Program Overview
Orchard View Alternative High School is a Wappingers Central School District (WCSD) program for students who have not been successful in the traditional high school setting. The school provides students with a full range of courses required for high school graduation. The school asks students to recognize that they have a job: full-time student. Their future success in life rests on making good decisions. The program offers students an opportunity to take control of their future, academic and career, in a highly structured, supportive environment where they must choose to make good decisions. In addition, an integral part of the Orchard View program is community service. Students are required to give back to the local community in the form of 25 hours of volunteer service per academic year.
General Information
· Grades 10-12.
· Located on the 2nd floor at 167 Myers Corners Rd., separate entrance.
· Small classes (1:20 or smaller).
· School hours: 7:30am – 1:30pm.
· Busing provided.
· Orchard View AHS follows the WCSD calendar.
· Voluntary enrollment.
· Class schedule: eight (8) forty-two (42) minute academic periods.
· There is limited food service, a school store, and vending machines.
· Monthly Family Nights or Pot Luck Lunches.
Student Profile
Orchard View is a wonderful opportunity for students who have been struggling in the traditional high school model. Students who are struggling academically and/or experiencing attendance problems may be good candidates for the program. Most students who come to the program have not been earning credit towards the ultimate goal of graduation. Often students have not been successful because of inadequate study skills, behavior control issues, low self-esteem, short attention span, truant and/or tardy behavior, and lack of motivation.
Academic Profile
The small classes in the Orchard View program allow teachers to understand individual learning styles and tailor curriculum to meet their needs. Students are placed in classes according to the graduation requirements of WCSD.
Community Service
The community service aspect of the Orchard View program is very important. Community service is designed to encourage direct giving in the community in order to give something back to the community as well as enhance the healthy development of self-esteem.
In addition this experience provides the opportunity to foster and develop interpersonal skills, teach responsibility, and build self-confidence. Each student is required to complete 25 hours of community service per academic year they are with us. While some opportunities may be arranged by the school, most community service projects will be outside of school with students providing their own transportation. Community service must occur during the day and must not interfere with the Orchard View academic program.
Counseling Program
Orchard View has limited counseling services available to students and their families daily. Additionally, we have a Student Assistance Counselor here on Mondays. Our school counselor will:
· Counsel individual students with needs or concerns relating to academic, behavioral, and social/emotional issues.
· Counsel small groups with needs or concerns relating to academic, behavioral, and social/emotional issues.
· Provide support for families regarding school related problems.
· Provide referrals to appropriate specialists, special programs, or agencies.
Enrollment Procedure
Enrollment in Orchard View Alternative High School is voluntary. Students may apply at anytime during the school year. Enrollment takes place before the start of the school year and at the start of the Second Semester. If a student applies in the middle of a marking period he/she will be placed on a waiting list once the completed application has been received.
To apply:
1) Pick up an application from your guidance office or call 298-5005 to receive one.
2) Fill out the application completely with help from your guidance counselor.
3) Signatures: student, parent/guardian, guidance counselor, base school principal.
4) Attach student essay.
5) Return completed application to guidance office or Orchard View Main Office.
Once a completed application has been received, families will receive a letter from the school counselor or principal to discuss the application and let them know when the next enrollment period is and whether there are spaces available. Serious applicants will be asked to come in for an interview with their parent/guardian.
Contact Information
Orchard View Alternative High School
167 Myers Corners Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
(Located on the 2nd Floor)
Phone:
845-298-5005
Fax:
845-297-6805
Staff:
Principal:
Mr. Haskins
Administrative Assistant:
Ms. Nursey
School Counselor:
Ms. Califano
(8:00am – 11:30am)
Social Studies:
Mrs. Brannen
English:
Mrs. Mills
Mathematics:
Mr. Anderson
Science:
Mr. Perino
Orchard View
Alternative High School