Descriptions of the
Regional Alternative Education Projects
2009-2010

Location: Bristol City and Washington County Program Name: Crossroads Alternative Education Program Focus: The program, located at two sites, will serve up to 24 high-risk students in grades 7-12. Academic instruction, individual and group counseling, and a transitioncomponent are key elements. The program will help students become more self-directed learners, abstract thinkers, collaborative workers, and contributors to the community. The students will be provided instruction in technology. Contact: Dr. Michael K. Amstein, Assistant Superintendent, Bristol City Public Schools, 222 Oak Street, Bristol, Virginia 24201 Phone: (276) 821-5600, e-mail: mamstein@bvps.org, fax: (276) 821-5601

Location: Brunswick, Greensville, and Mecklenburg Counties Program Name: Southside LINK Focus: The day program has the potential to serve 60 expelled students in grades 8-12. Four teachers provide a non-traditional academic program offering English, mathematics, social studies, and vocational education. Technology is integrated into the curriculum. Individual and group counseling services are available on a regular basis. Contact: Dora Wynn, Assistant Superintendent, Brunswick County Public Schools, 1718 Farmers Field Road, Lawrenceville, Virginia 23868 Phone: (434) 848-3138, e-mail: Dora.wynn@brun.k12.va.us, fax: (434) 848-6039

Location: Buena Vista and Lexington Cities; Rockbridge County Program Name: Turnaround Academy Focus: The regional alternative school accommodates students in grades 9-12. The program is a computer-based program combined with direct teaching by a highly-qualified teacher. Each student is provided with an educational plan with emphasis on academic, behavior, and attendance requirements. Contact: Dr. Mary Holm, Director of Instruction, Buena Vista City Public Schools, 100 Bradford Avenue, Buena Vista, Virginia 24416 Phone: (540) 261-2120, e-mail: mary.holm@bvcps.org, fax: (540) 261-2967

Location: Carroll County and Galax City Program Name: Carroll-Galax Regional Alternative Education Program (The RAE Center) Focus: Two school systems, Carroll County Public Schools and Galax City Public Schools, have joined in a partnership to establish an off-campus regional alternative education program for 45-55 students in grades 7-12. Innovative features include an integrated hands-on academic curriculum, cooperative learning, applied computer technology, mentoring, and career and self-esteem counseling. The Jobs for Virginia Graduates academic courses in job readiness skills are available to all eligible RAE Center and ISAEP-GED students as a fully accredited elective class. Contact: Wade Meredith, Coordinator of Alternative Educational Services, Carroll County Public Schools, 605-9 Pine Street, Hillsville, Virginia 24343 Phone: (276) 728-3191, e-mail: wmeredit@ccpsd.k12.va.us, fax: (276) 728-3195

Location: Fairfax County and Alexandria City Schools Program Name: Transition Support Resource Center Focus: Targeted middle and high students are provided with individualized and small- group instruction and support services for up to one semester. This year-round program is located at Bryant Alternative High School in Alexandria. Staff and community resources are used to meet the needs of the students while at the program and to facilitate transition to the next school site. A maximum of 44 students can be served at any one time. Contact: Shannon Matheny, Interagency Alternative Schools, Gatehouse Administrative Center, 8115 Gatehouse Road, Suite 2600, Falls Church, Virginia 22042 Phone: (571) 423-3360, e-mail: Shannon.Matheny@fcps.edu, fax: (571) 423-3367

Location: Fauquier and Rappahannock Counties Program Name: The Regional Continuum of Alternative Education Services Focus: The objective is to reduce the number of youth who are at risk of expulsion, drop-out, or academic failure. The program offers a supportive learning environment to 90 students in grade 7-12. It promotes social and emotional skill development and identifies and resolves barriers to academic achievement and success in home and community settings. A school-within-a-school model serves the Rappahannock community, and the Fauquier community maintains a separate alternative school program. In conjunction with law enforcement, the juvenile justice system, community-service agencies, and service learning partnerships, the program seeks to include key stakeholders in the lives of students both at school and at home. Contact: Craig Carscallen, Principal, Southeastern Alternative School, Fauquier County Public Schools, 4484 Catlett Road, Midland, Virginia 22728 Phone: (540) 788-1054, e-mail: ccarscallen@fcps1.org, fax: (540) 788-1207

