Mason City Alternative School - From the Principal

MASON CITY ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL

PROGRESS THROUGH A DIVERSE APPROACH SINCE 1975

The Mason City Alternative School offers a flexible program, which allows a student the opportunity to earn a high school diploma.

The philosophy of the Mason City Alternative School allows for variations in curriculum content and instructional methods to meet the needs of a diverse population. Class sizes are small by comparison, allowing for variety of deliveries and a great deal of teacher-student interaction.

Students need a total of 44 credits beyond the eighth grade to graduate.

Students may take elective and/or required courses at Mason City High School through the shared-time program. Courses are also available at N.I.A.C.C. through the Post Secondary Enrollment Act, or Tech-Prep. All courses stress the need for a strong educational foundation in order to further heighten post-graduation education, enhance the possibility of employment, and productive citizenship.

All students are given a fresh opportunity to achieve a high school diploma. All that is necessary is a positive attitude, a willingness to attend school daily and complete the required course work.

The program is flexible and can meet the needs of young parents, pregnant teens and working students. The total program is designed to meet the individual needs of students who require an option different from the traditional high school program in pursuing their academic and social growth goals.

The strong accent on developing employment skills and career exploration makes the Alternative School a relatively responsible labor pool. We hope you will consider working with us in providing our students with employment opportunities.

INTERESTED STUDENTS AND EMPLOYERS should contact Dave Ciccetti at 641-421-4426.

Curriculum:

REQUIRED COURSES	CREDIT	ELECTIVES	ELECTIVES
English/Language Arts	8 (2010)	Art	Publications/Yearbook
Social Science	6	Conversational Spanish	Independent Living
Math	6 (2009)	Physical Health	Social Health
Science	6	Parenting I, II	Print & Mass Media
Physical Education	4	Workplace Readiness	Literature Skills
Career Education	1	Physical Geography	Pre-Calculus & Algebra II
Social Growth & Dev.	4	Basic Design & Painting	Psychology
		Pop Cultures	Reading

Career Education:

It is the goal of the Alternative High School to assist each graduating student with a general awareness of what it takes to be a success in the world of work. Career courses are offered with these goals in mind.

· Successful transition from school to work

· Career awareness/exploration

· Post-graduation plan

· Job-seeking/keeping skills

· Identification of community services

· On-site work experience

· Career Portfolio development

Job Placement Program:

Employers are able to provide valuable career linkage between school and the business community. The Job Placement Program at the Alternative High School gives students the opportunity to be a part of the community work force. The goals of the program include:

· A service for area employers

· Help for students desiring employment

· Needed experience for students in job seeking, finding, and keeping skills

Parenting/Child Development Program Components:

· Contact with community agencies

· Career Guidance/job skill preparation

· Personal management tips

· Help with child care

· Friendly support and useful information

· Parenting/Child Development classes

· Field trips

· Interesting speakers

· Unusual projects

· Confidential allies and student advocates

· Understanding, hope, and interest by teachers who care