Junior Nicole Downing has a baby on the way. Knowing it it would be a challenge to finish high school with a baby, she looked for an alternative to continue her education and complete her junior year. “I joined the alternative school so I could finish all my classes before my child is born.” Downing said.
For students like Downing there are options other than attending the main campus of Hastings Senior High School. The Alternative Learning Center is another course of action students can take to further their education. It is generally for students who are unsuccessful in a traditional school setting, have poor attendance, or lack the credits they need to graduate.
Alternative School teacher Tina Sawyers says, “Students who attend are expected to meet behavior, attendance and academic standards to stay in the school. Expectations are to have no more than 15 absence in any period, abide by the rules and expectation of day to day, no excessive suspensions or expulsions, and must complete 20 credit hours a semester
One unique thing about the school is that students are not limited to how many credits they can earn in one semester. The students work independently; if they finish a class early they can add another class into their schedule.
In order for a student to participate in the alternative school they first must fill out an application then it is reviewed by an administration panel as to whether the students is accepted or not. And Sawyers wants to emphasize that the school is not a punishment, but a privilege.
“The a school is a privilege. There is a waiting list of students who would want to come to a school but we only have a limited amount of space. ” Sawyers explained.
Junior Mayce Cooper applied for the alternative school because she was having problems maintaining attendance on the main campus. She says the school has really helped her because the teachers can bond more with the students. Cooper says “The teachers work with you one on one here”
Cooper also adds that the alternative learning center is “a lot less drama-oriented” than the high school and much less stressful.
Sawyers noted that having something like the alternative school is a good addition to HHS. “It’s a specialized program for students who are at risk” or just need additional support, Sawyers said.
