Flex School gives kids an alternative

Sisters students unable to cope with the academic or social pressures of high school have an alternative to dropping out.

The district's "Flex School" is designed for students 16 years old and over. Flex School students are given individualized curriculum and instruction, enabling them to earn a high school diploma or high school equivalency degree.

Its saved some students from falling completely out of the system

"Over the last year there have probably been at least 10 - 12 students who went to the Flex School and continued their education," said School Superintendent Steve Swisher. "Without it, they could have been completely lost in the system, and would not have gone on to community college or other programs."

Sisters High School Principal Dennis Dempsey agreed.

"Flex School has filled a niche for those students who needed a second chance with school, as well as those students from other communities who come to Sisters from an alternative school environment," Dempsey said.

Paul Patton has taught at the Flex School for the past three years.

He said the school's student body is comprised of "Kids not having success at the high school for various reasons, either academic or social. Some students are unmotivated and some are disruptive. Some just don't feel comfortable, and don't feel like there is a place for them at the high school, which is competitive in everything from academics to athletics."

So far this year the Flex School has 17 students enrolled. Patton said the program usually gains students toward the end of the year.

Dan Saraceno, a counselor at the high school, refers students for the alternative school program. Before entering the Flex School, students are advised by a counselor and their parents are involved in an interview process to determine whether the student is an appropriate candidate. Some students attend the alternative program part time, and also continue to take classes at the high school.

This year, five out of the 17 students also attend the high school.

"Each student has an individualized curriculum, because each student has different needs as far as credits and classes," Patton said.

They are given one-on-one instruction by Patton or Marcie McGregor, a full-time aid. Students are tested and graded.

According to Dempsey, the high school has had an alternative school program since 1992, but Paul Patton's presence in the program has provided consistency.

Dempsey also noted that Patton has developed a more standardized curriculum.

"The flex program started as a 'package program' from the community college," Patton explained, "but we have tried to make a close connection to the materials the high school is using. We borrow its curriculum so the work students do is the same."

Patton often uses or adapts tests from the high school.

Students earning the 26 credits required for graduation from the regular high school can receive a high school diploma, although the transcript will note that they attended an alternative school program.

Flex teachers closely monitor students' attendance. Students are only allowed three unexcused absences every six weeks.

There is no reliable data to indicate what percentage of flex students receive a degree and what percentage drop out, but Patton said, "More succeed than fail.

"In any program like this you are going to lose a few," he said, "but from last year I can only think of three or four who are unaccounted for."

Student behavior is also monitored closely.

"The atmosphere is relaxed," said Patton, "but we have standards. Students must be respectful, and not disruptive. They are allowed to chat and socialize as long as the work gets done. I don't have to hold an iron fist over them."

Christie McCann is a senior and in her third year at Flex School.

"The main reason I came is that I was behind in credits at the high school, and when I had to have back surgery I fell even more behind," McCann said. "Here I am more able to be myself and work at my own pace."

McCann said, "There is definitely a student-teacher bond; the teachers are really nice and care about what and how you are doing."

She said the individualized attention "Helps a lot, and if you have a question, you are guaranteed a teacher will be right there."

McCann will graduate this year. On September 18, she will begin taking courses at COCC in addition to flex courses. She plans to major in hospitality and tourism.

"The flex program has been very successful at keeping students engaged in the educational system," Superintendent Swisher said. "It gives them more time to make decisions that help them be successful later on."

He noted that administration continues to examine the program model make improvements.

"It's a good program," Patton concluded. "I really like my job. They are good kids, and I have seen some dramatic changes. It is often just a matter of getting a problem student in a different environment."