When students need extra help, this school offers an ‘ICU’

This paid piece is sponsored by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.

A teacher’s greatest sense of accomplishment comes from seeing students succeed. For some, academic success comes naturally, but others need an extra hand, especially during the transitional years of middle school.

O’Gorman Junior High School developed a program to help students get through those rough patches in their schooling. The “ICU” program, which stands for “Intensive Care Unit,” was started in 2011 to provide extra support for students.

Through the program, students are notified if they receive an insufficient grade or have not turned in an assignment. They meet with their teacher one-on-one to receive extra instruction and help. The students come in before or after school until the assignment is completed. Parents also are notified to ensure lines of communication are open. O’Gorman Junior High teachers say it helps establish a sense of responsibility and accountability before students move on to high school.

“ICU reinforces that all students are expected to do every assignment and are accountable for their grades. They also know that someone is paying attention if they’re falling behind and may be scared to ask for a little extra help,” explained Katie Keppen, a math teacher at O’Gorman Junior High.

Keppen’s classroom isn’t the only one using this technique. The entire faculty has embraced ICU in their classrooms and work with students to make sure no one falls behind in their education. After the implementation of ICU, the number of students who received D grades decreased by 28 percent, and the number of failing grades dropped by 67 percent. Those numbers have stayed consistent throughout the past 10 years.

The personal growth isn’t seen just on students’ report cards either. Administrators have seen major changes in students’ ability to complete their work and improvement in their time management skills. Feedback given by O’Gorman Junior High parents shows they appreciate knowing that once they are notified of a student’s missing assignment or an insufficient grade, the help from the faculty continues, so their child isn’t left with confusion about a subject. The building blocks of their education keep moving forward, and the student is empowered with knowledge and understanding.

“ICU helps students become responsible and independent learners. It instills a work ethic that includes the tenacity to finish an assignment and do it to the best of their ability,” Keppen added.

And the program doesn’t make an impact just academically. Keppen describes how communication with her students has improved since the adoption of the ICU program. She smiled broadly as she describes how her students now feel comfortable approaching her about something they aren’t understanding, and that alone has made a huge difference in her teaching.

“It encourages students to have meaningful conversations with adults. Usually, students may try to avoid going in to speak with a teacher about an assignment they don’t understand. When students are held accountable, the conversation happens, and students learn and grow,” Keppen said.

Through the program, Keppen hopes that students know that they are noticed in their classes and that they do have someone to turn to when they need a little help. She also hopes parents know they never have to worry about their student slipping through the cracks.

“It makes a difference for students to know they have adults in their corner supporting them. Students not only learn the subject matter, but they learn they are surrounded by caring adults who want them to succeed.”

If you are interested in learning more about the ICU program and O’Gorman Junior High, contact the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools admissions coordinator at 605-575-3358 or [email protected].