Centennial Area Learning Center
The Centennial Area Learning Center (CALC) staff and students are honored to have our school highlighted in the MAAP Newsletter. We are proud of our school and how it has responded to the academic, testing and monetary challenges facing education in 2009. We feel fortunate to have a seasoned and committed core staff that has been together for nine years, a supportive School District, and a group of challenging yet engaging students. Life at CALC is never boring. In an attempt to acquaint you with the school, I have highlighted key components that we believe are fundamental to our educational system.
The Centennial Area Learning Center offers a full-time day school program as well as night school and summer school. The majority of students attend during the day.
The day school program includes:
• A full day mid-level program serving 8th and 9th grade students. Students are given letter grades on a quarterly basis. The cap for student enrollment is 15.
• A full day 10th grade program (The cap for this program is 15 students)
• A full day 11th and 12th grade program
• A work program
• PSEO and 916 enrollment options
(Students in 10th through 12th grade receive a monthly printout reporting their progress toward credit accumulation.)
Enrollment
Upon enrollment, students and/or parents receive a Student/Parent Handbook as well as a Course Description Manual. This manual describes academic offerings while listing the standards covered within each course. Most courses are built on monthly themes that cover multiple subject areas. Others may require a four month period in order to adequately address all required standard components. CALC has developed a 3 year cycle that meets required credit and standard needs.
Examples of Course Offerings
The following are examples of curriculum taught at CALC:
• History of Disease
• Geology of Yellowstone
• Dickens
• Organic Chemistry
• Art History
• Psychology and Sociology through Contemporary Fiction
• History of Music
• Ethics through the study of the novels Brave New World and Lord of the Flies.
• Shakespeare
• The History of Film
Relationship building
Making students feel welcome and successful are key components of the program. Each month, there is an all school convocation during which selected students are recognized for outstanding academic achievement. Each honored student’s picture is featured on the “Hall of Fame” and each receives a gift certificate to a local restaurant. In addition, the High 5 Award recognizes students for individual class improvement, displaying responsible behavior, and improving their attendance. These students receive a free school store coupon. During this monthly event, new students are introduced by a member of the Leadership team.
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Student Leadership
The Student Leadership Team oversees various community service activities, monthly student birthday celebrations, and CALC Spirit Week. In order to be a Leadership Team member, applicants must write a letter of interest, highlighting qualities that make them a good candidate for the positions. As a Leadership Team member, students are responsible for promoting and explaining new school initiatives as well as communicating student concerns. The Leadership team is involved in coordinating both the winter and spring Graduation Ceremonies.
Base Group
Each day school student is assigned a Base Group teacher. Base Group meets for 30 minutes first period in the morning. The goal is to build positive relationships between students and teachers as well as make sure that academic and personal needs are being met.
2009-2010 Base Group Goal
This year, the Base Group goal is to improve the number of students passing the MCA II Graduation Requirements portion of the math test. All teachers, regardless of discipline, will address math skills development during Base Group twice a week. Teachers will collect ongoing student assessment data which, in turn, will drive math curriculum decisions. Compass online curriculum will be used to support class instruction.
CALC staff members are especially proud of:
• The annual CALC Children’s play that is performed by ALC students at all District elementary and pre-school programs.
• The science lab that offers CALC students the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments.
• Enrichment opportunities that are provided through a variety of field experiences.
• The integration of artistic expression and hands-on activities into all disciplines of study.
• The end of the year awards picnic at which each student is honored
Building Community
CALC shares the school with the ABE/GED program, Community Service pre-school program, a Journey (DCD) and ASD program for students 18 to 21 years of age, a high school aged DCD program with an attached craft store, and the District Transportation department. The variety of services available within the CALC building has enriched the staff and students alike. The CALC staff is proud of the school and the educational opportunities they provide at-risk students and families.
