tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post769454065430533893..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Something That Should Be On the District's RadarMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59932612509252917272007-08-24T23:05:00.000-07:002007-08-24T23:05:00.000-07:00I see the same thing consistently at the SSSC Midd...I see the same thing consistently at the SSSC Middle College - the four teachers up there ROCK - lost my own niece to drop-out after two chances there but not for lack of effort on the school's part. But have recc'd and seen huge gains successful completion of HS from others known for years - in fact, hired one of their current students which they have worked with her schedule to accomodate work - on her own since 16 and self-supporting with all that entails with no real job skills before other than tenaciousness [sic]<BR/><BR/>Alonzo, Michael, Patty and their other teacher just moved on to SPU to teach this year. Their graduation this year was rowdy and extraordinary in its hard fought success stories.<BR/><BR/>Rigorous curricula, huge doses of tough love and attention, reality checks on a regular basis with the kids - cannot say enough good about these fine fabulous, committed committable teachers. <BR/><BR/>This program at extremely low cost as SSSC provides space at no cost to SPS and many go on to college as well as dip their feet into running start for a class or two before graduation.<BR/><BR/>They need more money and resources and a full-time counselor.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27048130319405652452007-08-24T17:25:00.000-07:002007-08-24T17:25:00.000-07:00The district should take a close look at the alter...The district should take a close look at the alternative schools report that came out this summer. Many programs incorporate support systems similar to the schools mentioned in this article, especially the Interagency program. <BR/><BR/>The agency connected to the school site where I teach provides case management, chemical dependency counseling, and mental health services to students that need such services, all at no cost to the district. It also has a clothing bank and provides emergency financial assistance for things like state ID, food handler permits, and personal care items.<BR/><BR/>We are fairly successful at moving these students on to jobs and community college. <BR/><BR/>I hope the task force chaired by Barbara Moore will be able to develop a more comprehensive plan to address the needs of these students. <BR/><BR/>I would encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to read the report.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com