Horizon High

The rays of a horizon will never shine down through the ark windows of The Station and hit this building. We are floating around in space after all. However, this school will broaden the horizon of everyone who enters it. Which I suppose is the meaning of the name.
— Daeruna

Horizon High is a public high school in the Monochrome section of The Station. This school is located on the first level, just a block away from Central Park, and is one of the largest schools in The Station. Like most of the Monochrome section's first level, the student population here is mainly middle-class and above. The school caters to the children of diplomats from various planets, corporate CEOs, celebrities, journalists, doctors, healers, and other professionals. However, students from different sections of The Station are also welcomed, with around 37% of the student body hailing from less privileged areas.

Mission & Vision

The school's mission is to foster an environment where students excel academically and develop into responsible citizens of The Station and the greater community of the Universe. Its vision is to prepare students to be leaders who embrace diversity, community, innovation, and the ethical use of technology. A key part of this vision is making sure that students grow into empathetic and critically thinking individuals capable of leading others in The Station's complex multicultural environment and in the rest of the Universe.

History

This school was founded by the government in 559AR, when settlers from other planets began to arrive in large numbers. Until then, the Dragons managed education according to their own cultural traditions. However, with the influx of other species and the growing diversity, they realized that a more inclusive schooling system was needed. Drawing inspiration from the Kaose, the ancient beings who designed and created The Station, they fashioned a hybrid educational model. This model mixed the opinions of the other people who were moving in together with that of the Kaose. The Dragons also added their own touch, to make sure that community and discipline remained integral to the schooling system's values. This specific school was one of about a dozen public schools that the government opened in Monochrome around the same time. From its early days students from a variety of planetary origins were welcomed, though admission was competitive. As a public school, it also made sure that students from different socioeconomic backgrounds could enrol, even if Monochrome itself was predominantly inhabited by middle and upper-class families. Over time, the school became a melting pot of cultures both from within the Station and the world outside.

Funding

The school is primarily funded by The Station's government, using tax revenue collected from inhabitants and corporations. Given the high concentration of influential families, additional contributions are often made by corporate donors, parent associations, and other benefactors.

Support systems

The school strongly emphasizes student well-being and mental health, offering extensive support systems to ensure that every student has access to the help they need. This includes in-house counselors, academic advisors, and other support staff. Regular workshops on mental resilience, conflict resolution, and career planning are organized to help students navigate the pressures of both school life and life outside school, which can often be stressful given The Station's political and social complexity. Additionally, the school operates peer mentorship programs where older students assist younger ones in adjusting to the school's academic workload and social dynamics. Tutors from the faculty and the student body offer one-on-one guidance for those who may struggle in particular subjects. There is also a collaboration with a cram school in the same block.

Collaborations

The school has formed numerous partnerships with universities, other high schools, research stations, and businesses from across the universe. These collaborations allow students and teachers to participate in internships, research projects, and exchange programs. Many of these partnerships also support the school's mission to prepare students for leadership positions in other parts of the Universe. Notable collaborations include partnerships with the prestigious Caeronta Academy on the planet of Rant, the Luna Scientific Research Council on the planet of Bog, and the Merena Cultural Institute on the planet of Kasoun.

Structure

The school has a principal and a vice principal. The principal holds an independent position. However, the Educational board of the government is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the education is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Education Act and other regulations. The Educational board of the government is also the ones employing the principal and vice principal. The principal and vice principal are the ones hiring all the other employees of the school. They are the managers of the 3 types of teams working in the school. The teachers, the administration and the support team.

The Teachers

The teachers are responsible for delivering the curriculum and managing the classroom environment. They are divided by subjects into departments, with each teacher assigned specific classes and courses throughout the academic year. Some responsibilities:

Design lesson plans and prepare materials for instruction.

Teaching students.

Assessing performance of students through assignments, tests, and exams.

Participating in parent-teacher conferences and communicating regularly with parents or guardians.

Attending professional development and training sessions to stay updated on educational best practices.

Each department has a lead teacher who coordinates departmental activities and acts as a liaison between the department, other departments, and the vice principal. Teachers are also responsible for extracurricular activities like coaching sports teams, advising clubs, and organizing field trips.

