Campus and District administrators are reaching out to potential freshmen students, selling New Tech’s hands-on approach to learning. Two New Tech schools will open at Eastside Memorial High Schools at the Johnston Campus — Green Tech High for the study of the environment, energy issues, and conservation; and Global Tech High for international studies and global issues.  

“If I were a high school student, I’d jump at this opportunity,” Moises Ortiz, Principal for Global Tech High, said. “It’s a new way of learning, and one that engages students and keeps them interested in their classes. New Tech is the future, not a rehash of old-style instruction.”  

Green Tech Principal Connor Grady concurs. “We learn by doing things. It’s not just theory at New Tech. Imagine learning physics by designing the sound stages for a rock festival, or learning geometry by creating a putt-putt golf course. We put learning into action, and it works. All students become actively engaged, and take charge of their own learning.”  

The two principals have been meeting with eighth grade students and parents at middle schools in the Eastside neighborhood, and planning other recruitment activities that include the personal approach of a neighborhood walk and direct mail. Community posters also will be placed in area businesses.  

What’s so special about New Tech? Check it out:  

• Every student will have his or her own laptop computer to be used in all classes and at home.
• Each school will have only 125 students in each grade level, so they will receive personalized instruction.
• All students will graduate on the Recommended (college-prep) Plan.
• Classes will be “hands-on,” so that students stay engaged and interested in learning.
• A rigorous college preparatory curriculum will be provided to all students with college visits provided, a College Center on campus created in partnership with the Austin Community College, and college level course credit offered.
• Career pathways will include: Engineering, Multimedia, and Biotechnology, Health Care Science, and International Business.
• Students will have access to a full range of UIL athletic and extracurricular activities, and compete together as the Eastside Memorial Panthers.
• Campus facilities will receive a multi-million dollar renovation over the summer; and
• Students will work with community and business leaders as they plan and implement projects and schedule internships and community service projects.

Additional highlights of Global Tech High School:

• Model United Nations Program - classes and annual activity.
• Opportunity for travel to foreign countries for enrichment and cultural exchange; and
• Language courses available in both Spanish and Chinese.

Additional highlights of Green Tech High School:

• T-STEM (Texas – Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) curriculum.
• Focus on the economy of the future, specifically on “green” industries where heavy job growth is predicted; and
• Mentoring, internship and other career-related opportunities with local green industry sector companies.

All incoming ninth grade students in the Austin School District are eligible to attend these two schools, with bus transportation provided. First priority for enrollment is provided to students living in the attendance zone of the former Johnston High School. If more applications are received than slots available, students will be selected by lottery.  

Key business, community and governmental leaders have formed an Advisory Committee to provide resources and support to the two New Tech schools that may include senior internship opportunities, special projects such as “robotics,” and financial assistance for travel to foreign countries.  

Parents who are interested in learning more about the New Tech schools can call Eastside Memorial at 414-2319, or go to the website, www.austinisd.org/eastsidenewtech.  

An open house will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. in the Eastside Memorial cafeteria to give prospective students an opportunity to view the laptop computers, talk to New tech students, and meet the New tech principals and teachers. Eastside Memorial is located at 1012 Arthur Stiles Road.