Location: Fluvanna, Alleghany Highlands, Bath, Botetourt, Buchanan, Charles City, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Grayson, Greene, Halifax, Highland, Madison, Orange, Shenandoah, and Smyth Counties; Radford City Program Name: Project RETURN Focus: Project RETURN was formed to assist school divisions in addressing the educational, social, and emotional needs of students who require an alternative educational program. Selected students from each locality receive instruction through the Project RETURN model. The model allows the locality to provide instruction at home or within the local alternative education center. Using the best in available software, the mentor teacher, in collaboration with the sending home school staff, develop an individualized academic program based on the student's ability level and the appropriate Virginia Standards of Learning. The ultimate goal is the student's successful transition into the regular academic setting. The program can involve up to 75 students in grades K-12. Contact: Brenda Gilliam, Director of Secondary Education, Fluvanna County Public Schools, P. O. Box 419, Palmyra, Virginia 22963 Phone: (434) 589-8208, e-mail: bgilliam@mail.fluco.org, fax: (434) 589-2248

Location: Henry and Patrick Counties; Martinsville City Program Name: Breaking Barriers -- A Regional Alternative Education Program Focus: The program focuses on the total student and addresses such issues as family problems, lack of motivation, peer pressures, academic, and legal troubles. It is designed to provide strong emphasis on behavior modification, teamwork, enhanced decision-making abilities, and work and study habits. Comprehensive counseling, job training, parent and community involvement are key elements of the program. Up to 29 high-risk youths, grades 6-12, can be accommodated. Contact: Linda Dorr, Director of Middle/Secondary Instruction, Henry County Public Schools, P. O. Box 8958, Collinsville, Virginia 24078 Phone: (276) 634-4726, e-mail: ldorr@henry.k12.va.us, fax : (276) 634-4719

Location: King William, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Essex, and King and Queen Counties; Town of West Point Program Name: Middle Peninsula Regional Alternative School Project Focus: The program serves over 200 expelled or long-term suspended students with chronic behavior problems in grades 6-12. An after school program, operating four days per week, has been established at two sites. Program components include small-group instruction with individualized assistance. Strong emphasis is placed on reading, writing, and behavior modification. An extensive partnership between the school divisions, local businesses, and community-based organizations has been established. Contact: Gloria E. Washington, Director of Alternative Education, King William County Schools, 80 Cavalier Drive, King William, Virginia 23086 Phone: (804) 769-2708, ext. 609, e-mail: gwashington@kwcps.k12.va.us, fax: (804) 769-2430

Location: Lynchburg City; Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Nelson Counties Program Name: Regional Alternative Education Program Focus: The program provides an alternative setting for up to 54 students in grades 6-12 at three locations. The key to the program consists of intervention strategies to change both academic and social behavior and collaboration among the schools, public agencies, and the juvenile judicial system. The goal is to move students from externally managed behavior to the internalized self-control for success in school. Staff use individualized and small group instruction, incorporating technology into all aspects of the program. Contact: Linda J. Cole, Director for Alternative and Adult Education, Lynchburg City Public Schools, Amelia Pride Center, 1200-1208 Polk St., Lynchburg, Virginia 24505 Phone: (434) 522-3742 e-mail: colelj@lcsedu.net fax: (434) 522-2308

