IB students get early lessons

By RONNIE BLAIR

NEW PORT RICHEY - International Baccalaureate students at Gulf High faced a tricky problem Tuesday soon after they arrived at the school for an afternoon of workshops.

Teachers divided the teenagers into teams of nine. The students had to figure out how to cross a river as a team, using five short boards to create a bridge.

Lucky for them, the stream was an imaginary one in the gymnasium or there would have been a few dunkings.

"It was pretty hard to balance on those little boards," said Wesley Hussey, 14, who managed it nicely anyway.

Watching over the excitement was Assistant Principal Deborah Lepley, who oversees Gulf High's fledgling IB program.

"It's the best day of my life," Lepley said. "I couldn't sleep last night."

School doesn't start until Aug. 8, but Lepley and her team of teachers brought the IB students together early so they could meet each other and learn a few tips as they embark on what promises to be a challenging freshman year.

International Baccalaureate is a rigorous academic diploma program that can earn students who complete it advanced standings at universities, as well as college credits.

As is typical, Gulf High begins with what is really a pre- IB program and a freshman class whose members won't enter the full program until they are juniors.

About 75 students have enrolled, Lepley said.

"That's not too bad for an initial program," she said.

The students come from public and private schools.

Gulf High's IB program is the second one for Pasco County. Land O' Lakes High began offering the program in 1999 with 62 ninth-grade students.

Although IB students have a brainy image, Lepley said an average student with a strong work ethic can succeed in the program.

On Tuesday afternoon, the IB students attended short workshops on such topics as note taking, time management and relaxation techniques.

A hip-hop workshop allowed students to have a little fun, learning dance moves from cheerleader Bridget Gallagher, 15, and school dance team member Ericca Brazil, 16.

Lepley said it's important to show the teens they can enjoy their high school years even as they take on the demanding academics of IB.

"We want students to know they can have a life beyond studying all the time," she said.

Paul Mertz, 14, said time management was the most helpful workshop. Mertz said he feels prepared for the IB rigors ahead.

"I don't think I'm worried," he said. "I know what's ahead of me."

Jamie McCullough, 14, said she enrolled in the IB program because she enjoys school and has always done well in her studies.

"It looked like a good opportunity to get into a good college," she said.