Junior High School to High School Transition Program
Alternative Educational Programming, Inc. conducts a four- (4) week program designed to provide graduating eighth graders entering high school, with tools to increase positive social behavior and communication. The summer transition program concentrates on the development of adolescences who have not acquired the social skills needed to advance in higher levels of education.
Areas of concentration include:
Knowledge of self
Self respect
Self esteem
Respect for others
Making positive choices
Class sessions are conducted each day, and meet from 9 a.m. to noon. In addition to classroom activities, and discussions, several guest speakers address the students. These include the following:
University of RI
Youth Correctional Worker, RIDCYF
Magistrate, RI Family Court
College Readiness Graduates
Police Department Community Police Program and gang task force
DEA Drug Task Force
Former Inmates RIACI
The students are also given an opportunity to review their High School schedules with Guidance Counselors. This proves to be very valuable to the students, as each day’s schedule is discussed. Guidance Counselors also address the concerns and questions the students have pertaining to high school. Field trips are also a part of the curriculum. Daily Classroom discussions are held. Topics include depression, teen suicide, smoking, drug abuse, teen involvement in community volunteerism, and proper nutrition, especially the importance of a balanced diet. The classroom sessions are also an opportunity for the students to express their opinions about school and the system as it involves them. The students are encouraged to express their beliefs or concerns about the teachers, staff, and system itself. Some of the issues presented for in-depth discussion were:
teachers and counselors stating that they would never go to college courses at the high school were not for college preparation teachers practice favoritism teachers express more concern with their personal life with other teachers, while on their time teachers would tell students they would never amount to anything;
The Junior High School to High School Transition program provides students, parents, teachers and administrators with the essential information, knowledge, and assistance to insure that the High School experience will be positive, productive, and rewarding. The ultimate goal of the Junior High School to High School Transition program is to provide the proper foundation for students to attain a High School diploma, and then to aspire for an opportunity into higher education.