Location: Montgomery and Pulaski Counties Program Name: Regional Program for Behaviorally Disturbed Youth Focus: The Regional Program for Behaviorally Disturbed Youth provides a comprehensive alternative education program for behaviorally disordered middle and high school youths at two program sites: Independence Secondary School in Christiansburg and the Pulaski County Achievement Center located at Pulaski County High School. Both programs are therapeutic educational programs. The Pulaski County Achievement Center serves students in grades 6-12 while the Independence Secondary School serves students in grades 8-12. In addition to small group and individual instruction, all of these programs provide counseling and assessment services. Contact: Larry Lowe, Program Manager, Montgomery County Public Schools, 208 College Street, Christiansburg, Virginia 24073 Phone (540) 381-6100 Fax (540) 381-6185 E-mail llowe@mcps.org

Location: Newport News and Hampton Cities Program Name: Enterprise Academy Focus: The school offers a rigorous academic and intensive behavior modification program in a business setting for 185 long-term suspended and expelled students in grades 4-12. The program is based on a projects-oriented curriculum with computer use as an integral part of the instructional program. Students work in study teams to facilitate inquiry-based academic work. Conduct rules require students to conform to a strict dress code. Contact: Dr. Cynthia Cooper, Executive Director of Student Leadership, Newport News City Public Schools, 12465 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23606 Phone: (757) 591-4612, e-mail: Cynthia.Cooper@nn.k12.va.us, fax: (757) 595-2017

Location: Norfolk, Chesapeake, Franklin, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach Cities;Isle of Wight and Southampton Counties Program Name: Southeastern Cooperative Education Program Focus: The project is a consortium effort between eight school divisions for targeted students in grades 6-12. The program employs licensed staff that provides instruction in English, mathematics, science and social studies. This instruction adheres to the Standards of Learning established by the Virginia Department of Education and is augmented by an emphasis on social skills and behavioral development. Special education services for identified students are provided. The program works closely with the parents, community services boards, juvenile and domestic relations courts, social services, and the police department in the coordination of services to the alternative education students. Contact: Dr. Judith Green, Executive Director, Southeastern Cooperative Educational Program, Smithfield Building, 6160 Kempsville Circle, 300B, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 Phone: (757) 892-6100 e-mail: green.judith@secep.net fax: (757) 892-6111

Location: Northampton and Accomack Counties Program Name: Project Renew Focus: Located at two sites, the program accommodates up to 20 students in grades 6-12. Targeted are skills associated with goal setting, parental involvement, decision-making, counseling, and instructional progress. The program involves outside agencies as the school division addresses instructional needs of students, helps work toward improved behaviors, and ensure medication needs are appropriately managed.  The goal is to transition students for re-entry into the school and entry into the world of work. Contact: Lisa Floyd, Director of Testing and Accountability, Northampton County Schools, 7207 Young Street, Machipongo, Virginia 23405 Phone: (757) 678-5151, e-mail: lfloyd@ncps.k12.va.us, fax: (757) 678-7267

Location: Nottoway, Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg and Prince Edward Counties Program Name: Piedmont Alternative School Focus: The program, located at the Southside Skills Center in Nottoway, provides an alternative setting for up to 77 students, ages 15 or older. Main objectives of the program are to increase opportunities for each student for academic success through educational interventions and teaching methods; assess students vocationally and match them with a vocation area; empower the student through consistent behavior management; provide conflict resolution strategies; and create opportunities for team building. Contact: Allen Vernon, Director, Amelia-Nottoway Technical Center, 148 Vo-Tech Rd., Jetersville, Virginia 23083 Phone: (434) 645-7845 e-mail: avernon@antc-pas.com fax: (434) 645-1044

