FRESHMAN ORIENTATION AT GATEWAY HIGH SCHOOL
Gateway High School will present a Freshman Orientation Program for the Class of 2014 on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 in the auditorium. Students with last names that begin with the letters A to M should report for the program at 8:30 a.m. Students with last names that begin with the letters N to Z should report at 10:30 a.m. During the one and one-half hour programs, the high school administration, guidance counselors, and other members of the professional and support staff will present an overview of various aspects of the high school. The program will conclude with a tour of the building conducted by student members of the "Right Start" team.
Parents or guardians must provide transportation. Buses will not be available on this date. Students new to the school district in grades
10-11-12, who will be attending classes this fall, may also attend.
For more information about the orientation program, please call the High School Office at 412-373-5741.
Recently, the Gateway School District has had taxpayer inquiries about the proposed Cyber School and Alternative Education Programs for Disruptive Youth. In an attempt to help our community better understand the proposed programs, we have listed some answers to the most commonly asked questions below.
Proposed Cyber School and
Alternative Education Program for Disruptive Youth
Q: What exactly are the two programs Gateway is proposing for next year?
A:Gateway School District is proposing two pilot programs for the 2010-2011 school year. The first program is a full-time, In-House Cyber Program geared toward capturing Gateway students who currently attend cyber schools outside the district. Cyber schools provide an option for students who may find the traditional classroom to be too restrictive or desire a more flexible learning environment.
The second program that is being proposed is an Alternative Education Program for Disruptive Youth (AEDY). The AEDY Program, designed for seriously and/or persistently disruptive students in grades 9-12 who need more structure in order to improve behavior, must meet Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements. Students will be provided with academic coursework, as well as individualized behavioral programs
Q: What are the benefits of an in-house Cyber Program?
A: There are several benefits to having an in-house cyber program. First, exposure to rigorous courses aligned with Gateway School District curriculum. Second, students would earn a Gateway diploma. Third, students have the opportunity to participate in Gateway activities and sports. Last, the District could see a 30 percent savings by keeping students enrolled in a Gateway-housed cyber program.
Q: What are the benefits to Gateway for brining an alternative education program in-house?
A: While maintaining control of the academic and behavioral program of disruptive students is an important benefit, having an in-house program can expedite the process for placing disruptive students. Additionally, the cost per student is nearly half that of having a student placed in an outside facility.
Q: Will mainstream students attending Gateway be safe while on campus with Alternative students?
A: Yes. Although the program will be located on the Gateway High School Campus, the program location and hours will be organized to ensure that attending students are isolated from mainstream students in a secured area.
Q: How do these programs enhance the mission of Gateway School District?
A: The mission of the Gateway School District is to provide quality educational opportunities for all students and the District believes that this is one way in which it can provide an option to meet the needs of a diverse student population while providing a financial savings to the District.
A reminder that Gateway School District still participates in the Homestead Exemption.
