DECEMBER
The holidays are a time to reflect on ourselves and the positive attributes of our lives. It is a time of giving, not receiving. The Dover Alternative Program's monthly theme was helping others. Throughout the month of December, a point drive was in place. As students earned points during the day for working on their goals they were asked to consider donating the points towards gifts for a family in need. The students at the Dover Alternative Program donated approximately 3000 of their earned points so that other children in the Dover community had at least one gift to open on the holiday.
The Dover Alternative Program partnered with the Seymour Osman Community Center and "adopted" a family in need. The donated points were exchanged into funds to purchase gifts. Students went shopping and purchased gifts off a wish list provided by the family. Our "adopted" family consisted of a single mother with three boys. Students bought each family member 2-3 gifts for the holiday.
Many of our students have been the recipients of the generosity of others. This event allowed them to give back!
Staff Showcase: Mr. Walker, Science Teacher
This is Mr. Walker's second year as the Science Teacher at the Dover Alternative Program. Prior to coming on board as our Science teacher, Mr. Walker helped provide community based transition skills to our students through Easter Seals. After receiving his Bachelor of Science degree from Bates College and working in the environmental consulting field, Mr. Walker felt a call toward working with local youth. "I have a real passion for mentoring students to find their interests by helping them connect to themselves, others and nature in a positive community."
During the month of December, students in Mr. Walker's Music Elective worked on constructing their own rattles made from gourds. The students worked to clean and dry the gourds, create rattles using the gourd's seeds, and paint their rattles with signs and symbols important to them. "We are excited to get to use these instruments in class. Everyone did a great job!"
Community Service/Volunteer Opportunities
Through our partnership with the Seymour Osman Community Center, students had the opportunity to volunteer at a craft fair which was a fundraiser for the SOCC. Two of our students assisted in setting up crafter areas, running raffles and cake walks, as well as socializing with the public
In addition, one student participated in serving holiday meals for residents at the Dover Housing Authority.
HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Our students spent some time crafting in order to make our building look festive and get in the spirit of the holidays. Students made paper snowflakes to hang in various parts of our school.
Wreaths were created as part of our Transition Skills class. Students went outside and collected pine cones from the surrounding area. They washed them and dried them so that the cones would open up. Then they attached them to a wreath form and decorated them with ribbon and other natural elements. The wreaths adorn our door and walls.
What is a "Put-Up"?
Our counselor, Ms. Thomas, began a project called "Put-ups"! These are the opposite of put-downs, which our students are all too familiar with. This project encourages students and staff to look for the great things that others around them do. Each day, at our advisory meeting, Ms. Thomas reads the "put-ups" and then makes copies to hang in our foyer. The recipient of the "put-up" gets to keep it as a memento. Everyone is feeling good about this project and appreciates the positive feedback.
The Upper DeckThe Upper Deck is a higher level reinforcement/recreation room that will be available to our top level students. Students have access to the room to relax, work quietly or socialize with others. There is a video/gaming area, quiet study place, computer section, and areas for recreation/fun. Students must be current in their academics to utilize the room. The Upper Deck will be ready for use after the holiday break.