Location: Petersburg, Colonial Heights, Hopewell Cities; Dinwiddie, Prince George, and Sussex Counties Program Name: Blandford Manor Regional Alternative Education Program Focus: The school systems have contracted with a private-sector company, Specialized Youth Services of Virginia, Inc., to establish a regional alternative education program which accentuates opportunities for academic success and development of interaction skills. A "whole person" approach, addressing behavioral, cognitive, emotional, physical, familial, and social skills, is used to meet the development of each pupil. Employment training skills are integrated into the program, and job placement assistance is available for students of appropriate age and readiness level. The program can accommodate 28 pupils, grades 6-12. Contact: Warren Bull, Chief Executive Officer, Specialized Youth Services of Virginia, Inc., 230 S. Crater Rd., Petersburg, Virginia 23803 Phone: (804) 733-2180, e-mail: wgbull@sysva.com, fax: (804) 733-8502

Location: Pittsylvania County and Danville City Program Name: Regional Alternative School Focus: The school is designed to assure that students receive an opportunity to change behavior and return to the “real school world.” The program provides a setting that has high expectations for both academic and behavioral success. These expectations are communicated to teachers, parents, and students. The school follows the 180 day year calendar and offers individual instruction as needed for students in all core courses including those students placed with an individual education plan. The faculty and staff have created a schoolwide discipline plan to help students focus on positive behaviors. A school dress code adds a dimension of commitment to the program. An incentive program has been designed to reward students for good behavior and to assure academic success. All students are expected to pass the Virginia Standards of Learning and to complete course work and return to their school in both good academic standing and with a new approach to positive conduct in a regular school environment. Parents are expected to be involved in the education of their children, provide transportation on a daily basis, and attend conferences to discuss and plan their child’s academic future. Contact: Deborah Powell, Principal, Regional Alternative School, Pittsylvania County Public Schools, 200-A Blairs Middle School Circle, Danville, Virginia 24540 Phone: (434) 836-2900 e-mail: deborah.powell@pcs.k12.va.us, fax: (434) 836-8913

Location: Powhatan, Goochland, and Louisa Counties Program Name: Project Return Focus: Existing alternative programs in the three school divisions have been expanded to work with expelled and suspended students or those in the stages before referral for long-term suspension or expulsion. These programs serve a potential of 55 high-risk students in grades K-12. Each program offers a different instructional approach. One program targets study skills, character education, employment skills, and also offers after school tutoring. The second offers an after-school program, and the third program provides home instruction or Saturday school. The outcome for all three programs is for students to progress satisfactory and be able to re-enter the regular school program, or obtain a General Educational Development (GED), or certificate of completion from the alternative education program. Contact: Randy Watts, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Powhatan County Schools, 2320 Skaggs Road, Powhatan, Virginia 23139 Phone: (804) 598-5700, e-mail: randy.watts@powhatan.k12.va.us, fax: (804) 598-5705

Location: Prince William County; Manassas, and Manassas Park Cities Program Name: New Dominion Alternative Center Focus: A community-based educational program serving 120 students in grades six through eight, the program provides innovative instruction in the four core academic subjects: language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science. Students receive instruction based on the Prince William County curriculum and the Virginia Standards of Learning tests. Teachers work in small groups to provide grade level academic instruction and ongoing instructional support and remediation. An alternative education plan is developed for every student with emphasis on developing the student academically and socially. Once improvements are shown and students meet the criteria, they return to their base school after completing one full year. In addition to addressing academic needs of students, the program focuses on self-esteem and social skill development. Students receive on-going counseling and support services. Student recognition and partnership with parents and the community are an integral part of the program. Students are  mentored by United States Marines based at Quantico. In addition, high school mentors meet with students twice a month. The school encourages participation in community service through the Learn and Serve Program. Contact: Jehovannia Mitchell, Principal, New Dominion Alternative Center, Prince William County Schools, 8220 Connor Drive, Manassas, Virginia 20111 Phone: (703) 361-9808, e-mail: mitchejd@pwcs.edu, fax : (703) 361-2864

