Out of money, seeking alternatives for kids …

Published 5:00 pm Monday, April 30, 2012

JOHN DAY As the school year nears its end, teachers at Blue Mountain Education Center are preparing their students not only for final tests, but also for the permanent closure of the schools doors.

The alternative school is just one of many budget-driven cuts proposed for Grant School District No. 3, but it accounts for the most jobs lost five on its faculty and staff by any single program.

News of the alternative school closure comes as 10 of its students gear up for graduation. Total enrollment is 20 seventh- through 12th-graders. District officials say the closure of the school, run out of the old junior high campus in John Day, will save $90,000.

One reason district cited for the closure is the cost of the program for the relatively low number of students served.

Teachers in the program are disappointed, feeling theyve built a strong program for students, but they are working to find ways to ensure that returning students reach their ultimate goal an Oregon diploma.

So far, its not clear what school will be like for alternative students next year.

Superintendent Mark Witty said they will study on the Grant Union Junior-Senior High School campus, using current Grant Union staff as much as possible.

Monty Nash, principal of alternative center and Humbolt Elementary School, said that while he understands the districts financial difficulties, he also hopes the students will receive the services they need to achieve their goals.

The staff has done a whale of a job, he said. Im very grateful for all theyve done for the kids.

He and the teachers are hammering out ideas for the schools transition.

We are working very hard as a team to think outside of the box to create a program that will allow students the opportunity to succeed in their education, said Shanna Northway, a head teacher at the school who also focuses on English.

Other faculty and staff include Ken Purnell, who shares the head teacher job and works with students in current events and geography; and education assistants Brian Delaney, science and PE, and Vicki Thompson, math. The staff all share the additional day-to-day responsibilities of running the school.

Generally, students come to the alternative school after falling behind in schoolwork, having too many absences, or perhaps behavioral problems.

The alternative school has allowed us to offer students who struggle fitting into the normal box of education a chance to succeed, Northway said.

Thompson noted that many of the students are quite bright.

Some fell behind because they were unable to adapt to the schedule of classes or the pace of traditional school be it too fast or too slow, she said. Through one-on-one relationships, encouragement, building self-confidence and respect for themselves and others, the students start to value their education they start saying Im here to learn, and I can get somewhere.

The driving force behind the success of the students, Northway said, is letting them know, we truly care 100 percent about your education, and you have to care just as much.

Northway and Thompson said the small setting helps them discover how each student best learns.

Its refreshing to see kids that didnt seem to have a chance have dug themselves out of a hole, and theyre graduating, Northway said.

Over the past year or two students have moved from self-study to more stuctured classes, completing two or three subjects before moving on to new classes.

Delaney has helped make science studies more interesting for the students with hands-on experiments and has taken the PE program from an online exercise log to something Thompson says the students look forward to.

I love the school and being around the students and the staff, Delaney said. Its a shame that its going to end.

Purnell noted that implementing new philosophy and programs for the students has been trying at times, but worthwhile.

Its been rewarding seeing some of the kids find success and realize that they can achieve their dreams, he said. Its been a great experience for me.

He said news of the school closing came as a surprise, especially since district officials had been supportive and worked at the school to help implement programs.

Losing his job isnt a concern, he said, but seeing the students continue their education is; he would like to see a smooth transition for them.

I hope they come up with a good plan for the kids to keep them in school, he said.

The graduation ceremony for Blue Mountain Education Center students will be held at the Canyon City Community Hall May 31 at 7 p.m., and Thompson notes the event is expected to be extra special.