A New Alternative to Learning (as submitted to Highestwire)

Submitted by cadence turner on Saturday, October 22, 2005 at 11:28:40 AM EST.

Curtis Prep Gives Students a chance to catch up.

Author: Alba Naranjo

When walking by room 133, students often take a second glance. It is not a traditional classroom. There are curtains on the windows, inspirational slogans and a few fun, comfortable chairs. Room 133 has become the new home of Curtis Prep.

Curtis Prep is a program that consists of 25 students remaining 8 periods in room 133 (except lunch), where they learn their lessons in science, history, mathematics, and English, in addition to a mediation class. After guidance counselors made a meticulous selection of students behind in credits, the principal and assistant principals made the final selection. This one-semester program is designed to reintegrate students to the regular school program and save them from facing graduating problems.

Ms. Carter, who teaches in the program, believes “this program would greatly benefit students to pass the ELA (English Language Arts Regents), and other subjects as well.” Most of the classes are taught by Assistant Principal Mr. Gambardella, history teacher Mr. Patkowski, math teachers Mr. Crowdell, Ms. Shaw and Mr. Tubens and science teacher Ms. Wright. Even the principal, Ms. Curtis, teaches a technology class.

Students in Curtis Prep have positive responses. According to Larry Rivera, “It’s a way to bring us together to work better.”

“Being able to graduate on time is really important,” said Star Benitez.

Dayna Burney feels, “It’s comfortable and less stressful because I don’t have to travel from one room to another.”

To boost students’ spirits and even inspire them to follow the three A’s some decorative arrangements were made in the room, personally carried out by Ms. Sabatino, “who’s very talented in interior decorating,” as Ms. Carter said, adding that she hopes “the program will be successful with the parental aid that’s necessary for students to improve their attendance to the program.”

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