10/1/09 - ARCH Annual School Improvement Team (SIT) goals

Arch School Program

Overview of the Program

Arch is the alternative education program within the Greenwich Public Schools system.  It is a small, highly structured program, serving the academic and social needs of secondary students who require an intensive level of support throughout the school day.  The program is designed to accommodate each student’s needs through a highly individualized instructional program, an intensive level of mental health support, and a clearly defined behavior management system. 

Arch students participate in credit bearing classes, which will result in the granting of a Greenwich High School diploma.  In addition to academic classes students participate in career education experiences, adventure-based activities, service learning, student council, and peer mediation.  Additionally, students participate in both individual and group counseling.

The Arch School on average services approximately twenty-five (25) students at any given time; throughout the year it will service 30 – 45 individuals, and oversee 5-10 out-of-district students.  Arch School graduates approximately ten to fifteen students a year, half of which enter post-secondary education.

Curriculum

The Arch program follows the curriculum requirements for a Greenwich High School Diploma.  Currently the curriculum includes: English classes which consist of World Literature, Film and Literature, Basic Composition and Journalism; Math classes including Extended Algebra, Algebra I and II, and Geometry; Social Studies classes comprising US History, Contemporary America, Civics, Psychology, and Law in America; and Science classes offered include: Biology, Physics and Forensics.  Hands on instruction and experiential learning opportunities are employed throughout the day and and the program conducts school trips on a monthly basis to supplement curriculum and enhance social skills.  The program provides electives in Music and Drama, Art, Sign Language and Spanish.  The seniors are required to participate in a Senior Internship Program.  Seniors also participate in an internship prep class in which vocational assessments, interest inventories and resumes are completed along with a five (5) week internship in a career that poses an interest for them.

Special Education Supports

Social Work support includes a Social Worker who meets both individually with the students and in-group counseling sessions.  Social Workers also coordinate services with community agencies.  Speech therapy is provided for students who require these services. Other support systems include smaller classrooms, individualized instruction, modified curriculum, differentiated instruction, and a supportive and structured environment.

Transition and Post High School Planning

The Guidance Counselor and Transition Coordinator meet with students to offer academic and post high school support services.   College planning, SAT preparation, vocational schools and work experience opportunities are available through our transition planning.  The Senior Internship Program will provide students with an opportunity to prepare for the work force by being placed in a job site of their interest.

Consultation/Interagency Collaboration 

Arch works with various community agencies such as:  Social Services, Youth Options, AIC program, Liberation House, Greenwich Hospital, Stamford Child Guidance, and Private Practitioners (Bureau of Rehabilitative Services). In addition,  Norwalk Community College and various corporations and job sites collaborate with Arch for the Senior Internship Program.

Assessments

Students are required to pass the CAPT (Connecticut Aptitude Performance Tests) in the 10th grade in order to graduate.  If the tests were not passed by 10th grade then those students would have to retake the exam in the 11th grade.  If 11th graders do not pass the CAPT exams they will be required to complete a Portfolio their senior year in the areas of reading, writing and math that includes assessments that demonstrate mastery.