PRINCIPAL,

Sentinel High School, Waterford Alternative Education,

Independent Studies

Ms Bibbins has worked in education for 26 years, both in alternative and comprehensive school sites.

Dear Parent/Guardian(s) and Student:

On behalf of the staff and administration of Waterford Alternative Programs - Independent Studies and the Waterford Unified School District Board of Trustees, it is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the 2024-25 school year.   Waterford Independent Studies is an alternative program available to students in 7th through 12th grade and provides students an opportunity to continue their schooling from home while staying involved in their home school, whether Waterford High, Sentinel High or Waterford Junior High as much as possible.  The goal of the program is to provide students with an individualized plan for their academics while accommodating the reasons that are preventing them from attending school in person. 

Like last year, parents/guardians will be receiving a call prior to the start of school for an individual appointment to develop their student’s individual learning plan and set up their appointment with their teacher for the year.  Both the student and at least one parent or guardian is required to attend.  These intake meetings will be scheduled for the weeks of July 25th through August 5th.  There will be evening appointment times available as needed by request.  Please make sure to respond to the contact from the school to be able to select the best time for your family to attend as the appointments will fill quickly.  

At the meeting, we will go over expectations for when students come in for their weekly meetings, attendance, tutoring options and hours, parking expectations for students, check student chromebooks and Acellus Access, complete the WISP Contract and collect the annual paperwork.  If you are planning to purchase chromebook insurance, please remember to bring cash or money order for $25.00.  Staff will be here to help with any questions about how to update Infinite Campus and student information. 

Starting last school year, we are required by legislation to have an Independent Studies Contract signed PRIOR TO STARTING the program.   This means that if no contract is completed prior to the start of the first day of school, the days at the start at school will be counted as non-attending and may trigger referrals to the Student Attendance Review Board.  Another change that started last year was the return to the weekly meetings being held IN PERSON unless prior arrangements are made with administration or teacher. 

Lastly, at the meeting we will be asking for guardians and parents who are interested in engaging with your child's home school through volunteer opportunities or by joining their School Site Council and/or English Learner Advisory Committees.  If you are interested in more information, please return the enclosed form at the parent meeting and we will forward it to your student’s school.  

If you' re unable to attend your scheduled meeting, please call the school and set up a reschedule appointment at 209.874.9017.   We are really excited to have you and your student join us for the 2024-25 school year.  An exciting adventure awaits all of us!

Sincerely,

Tonya L. Bibbins, Principal