Wilson Classical High School
Park Avenue Program
2009-2010
Dear Parents,
Your student is currently enrolled in Park Avenue, an academic intervention program designed to provide extra support to students whose grade point average has fallen below a 2.0 for two semesters in a row. Our goal is for all Wilson High students to improve their grade point averages, earn their credits, return to the Classical Program, and be on track for graduation from Wilson Classical High School. We appreciate your cooperation and communication with us regarding your child's progress and we look forward to a successful year with your son or daughter. Please call us whenever you have a question!
PARK AVENUE STAFF
| Debbie Broadway | Administrator | x.6873 |
| Lisa Smith | Counselor A-L | x.6107 |
| Hadley Slevin | Counselor M-Z | x.6006 |
| Teaching Staff | ||
| Carrie Beltran | Career Math | x.6433 |
| Eric Berg | US Government/Econ, Modern World History | x.6264 |
| Diana Carbonara | AP English, English 5-6 Study Lab | x.6263 |
| Laura Carr | Study Lab | x.6261 |
| Richard Casanave | US History | x.6503 |
| Judy DeCoudres | Study Lab Literacy Coach | x.6299 |
| Maryanne Drummond | Algebra 1-2 | X6189 |
| Stacy Lica | English 3-4, CAHSEE, Study Lab | x.6187 |
| Eugene Mafi | English 3-4, Language!, Study Lab | x.6188 |
| Patty Martinez | English 7-8, Film Analysis, US History | x.6178 |
| Mike Napollilo | Film Analysis | x.6527 |
| Maria Neves | Government/Econ | x.6007 |
| Jennifer Obeidin | Modern World History | x.6191 |
| Krystal Ortiz | English 5-6 | x.6260 |
| Renea Page | Algebra Study Lab | x.6193 |
| Scott Peffers | Algebra | x.6190 |
| Susan Pescar | Study Lab | x.6194 |
| Randy Peterson | Earth Science Physical Oceanography | x.6259 |
| Lesley Richardson | Biology | x.6266 |
| Christina (Patterson) Ross | Algebra | x.6557 |
| Lydia Sosa | Physical Oceanography | x.6237 |
| Kristin Sugimoto | Earth Science | x.6265 |
| Lyle Theile | Strategies for Success Study Lab | x.6196 |
| Pauline Wong | Geometry | x.6198 |
Frequently Asked Questions about Park Avenue:
Q.: Why was my child placed in Park Avenue?
A.: Your son or daughter failed to make a 2.0 (C average) for two semesters in a row the previous school year, resulting in academic probation status. A warning about the possibility of an alternative placement was sent to you in an academic probation letter last February. Again in June, your child's grades were below a 2.0, which resulted in this placement. The policy is "two semesters below 2.0 to get in, two semesters above 2.0 to get out."
Q.: Is there any way my child can get out of Park Avenue faster?
A.: Yes. By earning a 3.5 grade point average the first semester. It may sound impossible, but those who are capable and highly motivated can do it with hard work, good attendance and diligence. Last year, 16 Park Avenue students accomplished this goal and over 50 earned above a 3.0 GPA.
Q.: When can I expect to see my child's progress and final grade reports this year?
A.: Reports will be mailed home:
10/30/09, 12/11/09, 2/10/10* 3/19/10, 5/07/10, 6/28/10* *=FINAL SEMESTER GRADE
Q.: What is different about Park Avenue from the regular program?
A.: Here are the differences:
· Small learning community consisting of a team of adults (1 administrator, 2 counselors, 22 teachers) who focus exclusively on these students who need extra support. Staff meets weekly, communicates regularly about individual student needs, and goes the extra mile when it comes to encouraging students, making calls to parents, sending emails, accepting make up work and working as a team for the benefit of your son or daughter.
· Classes located in close proximity to each other to reduce tardiness and subsequent truancies
· 90 minute mandatory Study Lab class every other day in which students set goals, improve study habits, complete homework, complete projects, prepare for exams, etc. Study Lab teachers receive regular updates from core teachers regarding student progress, assignments due, upcoming tests, and anything that can support student success in core classes.
· Elective choices are more restricted; Study Lab takes the place of foreign language.
Q.: Is the curriculum in Park Avenue different from the rest of the school?
A: No. We follow the same course outlines and use the same books and resource materials.
Q.: Will my son or daughter be able to graduate from Wilson High with his or her classmates?
A.: Absolutely. Students need to complete the Long BeachUnifiedSchool District requirements for a high school diploma. Any core classes (English, history, math, science) that have been failed MUST be made up in summer school, evening high school, or, in some cases, EPHS or AdultSchool.
Q.: Are there alternative ways to make up missing credits?
A.: Here are all of the ways:
EveningHigh School meets 2 nights per week (T-Th) from 3:30-6:00 at Wilson
Long Beach School for Adults for SENIORS only--limited course offerings
Long BeachUnifiedSchool District Summer School --limited course offerings--10 credits maximum
ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS: (see counselors for more information)
EPHS (Educational Partnership High School) Summer School--limited course offerings-student works independently; can make up as many as 20 credits depending on courses needed
EPHS regular session (requires withdrawal from Wilson)
Opportunities for Learning (requires withdrawal from Wilson)
Q.: Can my son or daughter still play team sports?
A.: The rule is the same for all students--a 2.0 GPA on a regular grading term report card must be earned before an athlete may participate in games. Summer school grades do count towards recalculating a GPA.
Q.: Can my son or daughter still earn a Medallion?
A.: Yes. Students need 250 credits and a 2.0 total (all 4 years) overall grade point average to earn a Medallion.
Q.: Can my child still earn the Wilson Classical Diploma?
A.: Probably not. The Classical Diploma requires 4 years of foreign language and we do not offer foreign language in Park Avenue. However, if world language is offered in summer school and there is room in the class, students may earn their world language credits that way.
Q.: Will being in Park Avenue prevent my child from getting into college?
A.: No. There is nothing on the student's transcript to indicate Park Avenue placement. Most colleges and universities, however, do require "C" or better grades in all of the core classes. Park Avenue can help a student get back on track for college admission. Most colleges require 2-3 years of foreign language, so if a student only spends one year in PA he or she can still meet this requirement.
Wilson High School Park Avenue Program . . . dedicated to student success.
