In Rockwood, we are committed to meeting the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of all students. We understand that every student is unique in terms of educational background, learning ability and interests. An alternative education program serves our students by providing resources and opportunities beyond a traditional high school experience, so all students are able to achieve success and graduate from high school. The Alternative Education Committee will develop and recommend a proposal for the future of alternative education in Rockwood.
Process
The process will begin in spring 2021 and the work will be completed by August 2022. We will begin with a series of Zoom meetings during the pandemic that will connect the committee in discussion to bring voices and perspectives to ongoing conversations. This committee will engage our Rockwood school community, research current and potential options and develop a proposal for our Superintendent and Board of Education consideration.
Guiding Parameters
The Alternative Education Committee will evaluate ways to enhance educational opportunities and alternative programming to help meet the needs of all students. Through this committee’s efforts, we will bring together a diverse, thoughtful group of students, parents, teachers, staff, administrators and community members with the purpose of asking questions, listening, evaluating and examining what we can do better in alternative education to meet the changing needs of our students. This input will be used to create a reimagined Individualized Learning Center (ILC) with new resources and opportunities beyond the traditional alternative high school experience for our students.
Committee Members
Rockwood will bring together students, parents, teachers, staff and administrators in a district committee with the purpose to ask questions, listen, evaluate and take an even closer look at what we can do better in alternative education. The assistant Superintendent of Student Services will lead the committee.
- ALT members: Dr. Shelley Willott, Mary LaPak
- School and Department Administrators: Glenn Hancock, Kristi Davis, Dr. Chris Colgren, Dr. Jamie Smith, Jennifer Strauser, Todd Minichiello, Dr. Mandy Lewis, Emanuel Young, Dr. Rick Regina, Dr. Carmen Harris, Beth Ruta, Dr. Kelly Mignerone, Cassandra Suggs, Dr. Jason Lievanos, Dr. Josh Walz, Dr. Carlos Diaz-Granados
- Teachers: Adam Dotson, Marie DeProspero, Jennifer Wilhelm, Scott Beaver, Daniel Horst, Shawn McAteer, Christine Ude, Stacy Heuberger
- School Social Workers/Counselors: Anna Reichert, Melissa Feig, Terence Small, Eric Barnhart
- Student Support Specialists: Bobby Trussell, Chadwick Jones, Julia Solter, Lucas Benson
- Community Partners in Prevention: Lili Schliesser
- Safety Supervisor: Ty Dennis
- Health and Wellness: Amy Wehr, Catherine Bollinger
- Board of Education: Tamara Jo Rhomberg
- Community Partnerships: Youth in Need, CHADS Coalition, Preferred Family
Meetings
- APRIL: PHASE 1 - Sharing Our Guiding Principles and Philosophy
Tuesday, April 6 from 4-6 p.m.
April 6 Meeting Recap
- MAY: PHASE 2 - Reviewing of Current Alternative Learning Opportunities
Wednesday, May 5 from 4-6 p.m.
May 5 Meeting Recap
- JUNE: PHASE 3 - Hearing Voices and Connecting Understanding
Wednesday, June 9 from 4-6 p.m.
Committee work in June, July and August
- SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER: PHASE 4 – Developing The Way Forward: Alternative Education Planning
Wednesday, Sept. 8 from 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 4-6 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 4-6 p.m.
Coming next: 2022
The committee will provide an opportunity for community feedback on the proposal and Student Services will begin implementing the new alternative education plan in the spring of 2022, with a launch date set for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.
