THE ALTERNATIVE VIEW

Volume 20, Issue 2—2005-2006 School Year

Parents, guardians and friends:

As we move into February it is time to begin thinking about graduation. It may seem like a long way off as we all try to survive winter in Iowa, but it will be here quicker than we all realize. Doing some long-range planning will assist potential graduates in achieving their goal. As those of us who have graduated know, it doesn’t just happen. Success tomorrow starts with planning today.

If you happen to walk into the Alternative School late in the day, you may find yourself under attack from rubber band driven catapults or mouse trap cars. This year’s Physics Olympic team is hard at work putting together their projects so they can compete later this month in the state competition. The effort being put forth has been impressive.

Earlier this month parents received a letter informing you about a revision made to our tardy policy which went into effect at the beginning of the second quarter. A copy of this letter is included in this publication. For many students the habit of arriving late has been a problem which is preventing them from having academic success. The staff genuinely believes the new policy will force students to look at their individual behavior and decide what is important to them. For some students the decision may determine their educational future. As parents, please have discussions with your students about the importance of prompt attendance. Being on time is a real world expectation. The self-discipline necessary to meet this expectation is extremely important. Without it, long-term school success is difficult. If you have any questions about this policy change or other issues at school, please do not hesitate in contacting us.

Until next time…Warmest regards

Dave Ciccetti, Supervisor

Dates of Importance

Early dismissal dates for student staffings: (Students released at 1:30 PM)

March 6, April 17 and May 8.

Conferences: Thursday, March 2nd, and March 16^th from 4:00-8:00 PM

Mason City Alternative School Awards Night: Thursday, May 25th at 7:30 PM, Music Man Square

MCHS Commencement Ceremony: May 28, 2006 at 2:00 PM, MCHS Gym

Beyond High School

By Greg N.

Am I looking forward to being done with high school? I kind of have mixed feelings when it comes to this. I mean of course I’m looking forward to getting out of this town and moving on with my life, but there will always be the good memories. All I know is nothing good is going to come out of me staying here. This town is filled with too much drama and I always seem to be involved.

High school has been fun and honestly, I don’t know what I would have done without the Alternative School, besides not graduating. I’ve had so many good times with all of my close friends but all in all it seems like the bad times outweigh them. I’m really going to miss everyone but it’s not like I’ll never see any of my friends again.

After graduation I don't really know exactly what I’m going to do. All I know is I’m going to college. I have to. It’s not because I’m being forced, it’s just that I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn’t. Plus, I like money and a flexible work schedule and I don't see that happening if I don't extend my education.

I’ve got a few options as of the moment but nothing’s for sure yet. So, I guess I am actually looking forward to being done with high school. It’s just that it’s coming so fast and I really need to get my priorities straight. High school has been fun, but there’s so much more out there and I want to see it.

Christmas Changes?

By Seth M.

Once when you were little, Christmas was about waiting patiently for Santa to come and seeing what wonderful gifts he brought on Christmas morning. But as we grow up things like toy trucks and Hot Wheel cars are a thing of the past.

When I was little I remember waiting for Christmas to come. All year I would watch television for new toys, or go to stores with my mom and wander toward the toy section to stroll down the a aisle to gawk at all of the toys. There were Tonka Trunks, Hot Wheel Cars, and Lincoln Logs.

As Christmas became closer and closer, I would write out my Christmas list for Santa. My mom always told me that she would send it to the North Pole for me. But as I grew up and learned the truth about Santa, Christmas meant less to me. My wish list changed from toys to clothes and the newest video games.

Now Christmas is different for me because I have matured. Instead of wanting a toy truck, I want things that better suit my age. Also, Christmas has become more family oriented. Now it’s about having that wonderful Christmas dinner and being surrounded by people that love you.

Although it was fun being young and believing that there really was a jolly old man with reindeer who delivered presents on Christmas Eve. Times have changed and I have grown up. Christmas will most likely continue to change with each generation.

Tardiness Is A Problem

By Dave Ciccetti

As of today, January 17, 2006, the second semester of the school year has begun. I hope all of our students will achieve the personal goals which they developed when they arrived at school.

During the first semester of this school year I witness ed a serious problem which needs to be corrected. The problem is excessive tardiness at the beginning of the school day (8:05 AM) and excessive tardiness after lunch (12:30 PM). During the first semester I hoped the students would correct the problem by changing their own behavior, but I am sad to report that has not happened. The staff and I have developed the following procedure for dealing with tardiness. Please read it carefully so there will be misunderstanding.

Any student who is late to a class four times in a quarter will be moved one level on the progress review contract. Should that same student be late four more times to the same class, he/she will be dropped from school.

Being prompt is an important real life skill. Students need to have the self-discipline to develop this skill in their own lives. Obviously it is going to be important in the world of work.

As a parent/guardian you can help them by:

1. Being responsible for their attendance.

2. Demonstrating that you considered school attendance important.

3. Communicating with the school.

4. Modeling timely arrival in your life.

5. Discussing the consequences of not being on time.

It is my sincere hope you will understand the importance of prompt attendance and ensure that your student will attend promptly each day. If you have questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact me. I hope your student has a successful second semester here at the Mason City Alternative School.

Quarterly Awards for the 2^nd Quarter of the 2005-2006 School Year

The Mason City Alternative School second quarter awards ceremony was held on Friday, January 27th at 10:45 a.m. Awards were presented to the students in the following categories:

Most Points

Seth M. (367)

Jason G. (450)

Pia P. (332)

Miranda C. (428)

Most Credits

Seth M. (9)

Jason G. (7)

Larissa S. (7)

Nathan L. (7)

Robert B. (7)

Most Improved Students

Eric D.

Erica E.

John Z.

Dustin H.

Student of the Quarter

Seth M.

Erica E.

Nathan L.

Miranda C.

Student of the Week

Erica E. (2 times)

Caitlin T.

Ciara B. (2 times)

John Z.

Seth M. (2 times)

Brandon F.

Perfect Attendance

None

95% Attendance or Better

Bradley B.

Erica E.

Jason G.

Nathan L.

Pia P.

Aaron S.

Top Credit Earners

Robert B.

Erica E.

Jason G.

Crystal H.

Nathan L.

Seth M.

Brody N.

Mikki P.

Larissa S.

Additionally, twenty four students met their point goal. Grade completions were also given out to several students who have taken one step closer to graduation.

Attendance was 83.7% for the second quarter. Obviously this is an area that we all need to improve. Our school goal is to maintain 90% attendance or higher for the school year.