The school year 2012-13 brought many changes to Alternative Education, and here are some of the most notable.
1. Brian Clark Selected Principal of Prospects
Temporary Administrator Katie Curry “held down the Fort” from August until December when the District announced the appointment of Brian Clark.
2. First PHS/AAS Awards Ceremonies Held
In the spirit of Former Principal Amy Farias, whose motto was “Devour the Perception”, Prospects and Antioch Adult students were for the first time formally recognized for Perfect Attendance and Grades 3.0 and higher. Under the direction of Leadership Teacher Maria Landski, leadership students worked hard to prepare two evening Awards Ceremonies this school year. New Principal Brian Clark attended the January ceremony and he enthusiastically congratulated the honored students; many had never received an Award before.
3. Student Support Services Moved in and Adult Ed moved to room 205
Five District employees, headed by Bob Sanchez, now occupy the former Principals’ wing upstairs where Prospects’ Principals, their Secretaries and the Adult Ed Program used to be. They handle truancy, suspensions, expulsions, home visits and other services designed to support student attendance.
4. Resource Department Expanded
This year Resource Teachers Jessica Kelb and Terri Chandler have added Aides to help with the many students in their caseload. Mary Ksenzulak and Justin Alterman now lend their expert services to the Team, which also includes School Psychologist Zane Anderson.
5. Lamont Francies Assigned to Prospects
After Ms. Farias’ untimely death, all Staff engaged in a Grief counseling session with School Psychologist Lamont Francies. Lamont works at other District schools, and now he has been assigned to be at Prospects permanently on Tuesdays and as needed.
6. Pat Stanton Moved to Front Desk
When Cindy Crase and Kari Moniz took other clerical positions in the District, Pat Stanton left her most recent 7-year post at Adult Ed upstairs to take on the demanding job at the Alternative Education Front Desk. Staff cuts have also required resilience and some in-house relocation for Cathy, Teresa, Brenda and Registrar Gwen.
7. Teachers Made their Marks – Online
For the first time, Prospects teachers replaced writing paper report cards for most courses with entering grades on the E-School computer program. These records are not accessible to the public, but align teachers’ grading practices with those of teachers throughout the District. (Students can still get printed copies of their report cards.)
8. More Algebra Classes Offered
Algebra classes at Prospects are now held at different times of the day and with some added teachers. A healthy number of students are giving Algebra II their time and attention. All students should check with their teachers to find the right classes to fulfill the State requirement of one year of algebra.
9. Cyber High Classes Added
Already used elsewhere in the District, Cyber High internet courses are now available to PHS and AAS students on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, between 4 -6 pm on campus or 24/7 from any computer, anywhere you can access the web! Students can take certain previously failed courses and electives on the internet under the supervision of Teacher Jose Hernandez. (Ask your Teacher to sign you up!)
10. Common Core is Coming!
At the beginning of the 2012-13 School year, teachers were introduced to the Common Core Standards. This is a set of educational standards which 45 States have voluntarily adopted to improve and standardize education in the U.S. On Staff development day March 1, District employees and guests discussed the Standards and their implications. Implementation of the Standards will take place on all grade levels beginning 2014-15.
11. Career and College Advising available for ALL Alternative Education Students
Jose Hernandez’s hours for helping students with FAFSA and other college and career counseling are Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 5:00. The FAFSA deadline for financial aid for community college students is in September. Jose is very knowledgeable about how to fill out these forms; he encourages seniors to continue to make appointments with him to discuss their post-high school planning. PACE and Transition Planning is an elective course available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Students who need planning, FAFSA, scholarship assistance or any help in determining what to do after high school can attend this elective class.