Location: Richmond City; Hanover and Henrico Counties Program Name: Metro Richmond Alternative Education Program Focus: The participating school divisions have established a regional alternative education program serving 41 students in grades 6-12. The facility is located at St. Joseph's Villa, a local private educational agency in Richmond. The goals of the program are to improve deficient academic skills, help students with positive decision-making and social skills, improve educational progress, and positively engage the students with the community. Contact: Ron Hansboro, Dooley School, St. Joseph’s Villa, 8000 Brook Rd., Richmond, Virginia 23227 Phone: (804)553-3291 e-mail: rhansboro@sjvmail.net fax: (804) 553-3306

Location: Roanoke and Salem Cities; Roanoke County Program Name: Roanoke/Salem Regional Alternative Education Program Focus: The project focuses on the total student and includes the following components: curriculum content, teaching techniques, computer integration, counseling programs, parental participation, staff development, and evaluation. A major goal of the program is that students will not commit new acts of misconduct during or following exit from the program. Students who are academically delayed have the opportunity to participate in an accelerated academic program. Achievement in academics and behavior are required for students to return to their home schools. A community service component permits students to improve social development. Two hundred high-risk youths in grades 7-12 and the General Education Development (GED) program can be placed in the program. Contact: Hallie Carr, Director of Adjunct Programs and Secondary Counseling, Roanoke City Public Schools, 40 Douglass Avenue, NW, Roanoke, Virginia 24012 Phone: (540) 853-2684, e-mail: hcarr@rcps.info, fax: (540) 853-1250

Location: Russell and Tazewell Counties Program Name: PROJECT BRIDGE Focus: The program serves approximately 250 students in kindergarten through grade 12 who chronically disrupt regular classes; intentionally injure another student; are truant; have returned from a correctional facility; or have drug, weapon, or alcohol charges. The program provides a variety of teaching and learning methods including the use of technology to meet the needs of students so they can maintain scholastic achievement to proceed toward a high school diploma or a GED certificate. While at school some students receive counseling services from a private counseling group on a daily basis. School facilities are used except in instances where it is necessary to separate students and instruct them at home. Students may elect to take classes at one of the county’s career centers. The day program, an after school program, and Saturday school are all options in creating a successful program. Contact: Steve Banner, Administrator of Alternative Education Programs, Russell County Public Schools, P. O. Box 8, Lebanon, Virginia 24266 Phone: (276) 889-6519, e-mail: sbalted@yahoo.com, fax: (276) 889-6527

Location: Scott and Lee Counties Program Name: Renaissance Program Focus: Located at two sites, the program accommodates up to 53 students in an after- school program in Lee County and 30 students in the day program in Scott County. Serving high-risk pupils in grades 7-12, students are offered a combination of academic activities and vocational training. An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed for each student upon entrance into the program. Computer-assisted instruction augments both the academic and vocational components of the program. The program involves parents and community agencies. Contact: John Ferguson, Assistant Superintendent, Scott County Public Schools, 340 E. Jackson St., Gate City, Virginia 24251 Phone: (276) 386-6118, e-mail: john.ferguson@scott.k12.va.us, fax: (276) 386-2684

Location: Stafford, Caroline, King George, and Spotsylvania Counties; Fredericksburg City Program Name: Regional Alternative Education Program Focus: The school divisions in Planning District 16 have created a regional program at an off-school site so that suspended and expelled students can be offered educational services and will not be at-large and unsupervised during the school day. A counseling component is an important part of the program that also includes community outreach and involvement. A vast majority of students take core academic courses to meet Standards of Learning (SOL) and graduation requirements. In addition an Individual Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP) and General Educational Development (GED) component are available for students aged 16 and 17 who meet appropriate entrance requirements. The program can serve approximately 180 students in grades 9-12 during the course of the school year. A family intake meeting is required, and students and parents are required to sign an agreement stating that they will abide by the rules and guidelines of the program. Contact: Dr. Christopher Quinn, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction, Stafford County Public Schools, 31 Stafford Ave., Stafford, Virginia 22443 Phone: (540) 658-6000 e-mail: quinner@staffordschools.net, fax : (540) 658-6061

