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.

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 2023-24 school year.  Waterford Independent Studies is an alternative option 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 ( 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 they are addressing the reasons that are preventing them from attending school in person.

As we enter the new year, we will be focusing on two themes throughout the year - Attendance and Relationships. For most of our students, attendance issues have been a major reason behind past difficulties with school. When attendance improves, we see student success improve and progress towards graduation becomes "real". One of the major areas that can improve student attendance is the relationships they build with peers and staff. We will be increasing our incentives for student attendance this year with a monthly drawing for prizes for students and highlighting student achievements each month. More will come out in our parent newsletters about these two areas of focus.

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 30th through August 3rd.  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, giving out chromebooks (if new), complete the WISP Contract and collecting the annual paperwork.  If you are planning to purchase chromebook insurance, please remember to bring a check, 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.  If you are unable to attend you scheduled meeting, please call the school and set up a reschedule appointment at 209-874-9017.

This year we will be required by legislation to have an Independent Studies Contract signed PRIOR TO STARTING the program.  This requirement has been waived the last few years due to COVID-19.  This means that if no contract is completed prior to start 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 went into affect last year and that will continue for the 23-24 school year is the return to the weekly meetings being held  IN PERSON unless prior arrangements are made with administration or teacher.

I can't say enough about how excited we are to  have everyone back on campus for the 2023-24 school year.  An exciting adventure awaits all of us!

Sincerely,

 Tonya L. Bibbins, Principal