Introduction
Open Choice and CREC operate a Student Support Center, based on the agency’s highly successful academic assistance programs. The Academic Support Center will enhance the academic experience for both Project Choice students and Hartford students attending interdistrict magnet schools. This center will provide intervention services that address “high risk” behavior that lead to suspensions and expulsions which often results in students not achieving success in Open Choice and provide academic support for those students requiring additional intervention for academic success.

Target Population
Students from grade six to grade twelve who need additional support with their academics in the areas of math, reading, writing, science and Spanish. Students at risk of failing or receiving a D or C can be referred for extra support. Students can receive support from licensed social workers in the areas of behavior modification anger management or social problems. Enrichment classes are offered in College preparation, study skills, life skills and video communication. The Center encourages academic success for all students and will provide quality programming for student achievement.

Student Support Center 2009-2010 Schedule

Location: Greater Hartford Arts Annex 417 Franklin Ave. Hartford

Weekly Schedule: Monday - Thursday 3:30-5:30 p.m

Program will begin: October 19, 2009 - May 28, 2010

Session One:
9 weeks
October 19 – December 17, 2009
Enrollment ends on November 13, 2009
No programming on: 11/10, 11/26, 11/27

Session Two:
13 weeks
January 4 – April 8, 2010
Enrollment ends on January 22, 2010
No programming on: 1/18, 2/15, 2/16, 2/17, 2/18, 2/19

Session Three:
6 weeks
April 26 – May 28, 2010
Enrollment ends on May 8, 2010
No programming on: 5/24

Student Support Center Offers

• Tutoring
• Community Service
• Anger Management
• Study Skills
• Life Skills
• Peer Mediation
• Behavior Modification
• Mentoring
• Case Management and Counseling
• College prep
• Financial Aid workshops
  

Family Support

• Outreach to parents/guardians
• Financial Aid workshops
• Case Management and short-term intervention counseling with referral to outside providers
• Parenting/ communication skills
• Mentoring
• Homework labs

The staff of the Student Support Center will make every effort to increase the involvement of parents/guardians of participating students and help them understand why their support is critical to student success. CREC will collaborate with major stakeholders involved in youth intervention/enrichments activities in the Greater Hartford Region in order to develop meaningful partnerships that will benefit our youth.

Referral Process
The students will be referred to the Support Center by receiving district guidance staff. Open Choice/magnet parents or students can request a referral by contacting the school guidance department.

The guidance department will make all referrals on the web referral form, parents and students will be notified by the guidance department and the Open Choice Intervention Specialist. Parents must give their permission and become part of the team.

The Support Center will follow up with the parent and enroll the students into the appropriate class placement. The student schedule will be developed by support staff based on the referral process.