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New Directions High School is an
alternative education high school. It is unique in that it provides an
individual educational plan for each student. Our small size allows
The Staff
to know each student and to accommodate the different
learning styles needed to help the students reach their goals.
Flexible scheduling helps our students
succeed. (see
Opportunities below)
The curriculum and
requirements at New Directions are the same as Big Rapids High School and
students graduate with the same diploma as those at the high school.
Students:
Students are accepted from
all surrounding communities through the school of choice option as long as they
meet normal enrollment criteria.
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* 80% of our students
complete the academic year
*Every year more than one
third of our students graduate
*Half of our students
participate in community service each year
*New Directions students
may participate in high school sports
*Many students earn credit
through our S.I.T.E project program (Student Initiated Training Experience)
*Dual enrollment with
Ferris State University is available for our students
*Students enrolled in
SCHOOL TO WORK class will be given credit for hours of employment
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Where we're
located, and how to contact Us:
We are located just west of the Big Rapids High School, at
14980 215th Avenue. Big Rapids MI, 49307. Ph: (231) 796-3489.
Fax (231) 592-0644....or, you can email our staff!
Click here
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Our Mission Statement |
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"To provide a diverse student population the opportunity to acquire a high
school diploma in a non-traditional setting. Students will learn in an
atmosphere of acceptance, strive to reach their fullest potential, communicate
effectively, and contribute positively to the community; all while overcoming
adversity."
Potential, communicate effectively and
contribute positively to their community. |
The opportunities to earn credit are
numerous. Options include:
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Learning Center |
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Credit for work experience may be applied for
by all our students. |
The Learning Center is open: |
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S.I.T.E., (Student Initiated Training Experience)This student designed class can provide up to
1 full credit. |
Monday |
8:15 a.m. - 3:01 p.m. |
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Students may participate in the Mecosta/Osceola
Career Center as a New Directions student. |
Tuesday |
8:15 a.m. - 3:01 p.m. |
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Students who qualify may earn credit at
Ferris
State University in our partnership program. |
Wednesday |
8:15 a.m. - 3:01 p.m. |
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Student parents, 18 years old or older, may be able to earn homemaker credit. |
Thursday |
8:15 a.m. - 3:01 p.m. |
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Students reaching the age of 20 may
test out of classes. They can earn up to 4 credits |
Friday |
8:15 a.m. - 3:01 p.m. |
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
** NOTE to FULL-TIME high school students of Mecosta and
Osceola counties:
Area full-time high school students may attend New
Directions High School to re-take a failed class or to
earn needed credits to graduate on time with the
approval of their high school counselor.
Call us at (231) 796-3489 for a class schedule or for
more information and possible fees for this service. |
TechnologyOur strong
technology program features classes that are the latest version.
Classes offered include:
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Microsoft Office |
word processing,
database, spreadsheets |
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MS PowerPoint |
electronic presentations |
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Internet |
how to gather information
on the web |
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Accomplishments
- A couple of students are selected each year to be part of
the Big Rapids Rotary STRIVE program which matches up students with a mentor
and provides employment for the students, financial incentives and scholarships.
- About half of our graduates plan on continuing their
post education at a college or trade school.
- Additional information about New Directions can be found in the Big
Rapids Public Schools Annual Report.
We enroll students throughout the year.
Ask for Josh during the third week of August to get your enrolled for Fall.
New students will then be able to send for their transcripts and get started on
the correct plan to graduate.
To avoid being on the waiting list - come in and enroll as soon as you
know you want to be part of our program.
New Directions High School of Big Rapids Public Schools participates in
the
Schools of Choice program which allows students to attend our school even though
the may not live in our district. Call Diane at (231) 796-2627 for more information and an application form.
Students from outside the Big Rapids district need to request
transcripts from their latest school of attendance prior to starting classes with us.
Hours to get more information or to enroll are Monday through Friday
between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at (231) 796-3489.
Lunch
A hot lunch program is offered.
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New Directions
Principal: |
Josh Easler |
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Secretary: |
Open |
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Teachers: |
Matt Smith, Dawn Thompson |
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Paraprofessional: |
Amy Bordano, Shirley Vetter |
It makes us happy to
see that former students trust that we will do our best for their children.
We have a great staff and the casual atmosphere appeals to students from all
educational backgrounds.
The casual atmosphere
allows us to speak plainly when a student gets off track. We always welcome
parents to call with questions or just drop in and check on the kids. (You would
get a chuckle seeing the students faces when mom comes in to chat.)
What New Directions High School grads have to say:
Justin:
" New D. is the best school around
for kids that have had problems in school. The staff will work with each
student so they can graduate from high school. We do things for the
community such as Earth-day, toys for tots, landscaping, and caroling for
seniors."
Dottie: "I am going
to miss all of you, and I am proud to be graduating with the New Directions
Class of 2002."
Jon: "Most
of us thought we would never get a chance to be on this stage, but here we are
united as the class of 2002 from New Directions."
Liz: "You have been our
counselors, our doctors, our Moms, our friends and of course our wardens.
Thank you for all of that."
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