25 Jan 2005
Mid-Year Graduation Set for Feb. 2 at Skyline High School
DALLAS– More than 200 students who have returned to school after dropping out are eligible to participate in the Dallas Independent School District's mid-year graduation ceremony at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 2, Skyline High School, 7777 Forney Rd.
Deputy Superintendent Jim Scales is the commencement speaker.
Students' reasons for leaving school are varied. Some students have fallen behind in class work or left school for disciplinary reasons, others became parents or experienced a variety of obstacles to completing their education.
"It's important that we hold commencement exercises for these young people who missed their traditional ceremony," said H. B. Bell, associate superintendent—Alternative Programs. "We think these students will be among the most enthusiastic, appreciative audience of high school graduates to be found anywhere."
The Reconnection Center Program began in the 1998-1999 school year. The first centers opened at North Dallas High School, Spruce High School and Kimball High School. Today, there are 19 centers in schools throughout the district, and three other centrally located sites in the city.
The centers have a school-within-a-school environment and provide a voluntary alternative to the "traditional" academic program for at-risk students and for students who have abandoned school, but made a comeback.