I have been employed with Hidden Lake Academy for over a year. I am a teacher and enjoy my job. I will not address any opions regarding the therapeutic program in this message. While you may not wish to read this lengthy overview, please note that this information is current and based on evaluation of student/staff input in an effort to better the academic program at HLA. Yes, there have been some weaknesses in the past. However, I cannot attest to them. Today is a new day.
During my time (remember, just one year), I have seen the following:
- The re-birth of the Learning Center with a certified Special Education teacher who holds two certifications from the state of Georgia and 9 years of teaching experience. In addition, there are three teaching assistants that work with the students to meet their learning differences. The Learning Center is not just for students with Learning Disabilities. We have moved the honors program in the Learning Center and are working to overhaul it to challenge students to reach their potential.
- We have increased the number of teachers to 19 in an effort to ensure the 9:1 student to teacher ratio
- We are constantly working to upgrade the library and the resources if offers. In October, HLA purchased a brand new computer lab complete with 10 individual student stations, printers, and the appropriate software for student use. In addition, the Learning Center was given two 21-inch monitors to address those students with slight sight disabilities.
- Students returning from RCI are now assigned a wilderness coordinator to assist them in completing any missed work. One of these coordinators travels to RCI for 2 hours per day to work with students who wish to keep up with their studies. There is also a former curriculum specialist now employed at RCI as a full-time teacher. She is certified and really making great changes there.
- Teachers are provided with frequent in-service traning seminars on both curriculum/teaching trends and therapeutic issues that pertain to the classroom (i.e. self-injury, crisis management, addiction, ODD, and learning differences)
- Teachers and counselors have more regular meetings to discuss the needs of individual students. Our retention rate is soaring and the stability of the academic program is really benefitting the currently enrolled students.
- The Daily schedule has changed and allowed us the following:
* 4 hours a week on mandated tutoring which has significantly lowered the number of students on the incomplete list (those below a 70% or missing 2 or more assignments)
* We placed all therapeutic programs in the afternoon and evening not to coincide with academics
* We have upgraded our SAT Prep program to include the new version of the SAT
* Incorporated a 15-minute homeroom assignend by peer group to allow a teacher to bond with a particular peer group and dialogue or disseminate information
Now, I understand that some students, parents, and former employees have had some bad and not so bad experiences at HLA. I respect your opionion with regards to your experience. However, if you took time to discover what HLA is all about today, I think you will find a more committed staff that really puts the student's learning needs first. Yes, therapeutics is a priority at HLA (otherwise, we wouldn't be here), but the college-preparatory program is becoming a true benchmark in therapeutic education.
We are not there yet, but with time, hard work, and dedicated teachers like myself and my peers, I think Hidden Lake Academy will really be a warm and enriching environment for its students.
I understand you have the right to post or not to post my comments. I hope you would be willing to afford me to share what is going on at campus today. Thank you for your consideration.
Oh...Mollie is a dynamic teacher whom I am proud to serve with. Thank you for reading respecting her posts!
P.S. For those that choose to focus on my anonymity,I apologize for your view of the world.
