1 Jun 2000
An appreciation luncheon for students who completed their academic requirement to receive a high school diploma through Dallas Independent School District' Reconnection Centers program is scheduled at 12 p.m. Friday, June 2, at Ewell Townview Center.
The Reconnection Centers program gives students who have dropped out or about to drop out a second chance to graduate in a self-pace environment.
The appreciation luncheon will recognize about 100 students who have completed the necessary course work to graduate said Dr. H. B. Bell, associate superintendent for dropout prevention and intervention. "The luncheon is an appreciation for those students who have beaten the odds and achieved their academic goals," he said.
Students and their parents have been invited to attend the luncheon which will be held in the commons area at Townview Center said Dr. John Whitten, director of dropout prevention and recovery program. "The luncheon recognizes the students for sticking with their education and coming back," Dr. Whitten said. "It's a recognition for the students who we thought were gone, but now are back."
The students attending the luncheon have either already graduated from their home schools or plan to graduate at the district summer graduation program at Skyline High School.
The students to be recognized at the luncheon are the first graduates of the reconnection program. Dr. Bell said the program is designed to give young people who are having problems in the traditional classroom a fresh start.
"It is another option for students who are in danger of dropping out of school," he said. "It is an option to help young people meet their educational needs."
To participate in the reconnection program, students may be referred by themselves or counselors. The program gives students extra time in an environment conducive to their learning needs. Graduates of the year-round program must recommit themselves to education, complete the academic course work and pass the end of course exams and TAAS.
For more information about the appreciation luncheon or Reconnection Centers program contact Dr. John Whitten at (214) 932-5002 or Dr. H. B. Bell at (972) 925-4898.