom. For more information on Nouvel athletics and academic opportunities, please visit www.NouvelCatholic.org/Explore.
