Alternative Level One

    Office Info

    Alt 1 Counselor:
    Sarita Payne
    Email:
    Sarita_S_Payne@mcpsmd.org
    Telephone:
    240-740-0105
    Fax:
    301-929-2235

    Alternative One is a comprehensive alternative program that was designed to assist students in grades nine through twelve with chronic behavior, achievement, and/or attendance difficulties. The program offers a course addressing topics critical to behavioral, social, and academic success. Alt 1 staff recognizes the significance of active parent involvement and encourages open and continuous communication with parents and guardians.

    VISION

    Alternative One is an alternative educational program at John F. Kennedy High School designed to empower students to take responsibility for their learning and behavior. The program provides various support services to those students experiencing difficulties in the areas of academics, social-behavioral, and/or attendance, including student mentoring, organizational skills, goal-setting, and assistance planning for their future. Students enrolled in Alternative One must be motivated to improve their performance.

    MISSION STATEMENT

    The Alternative One program works collaboratively with schools, families and the community to educate a diverse student population and promote high academic standards. We strive to promote responsibility, celebrate diversity and success, and preserve dignity.

    GOALS

    • Challenge each student to meet and exceed rigorous performance and achievement standards
    • Provide a safe, nurturing and academically stimulating learning environment
    • Create an accessible support structure for students when needed
    • Maintain open and positive communication between students, parents and guardians, teachers, and administrators

    The Alternative One program works collaboratively with schools, families and the community to educate a diverse student population and promote high academic standards. We strive to promote responsibility, celebrate diversity and success, and preserve dignity.

    REFERRAL PROCESS

    The following criteria are considered for entry to the program:

    • Cumulative GPA below 1.5 in the core academic courses
    • Minimum of 15% absences AND/OR
    • Multiple discipline referrals that are considered disruptive behavior

    Students are reviewed periodically; the following criteria are considered for exit from the program:

    • Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 for a semester with continued increases each quarter
    • Maximum of 4% absences for the entire school year, with a decrease in the number of absences throughout the school year
    • No more than four discipline referrals for the entire year, with a decrease in the number of discipline referrals from year to year

    MORE INFORMATION

    For information on referrals to Alt 2, please visit the MCPS Alt 2 Referral Process page.