Location: Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Waynesboro Cities; Augusta County Program Name: Genesis Alternative School Focus: The project offers a regional off-site alternative program for up to 92 targeted students in grades 6-12. The program uses a non-confrontational, consequence-based decision making model to help students develop attitudes and work habits required for academic and work success, to improve achievement and attendance, to reduce the incidence of school board policy violations, and to empower the students with skills to manage conflict in acceptable ways. Parent involvement is strongly encouraged. The program also employs a full-time clinical psychologist whose primary role is to assist students in coping with their home and school issues. While students are encouraged to seek a return to their home school, the program also offers sufficient curriculum options so that requirements for graduation can be met while they are placed in the program. Students who qualify for graduation may participate in their home school’s senior class and graduation exercise. All official records bear the name of the home school. Contact: Tim Brown, Program Director and Principal, Genesis Alternative School, 2076 Jefferson Highway, Fishersville, Virginia 22939 Phone: (540) 213-6507, e-mail: tbrown@staunton.k12.va.us, fax: (540) 949-7424

Location: Westmoreland, Lancaster, Northumberland, and Richmond Counties, Town of Colonial Beach Program Name: Northern Neck Regional Alternative Education Program Focus: The program is designed for 36 students in grades 6 through 12 and establishes options for students who no longer have access to school. An accelerated, individualized instructional program, offering a small pupil teacher ratio, is a key element of the program that is housed at the Northern Neck Regional Vocational Center. Goals include preparing students to return to the traditional school setting, promoting the development of self-esteem, personal and community responsibility, and family involvement. Contact: Randy Long, Principal, Northern Neck Regional Alternative Education Program, P. O. Box 787, Warsaw, Virginia 22572 Phone: (804) 333-4940, e-mail: hrlong70@aol.com, fax: (804) 333-0538

Location: Wise and Dickenson Counties; Norton City Program Name: The Regional Learning Academy Focus: The program provides effective intervention for violent and disruptive youthenrolled in the region. A personalized education program, responsive to the needs of students, includes: an electronic interactive program that extends to remote sites, a self-contained highly structured learning environment, an enriched education option for students demonstrating personal, social, and academic growth, and an option for students who are not diploma candidates. The program works in conjunction with several youth-oriented agencies such as Workforce, Inc. and their vocational programs, as well as court services to provide the most appropriate educational and behavioral plan for each student. Students can also enroll in a carpentry and woodworking class at the Wise County Alternative Education Center. The program serves approximately 70 students in grades 7-12. Contact: Ed Conley, Principal, The Regional Learning Academy, Wise County Public Schools, 515 Hurricane Rd., Wise, Virginia 24293 Phone: (276) 328-8612, e-mail: econley@wis.12.va.us, fax: (276) 328-4456

Location: Wythe and Bland Counties Program Name: Wythe/Bland Alternative Education Program Focus: An off campus alternative education program has been established in a non-traditional school setting, characterized by a low teacher-pupil ratio, diploma alternatives, and a high expectation academic program with a strong vocational component. The program can accommodate 25 students in grades 9 through 12. Contact: Dr. LaDonna K. Meade, Director of Instruction, Wythe County Public Schools, 1570 W. Reservoir Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382 Phone: (276) 228-5411, e-mail: lmeade@wythe.k12.va.us, fax: (276) 228-9192

Location: York and Williamsburg/James City Counties; City of Poquoson Program Name: Three Rivers Project-Enterprise Academy Focus: The program builds upon and expands the goals of the Newport News and Hampton Enterprise Academy Alternative Education Program. Established at a second site and housed in an office building, the program is a school for students in grades 6-12. It offers a rigorous academic program that can accommodate up to 46 students during the year. The program is based on a projects-oriented curriculum with computer use as an integral part of the instructional program. Contact: Manuel Dillard, Associate Director for School Administration Phone: (757) 898-0468, e-mail: mdillard@ycsd.york.va.us, fax: (757) 833-5225