Middle School // The Purple Hoodie
5 years ago, Detroit Achievement Academy leaders sat down to have a conversation about what systems they could help establish to best assist our students as they transitioned into high school. At the time, our oldest kids were 6th graders and the decision was made to regularly dedicate time during their advisory block to start researching best fit high schools and think through the steps they would have to take to apply. By the time they were 7th graders, it was clear that their paths into their dream high schools would involve more than a simple application. Detroit's top high schools require an extensive application process that includes essay writing, portfolio sorting and even an entrance exam.
There is a lot of extra work that 8th graders are responsible for to start their school year in order to get connected with their best fit high schools. Thinking about 13 and 14 year olds having to compete to have a chance at top quality public education is not something that we wish for our students to have to do, so we certainly didn't want them to do it alone. We have implemented every possible support to make this process as equitable as we can for our students and families. Regular parent meetings and info sessions, essay writing clinics and revisions, high school placement test practice sessions and teacher run study sessions are just a few ways that we help prepare our students.
We work really hard to help instill a sense of delayed gratification at Detroit Achievement Academy. We want kids to know that they are putting in this work, in order to connect to the top high schools, to then help get them to their post-secondary education goals. However, we also recognize that we live in an immediate gratification world and every once in a while, some quick motivation is well received; thus the idea of the purple hoodie was born.
The moment an 8th grader at DAA takes the initiative to hit "submit" on their first high school application, they are presented with a very special purple hoodie, stamped with "Detroit Achievement" and our logo. This is only given to 8th graders at that moment and they are allowed to wear them as a part of their uniform, so frequently you will see some of our leaders in the halls vesting their special gear. Beyond day to day use, it has turned into a staple among the DPSCD early bird exam session, as 3 years in a row our students have all worn them together to take their test. Test officials recognize their unity and have even allowed them to all test together, which has proven to reduce their test anxiety.
Such a simple thing that has had so many reverberations as a motivator, point of pride, and even conversation starter in and out of our school community. We hope that the purple hoodies will continue to pour out of DAA as more and more of our scholars move on to their best fit high schools and make us proud every day!
