Rumor Blaster / Message Board

Riverhead Alternative School:
A New Beginning

REASON FOR CHANGE: The Alternative School has gone through a number of changes since its origin. As attendance lagged (sometimes as low as 50%) and instructional issues increased, it became apparent that it was time for another change. Once that decision was made, much of the decision making came out of a committee (The Alternative School Reorganization Committee). The goal of the program will remain unchanged: to offer students an atmosphere that will promote academic success, while addressing individual needs and learning styles.

THE TEAM included: teachers (Christine Miller, Michelle Gode, Peter Huszagh, David McKillop); Administrators (HS Principal David Zimbler, MS Principal Andrea Pekar, Director of PPS Betsy Chappell, Guidance Director Christopher Pulitano); social worker Dr. Nicholas Kardaras; Parent Verona Smith; Board of Education President Nancy Gassert and BOE member Angela DeVito; and finally a large representation of students (Tia Davis, Javvon Baxter, Eric McPherson, Zachary Rodriguez and Darnesha Miles).

THE DISCUSSION included: the history of the program; attendance; student, teacher, parent and administrative concerns; student support services; curriculum and instruction; criteria for admission; a plan of action.

THE PLAN OF ACTION:
Recommendations for the New Program:

• Both a morning and afternoon program
• Teacher facilitators
• An application/interview process for admission
• A student/parent contract
• Small class size
• A school/work component
• Student support services (onsite guidance counselor)
• Integration with the high school for specials and electives in the morning program
• Focus on individual student needs and learning styles
• Create classroom environments where students are actively engaged in learning
• Provide the opportunity for teachers for summer curriculum development

  "Alternative Schools should be place of innovation providing models of curriculum and teaching particularly effective with at-risk students." (Wehlage, p. 227)
  
  Michelle Gode, an Alternative School teacher, writes, "The Alternative School Reorganization Committee has worked closely with the students to ensure that their needs and concerns are addressed. The enthusiasm surrounding the reorganization is being fueled by the optimistic attitudes of both the staff and students, who are working diligently to ensure that the new program will be a success. The first step in a successful transition is the remodeling of the north portables so that the space becomes 'home.'"

TEAMING WITH THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION TRADE COUNCIL OF NASSAU AND SUFFOLK:
"The students have a unique opportunity this summer to do most of the renovating themselves. Through the Summer Construction Skills Program, the students will have hands-on input. Their responsibilities will range from researching cost and material needs, to designing the interior and the courtyard, to painting the building. Through this program, students will get to create an atmosphere where their hard work serves as a reminder of their commitment to the program and their education." (Michelle Gode "The New Alternative School" from The Wave of the Future)

RELATED LINKS: "STAR Academy: Ready, Set, Go" / News Review Article 7/15/08: Page1, Page 2