PEA RIDGE — He dropped out of school a few months before graduation in a neighboring school district, frustrated about losing credits because of excessive absences, but Brian Neisen is determined to graduate high school. So, at 19 years of age, he’s back in school.
He’s one of the students in the Pea Ridge Academy, begun this year by Pea Ridge School District.
With one-on-one instruction and encouragement from teachers, Neisen hopes to graduate then join the military.
“It’s working great. I’m paying attention and getting it done,” he said recently, explaining that he is able to get the one-on-one help he needs in the smaller setting.
This past year, School Board members approved establishing the academy, at the recommendation of superintendent Rick Neal (then high school principal). The Boardagreed to cease the arrangement with Boston Mountain Cooperative for alternative learning and to open a school on campus for the students who were previously being bused one hour each way to class.
“The academy will provide the same accountability as a structured high school,” Neal said. “We wanted accountability and place where students felt like they were important. These students will have anopportunity to successful now more than ever.”
Aaron Gaffigan, director of Alternative Learning program, is one of several teachers and aides working with the children.
“We talk to the students about what they hope to achieve,” Gaffigan said, “and a lot mention military. We will have recruiters here to talk to them.”
Lara Cooper helps with “focus learning” as she and the students sit around a table discussing their lesson.
The Academy is completely contained withrooms for lunch and learning. There are distance learning classes as well.
“They’re happy. They know they can be successful,” Gaffigan said of the students.
Neal told School Board members he selected people for the Academy who love young people. “It’s love and logic at its finest,” he said. “We’re giving them a lot of tools to be successful.”
Neal said he has been to every graduation for the high school and it saddens him when he sees students not graduate. He believes theAcademy will provide a way for students to find success.
“I’ve asked for this the past six years,” Neal told the board members, explaining that Dr.
Roland Smith, interim superintendent for a year, allowed him to go to the National Conference on Alternative Education and he is modeling the one in Pea Ridge after one in Ogden, Utah.
Four staff members - Gaffigan, Cheryl Tillman, Lara Cooper, Cherie Fisher and Rick Jones will each facilitate or teach classes.
“They’re excited!” Neal said.
News, Pages 1 on 09/05/2012