The Pathways Alternative Education Program at Old Orchard Beach High School arrived at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in Westbrook a few weeks ago with a donation of 25 pet fleece blankets they made for potential cats and dogs residing at the animal shelter awaiting a new home.

 “Our program is always seeking experiential learning opportunities. Stephanie Moutsatsos our co-teacher organized this most recent experience by combining hand-made crafts with community service,” said Mark Knowles the lead Alt Ed teacher from Pathways.

Students in the Pathway Alternative Program have been provided with learning experiences that are engaging, academic, and hands-on. This particular visit to the Animal Refuge League provided a learning opportunity to understand the body language of pets, to learn more about the careers working with animals, and to meet some of the animals seeking a new home.

“Our students have expressed an interest in animal-oriented careers so we will be returning in January to receive more formal training and information on what is actually required to work in a facility like this”, said Knowles. “This high school program provides interactive experiences for career planning, core academics, an Introduction to Rock Band course, credit recovery, an employment elective, and an arts and crafts component.”

The students in this program are all capable learners, but have fallen behind in school because of family setbacks, school transfers, absenteeism, or other reasons. Here, our students find a new “Pathway” towards graduation and many even go on to career training programs and college.

On this day the students were proud of their contributions to the Refuge League and the next day they were learning a new Tom Petty song on guitar, drums, and vocals thanks to the generosity of CAC Continuum Arts Collective from Berwick, ME. CAC is a non-profit that provides instruments and art supplies to young people who otherwise not be able to afford them.

 

Students from the Pathway Alternative Education program in Old Orchard Beach deliver sand to local seniors. COURTESY PHOTO

Later in November, the students provided another service to the residents of Old Orchard Beach by delivering sand to senior citizens. This is the seventh year Pathways students have filled buckets of sand for the “Sand for Safety Program” organized by the Community Friendly Connection in Old Orchard Beach. The sand is used to prevent slips and falls and the residents really appreciate seeing the students bring them heavy buckets of sand every fall season.

This Alt Ed Program was started by Knowles in 2001 and has successfully graduated a few students every year who might not have graduated without the individualized attention they needed. The program makes time to get to know students and works to build positive relationships with students who have had frustrating academic experiences. Currently, the program has nine students, a teacher (Mark Knowles), and a teacher’s assistant (Stephanie Moutsatsos).