Onsite Guidance Counselor, School-to-Career Program and Teacher Facilitators
The STAR Academy has a new onsite guidance counselor, Christine Angermaier, who will help students meet coursework goals, assist them with personal problems and, as the school-to-work coordinator, assist students with internships, work programs, and school-to-career goals.

Math teacher Peter Huszagh and English teacher Michelle Gode will act as Teacher Facilitators for the STAR Academy. (See Telephone Directory at bottom of page.)

During the 2008-09 Opening Ceremony, Mr. Huszagh thanked Board of Education member Angela DeVito for her assistance in helping secure the Summer Construction Skills Grant provided by the Building Construction Trades Council of Suffolk and Nassau Counties. The Trades Council partnered with the school district and the STAR students in the remodeling of the north portables where the STAR Academy is housed.

Mr. Huszagh emphasized the importance of being located "on campus." He stated, "Robert Frost wrote, 'Good fences make good neighbors.' I would have to respectfully disagree. Good neighbors are respectful, inviting, and understanding. Our new home on campus will help us to tear down the fences that have isolated the alternative school from the high school community for over a decade. As good neighbors, collaboration will be interwoven in the team-building exercises that will become part of the STAR Academy's foundation. As good neighbors, we will take the time to listen, not just to hear. We will maintain open-lines of communication with the high school, parents and the community--because this program will only grow with support."

Features of the STAR Program

• Teacher facilitators
• An application/interview process for admission
• A student/parent contract
• Small class size
• Both a morning and afternoon program
• A school/work component
• Student support services (onsite guidance counselor)
• Integration with the high school for specials and electives (and lunch) in the morning program
• Focus on individual student needs and learning styles
• Classroom environments wherein students are actively engaged in learning

STAR Rewards Program
One of the most exciting aspects of the STAR Academy's program is its incentive program. The students have the opportunity to earn 'credits' for their STAR behavior. These credits will allow students to participate in monthly incentive activities, like a canoe trip or a trip to NYC.

STAR Student of the Month Program
Calvin Wesley, a tenth grade student at the STAR Academy at RHS, was named as the first STAR Academy Student of the Month.

Michelle Gode writes, "The Alternative School Reorganization Committee worked closely with the students to ensure that their needs and concerns would be addressed. The enthusiasm surrounding the reorganization is being fueled by the optimistic attitudes of both the staff and students, who are working diligently to ensure that the new program will be a success. The first step was the remodeling of the north portables so that the space feels like 'home.' This year will be a work in progress as we build a solid program, implement new curriculum that focuses on project-based learning and develop a strong relationship between the STAR Academy and the district and local community."

STAR Academy Phone Directory

Name

Title

Phone No.

Christine Peters

STAR Academy Secretary

369-7903 or 2876

Christine Angermaier

Counseling Office

369

Michelle Gode and Peter Huszagh

369-7903 or 2876