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College Bound
Vol. 49 No. 3
NorthWood Achievement Academy
challenges preconceptions %\ '$9,' +$=/(',1( 6WDII :ULWHU What is an “alternative” school? For some, the term conjures up a kind of year-round summer school, a quarantine for kids with disciplinary problems. But this could not be further from the reality at NorthWood Achievement Academy in Nappanee, a part of WaNee School Corporation located at the Boys and Girls Club. “It’s not only the ‘naughty kids’ or kids who have been expelled,” explained Brenda Beehler, who along with Corey Duncan oversees the 57 students currently enrolled. Before joining NWAA, Beehler, a special education teacher, and Duncan, a math teacher, co-taught at LaVille Jr./Sr. High School in Lakeville. “We both had a desire to work with kids who don’t fit the traditional mold. Students who have different goals than the traditional setting would allow.” According to Beehler, nearly all NWAA students “have something besides academics they are involved with.” Indeed, some are able to earn credits through work-based learning. “They are out in the community working.” There are a wide range of reasons students go to NWAA, and many are related to mental health. Other students are seniors who want to graduate or enter college sooner, juniors who want to earn credits quicker, kids with part-time jobs and, yes, some who have had disciplinary problems. Interestingly, those problems mostly vanish in the NWAA setting. “We just don’t see them,” said Beehler, who offered this explanation: “There’s no one to impress.” NWAA students have the same privileges as other students and may take part in clubs, sports and other activities. Some students may choose to take elective classes at the high school and core classes at NWAA. Students take one of two three hour sessions at NWAA, one in the morning, another in the afternoon. The curriculum is taught online using Edgenuity software, which is video-based with assessments after each unit and final exams. It can also be accessed 24/7, so motivated students can log on at any time. Beehler and Duncan are on hand to help students wherever they are in their studies. Beehler explained how the alternative setting allows the teachers to “build those relationships kids need. We get to know them very well … We’re able to connect with parents, families and really understand where they’re coming from, dig through what’s causing disciplinary issues and connect them with community resources.” “Some students can’t function in a classroom with 30 other kids,” observed Beehler. One early graduating junior, for example, said, “The Academy helps kids with anxiety to be able to come and work without having constant panic attacks.” The mother of a son with severe depression called NWAA “the answer to our prayers … This was the perfect
&20081,7< 5(6285&(6 ³ An entrance survey of NorthWood Achievement Academy students found they were interested in learning more about banking and insurance. Recently, Sylvia Benjamin of State Farm Insurance, standing right, gave a presentation at the Academy, providing students with information to help them with life after high school. Photo provided. fit for him and he became a completely different person … working a full-time job and going to the Academy is a blessing for him.” NWAA has 15 graduates so far this year, and Beehler expects close to 100% of seniors will graduate. This is not to say the academy is 100% successful. “It doesn’t work for everybody,” Beehler admitted, “The hardest part of my job is to send a kid back to the high school.” Nevertheless, the program has been successful enough to merit expansion. Next year, NWAA will add an all-day program for 10 middle school students focused on core classes and community service-based learning with a mental health component. For more information, go to www.wanee. org/nwaa.aspx
'21·7 '5,1. $1' '5,9( ³ School resource offlcer Skyler Garner, left, gave students the opportunity to drive the golf cart with goggles simulating an impaired driving experience. It is another example of how NorthWood Achievement Academy uses community resources to offer new experiences for its students. Photo provided.