The Administration

The administrative team handles the daily operations and logistical aspects of the school. This team ensures that the school runs smoothly by managing schedules, handling student records, and supporting both students and staff. Key roles of the Administration:

Office Manager: Oversees the general operations of the school office, managing office staff and ensuring the school’s day-to-day administrative needs are met.

Registrar: Responsible for maintaining student records, processing enrolments, and managing transfers.

Finance Manager: Manages the school's budget, including payroll, vendor payments, and tracking expenses for supplies and other necessities.

Receptionist: Acts as the first point of contact for visitors, parents, and students, and manages communications between the school and the broader community.

Counsellors: Provides emotional and psychological support to students, offering guidance on academic and personal issues. They also play a role in university or career preparation.

The Support team

The support team encompasses various roles that help maintain the environment. Their work may be less visible but is still crucial for the smooth functioning of the school. Key roles of the Support team:

Custodians: Responsible for keeping the school clean and safe. This includes routine cleaning, repairs, and maintenance of school facilities.

Cafeteria Staff: Provide nutritious meals for students and staff, managing meal preparations, inventory, and food service during lunch periods.

IT Specialists: Ensure that the school’s technology infrastructure is operational, including managing Modi and computer labs, classroom technology, and providing support for teachers and students using digital tools.

Security Personnel: Maintain safety and security on campus, monitoring entrances and exits, patrolling grounds, and responding to any security concerns that arise.

Nurse: Provides healthcare services, including administering medication, treating minor injuries, and managing student health records.

Programs

This school has the most extensive list of programs to choose from among the government high schools. The most popular programs to apply for is:

Astral Navigation and Command Program: This program is in preparation for further study to become Station captains, deck officers and star ship drivers in space travel, ship management, and tactical command. Courses cover everything from celestial navigation, star ship mechanics, and deep-space exploration, to advanced leadership and crew management.

Social Science Program: This program offers students a deep dive into subjects like sociology, psychology, history, and political science. It prepares students for careers in fields like law, education, public policy, and people services.

Natural Science Program: This program is known for its rigorous curriculum, this program attracts students interested in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. Graduates often pursue careers in healthcare, research, environmental conservation, or advanced scientific studies.

Economics Program: Focusing on economics, management, finance, and entrepreneurship, this program equips students with the skills to thrive in corporate settings or start their own ventures.

Events

This school holds a lot of events over a school year, this is is a couple of them:

Metro Mosaics: This is a yearly cultural art festival that celebrates diversity. It has student performances, art exhibitions, food stands, and cultural showcases from various ethnic communities.

Future Forge: The school hosts this major innovation fair once a year, where students present projects in robotics, coding, app development, and more. Industry leaders both from the Station and from the rest of the Universe serve as judges and mentors, potentially leading to internships or scholarships for outstanding students.

The Station High School Championships: This is a large inter-school sports tournament, with participation from high schools across the Station. This involves multiple sports. It has a large media coverage and and community involvement. Teams who win also win large amounts of money. This money is mostly for the school but part of the money is given to the students in the winning teams.

Success stories

There are many students from this school who has gone on to do great things. Two of those are the current principal and vice principal.

Daeruna graduated from Horizon High School 26 years ago from the Natural Science Program. After graduating the Trailblazer academy a couple of years later, Daeruna successfully became a trailblazer. He quickly became an integral part of a pioneering team tasked with venturing into uncharted territories. However, during one particularly dangerous mission to explore a new area, Daeruna saved the lives of his team mates but in doing so, he sustained serious injuries that would ultimately prevent him from continuing his career as a trailblazer. After recovering from his injuries, he chose a new path. Education. It didn't take long before he became the principal of Horizon High.

Jamineth graduated from the Social Science Program 26 years ago. She continued on to university to become a teacher. Upon graduation, Jamineth decided to return to her alma mater, where she could give back to the community that had supported her own growth. Over the years, she became a beloved figure at Horizon High, not only for her excellence in the classroom but also for the way she connected with students on a personal level. Jamineth received several awards for excellence in education. She was offered the seat as a principal several times but she did not want the responsibility. Until her old schoolmate and neighbour returned and he asked her to become his vice principal.

Related reads: The Education system on The Station

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