COLORADOS FINEST ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Englewood CO How

COLORADO’S FINEST ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Englewood, CO

How is CFAHS ‘Alternative’? Individualism and independence are respected by staff and students. Family class is the cornerstone of our program. Majority of work is completed in class and there is no homework. New classes every nine weeks. Point system instead of traditional grades. Option of morning or afternoon classes. Three Golden Rules: Students must complete 90% of their possible points in all classes each nine-week session. No anti-social behavior (fighting, intimidation, verbal abuse, bullying, etc. ) No drug or alcohol use on campus or at school activities.

“An unexamined life is not worth living” -- Socrates

What is Ignite/Re-Ignite? A program to jump start our academic semesters with purpose- and relevance- building activities An opportunity for students to: � � Reflect about their futures Make connections to the real world and life after high school Create relevance between their high school experiences and the larger world Build relationships and connections with each other and staff

The 4 Essential Ideas of Ignite/Re. Ignite Purposeful Togetherness Self Exploration Career/College Connections Life Preparation

Purposeful Togetherness Team Building Grad Groups Circles

Team Building Activities What is it: Low-ropes type activities that Families participate in together that emphasize Problem Solving Collaboration Leadership Integrity � Purpose: activities To help families reconnect through fun

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Some More Pictures

Grad Groups What is it: Small groups (about 10 students) who have a similar amount of points left that are led by a staff member. These groups meet regularly to go over AVID and other strategies, and grade level academic successes and struggles. � Purpose: To provide additional support for students going through similar academic issues at similar times

An AVID Activity in Grad Groups

Opening and Closing Circles What is it: Intentional time in Family to begin and each day. Families sit in a circle and connect with sometimes silly questions, and sometimes deeply reflective questions. � Purpose: To connect. *NOTE: The staff also started and ended each day with opening and closing circles.

Self Exploration Roadtrip Nation Letter Writing

Roadtrip Nation (RTN) What is it: A curriculum that helps students define their own Roads by connecting their individual interests, as well as their education to the real world. � Purpose: To show different life pathways that connect to individual interests Use collaboration, online research skills, and multimedia tools to prepare for the real world Build connectedness to school through lasting relationships with local Leaders and mentors

Letter Writing What is it: A letter students wrote to their future selves that will be kept by their Family teacher and given to the students on the day they walk � Purpose: To reflect on their present lives and dream about what they hope to accomplish by the time they graduate

Career/College Connections Keynote Speaker/Movie Career Fair Worksite Visits Senior College Trip

Keynote Speaker What is it: Lance Carl, Director of Student Motivation for College In Colorado, spoke with our students about recognizing, utilizing, and maximizing their individual talents and gifts while highlighting the importance of furthering their education beyond high school. Key focuses included: � Courage Developing a plan Finding a mentor Discipline Relationships and choices Patience Commitment Purpose: To motivate students!

Career Fair What is it: Professionals in various career fields spoke to students about what they do including: o o o o Graphic Design Social Work Counseling Landscape Architecture Chemical Engineering Animal Careers Nursing Construction o Information Technology o Business o Cosmetology o Air Transportation o Event Planning o Law Enforcement o Lawyer o Fitness o Gas & Utility Careers o Non-traditional (multiple careers) o Writer/Director o State Health Department o Machine Operator Purpose: To expose students to community leaders in various fields

Worksite Visits– Ignite What is it: Students visited a local business to talk to professionals in that field and see what happens there on a daily basis. Work site visits for Ignite included: � DIA Denver Botanic Gardens Denver Zoo Sterling-Rice Group SEAKR Engineering Battery 621 Englewood Fire Department Starz Entertainment Schomp Automotive Rocky Mountain Soundgarden NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) Purpose: To expose students to possible paths after high school

Worksite Visits– Re-Ignite Denver International Airport Colorado’s Finest Alt. Cosmetology Academy Americorps NCCC Central Denver Ironworks Plastics Design and Manufacturing Englewood High School Culinary Arts Program Banfield Pet Hospital Rocky Mtn. Soundgarden Englewood Public Library Denver Center for the Performing Arts

Worksite Pictures

Worksite Pictures

Worksite Pictures

Senior College Trip What is it: A Senior-only field trip to UNC to tour the campus, hear from the admissions department, and eat in the dining hall � Purpose: To expose students to a college campus before they graduate.

