October

 

 

OCTOBER

 

Staff Showcase: Mr. Evans 

Mr. Evans is our Physical Education

and Health Teacher. He has been working at the

Dover Alternative Program for 16 years. Mr. Evans enjoys spending time with his family. He likes to golf and ski. Mr. Evans worked as a deck hand on a tug boat for a year and a half.

Favorite saying: Failing To Prepare is Preparing For Failure (John Wooden, UCLA basketball)

 

 

 

 

Highlights

M.C. Escher

 

The students have been working on a unit related to M.C. Escher. This unit incorporated aspects of History, Science, Language Arts and Math. Students researched Escher, created Tessalations and Mobius strips, and wrote about their learning. The unit culminated in a trip to the Currier Museum of Art to see the Escher works on display. In addition to academics, students worked on their social skills as they maneuvered their way within the museum. The artwork fascinated them!

 

 

Greenhouse

 

The Horticulture class designed and constructed their own greenhouse. Mr. Walker, Science Teacher, worked with students as they planned, proposed, purchased supplies, and completed the greenhouse. The greenhouse is located at the side entrance of the school.

 

Positive Reinforcement

Some students saved the points they earned for working on their goals and took a trip to Adams Point. They observed local wildlife and learned lessons about the environment through the teachings of their Science Teacher, Mr. Walker.   

 

 

 

 

 

Community Building

 

On Wednesdays, the staff and students participate in community building activities to strengthen relationships and create a culture of respect. Every week therapeutic groups take place surrounding a theme. The theme for October was Communication. Ms. Thomas, School Counselor, facilitates these groups. Following each group, the students participate in team activities related to the theme. These activities are co-lead by the faculty along with the counselor. These activities are movement based, engaging and fun!

 

Community Service

 

Some of our students went to a local cemetery to clean up debris in the area and beautify the grounds for those who have loved ones there. Giving back to others enhances self-esteem and provides a sense of purpose to those involved! Art history students took head stone etchings as part of an on-going project.

 

 

Video Production

 

The students have begun creating a video representing our program. The video will be submitted as part of a national conference for the National Alternative Education Association. The theme for the video is "All Aboard". Students will be speaking with staff of the Downeaster and will be responsible for writing the script, creating the set, acting out the roles, and editing the footage! 

 

Attendance

 

Many efforts are being made to encourage daily attendance in school. Daily phone calls, meetings with caregivers, and outside agency involvement are all aspects of enhancing attendance so students can be successful. We at the Dover Alternative Program want each and every one of our students in school each day!

 

Next Month         

 

The month of November is a time for reflection, family and giving thanks for what we have. The students at the Dover Alternative Program will be planning and serving a family brunch/open house the week prior to Thanksgiving. We would like to invite the families of our students to come in, tour our program, speak with our staff, see the accomplishments of their children and enjoy a bite to eat. Students will be coming home with dates and details soon!