Park Avenue Mission Statement, Vision & Values

Park Avenue is 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 of these students to improve their grade point averages, earn their credits, and be on track for graduation from Wilson Classical High School. Parent cooperation and communication regarding each student's progress is strongly encouraged and appreciated. Please call any Park Avenue staff member whenever you have a question! 

PARK AVENUE STAFF

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, nine Park Avenue students accomplished this goal of which six chose to stay in the program, and three returned to the main campus.

Q.: When can I expect to see my child's progress and final grade reports this year?
A.: Reports will be mailed home:

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 who focus 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, communicating with parents and Study Lab teachers, and working as a team for the benefit of your son or daughter.
• Many Park Avenue classes are located in close proximity to each other to reduce tardiness and subsequent truancies
• 55-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 access regular updates from core teachers on School Loop 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 in many cases.

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, and take the same district and state assessments.

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 Beach Unified School 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, or, in some cases, EPHS or Long Beach School for Adults. Now we have an EPHS program available on-campus which can be taken without having to withdrawal from Wilson. Normally, during a semester students can make up one 5-unit class; a hard worker could possibly make up two 5-unit classes.

Q.: Are there alternative ways to make up missing credits?
A.:  Here are all of the ways:
       Long Beach School for Adults for SENIORS only--limited course offerings
       Long Beach Unified School 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)
   
• EPHS on-campus (requires withdrawal from Wilson)
   
• Wilson Credit Recovery (does not require withdrawal from Wilson; however, space is extremely limited and usually only able to accommodate Seniors
   
• 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.: Possibly. This will depend upon each child's individual grade point average and credits earned. Some Park Avenue students who manage to raise their overall GPA above 2.0 (for all 4 years) and who have completed the Classical requirements may still be able to earn that special diploma at graduation.

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 and help them develop better study habits which are necessary for success in college. 

Wilson High School Park Avenue Program . . . dedicated to student success.

To monitor your student's progress, every parent should be registered on School Loop.

Go to www.lbsilson.schoolloop.com. Click on "Register Me" button.