Life Preparation Think Ahead Workshops Branding Yourself Ind. Conferences Graduation Requirement Rooms

Think Ahead Workshops What is it: Various workshops designed to help students reflect on present and future choices. Student then answered a Self-Reflection Survey. Workshop presenters included: � So You Think You Can’t go to College: Metro State University How Do I Pick a College: Kat Roybal What Can I be Doing Right Now to Prepare for Education After High School: Kathryn Brown How Do I Pay for College: Community College of Denver How to Break into the Workforce: Arapahoe/Douglas Works Healthy Living After High School: Heather Powers Tips from the Frontlines: Former CFAHS Students/Now College Students Americorps: Americorps NCCC Know What It’ll Cost Ya (Finances 101): Arapahoe Credit Union First Glance- What Can People Learn About You in 3 Minutes or Less: Eric Trujillo Your Record and Its Power: Judge Atencio, Englewood Municipal Court Family Planning- Yes, It’s Important to Have a Plan!: Planned Parenthood Purpose: To better inform students of important life decisions

Branding Yourself What is it: A lesson about how to create your personal brand, the impact of social media, and what employers look for. � Purpose: To help students understand how they present themselves to the world

Individual Conferences What is it: Students sit down with Family teachers for 30 -45 minute meetings to go over Self-Reflection Survey (from Think Ahead workshops), and Graduation Plan � Purpose: To connect (or re-connect) with their Family teacher, and to talk about life and school

Graduation Requirement Rooms What is it: Similar to our PWR Hour (a period everyday in which Kat and Kathryn are available in one of the computer labs to help students with anything post-secondary related), Grad Requirement Rooms were set up throughout the building so that students could complete some proficiencies (*New for Re-Ignite). � Purpose: To give students dedicated time to complete graduation proficiencies.

Results Ignite/Re-Ignite Data Student Comments Related Data

Ignite/Re-Ignite Data 10% increase in students who say they agree somewhat or strongly that they have a clear idea of their ideal career 8% increase in students who agree somewhat or strongly that they have a clear path toward their ideal career 10% increase in students expressing interest in STEM careers 7% increase in students who agree somewhat or strongly that they have confidence in their abilities and preparation for what comes after high school 10% increase in students that agree somewhat or strongly that they have a plan every day for what they hope to accomplish that day 8% increase in students who say they connect their daily actions to their long-term goals

Student Comments Ignite was really helpful to me. I feel like it really got me thinking about what I can do in life… it gave me hope for the future and great tips on how to get there!! I think after all of this I am even more confident in my career path for the future! I think it really put an image in my head for what I should be preparing for in my future. I feel the work site visits are the most important part and gave all the students an idea or even an option to see what they can do after high school that is not just a desk job. I liked how it gave us more tools to be successful adults. I like the way the career fair motivated me to finding my career.

Related Data PWR Hour: 1 period everyday in which Kat and Kathryn are available in one of the computer labs to help students with anything postsecondary related. About 40% of our students have participated so far in the 13/14 school year and nearly all Seniors.

Related Data College Applications � 60 students have applied to 1 or more postsecondary program (82% of Seniors) 74 total applications 21 to 4 year institutions (up from 3 last year) � 49 students have been accepted to 1 or more postsecondary program (67% of Seniors) 58 total acceptance letters received 14 to 4 year institutions

Next Steps

Ignite 14/15 School Year Based on student and staff surveys, our most important and effective elements are: Components in the works are: Work Site Visits Time with Family class Self-Exploration Life Skills Work Site Visits end of Session 1 and 4 (out of 6) Think Ahead Workshops in Spring 2015 Grad Group Curriculum: Overcoming Obstacles Time in Family groups for self-exploration, team & communication skill building, and goal setting Continue with Surveys of staff and students to revise, improve, and strengthen the program

Questions?

Contact Info Kathryn Brown � 303 -806 -2537 � Kathryn_brown@engschools. net Kat Roybal � 303 -806 -2519 � Katherine_roybal@engschools. net