Fornits
Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform => The Ridge Creek School / Hidden Lake Academy => Topic started by: MCP on November 07, 2005, 10:46:00 AM
-
I see some concerned parents out there and I just want to let them know that I am a teacher at HLA and I work as hard as I can to prepare my students for college and ensure an academic foundation for them to build on. My classes are structured and I dedicate a lot of time to my students. It is my hope that parents can know just how much we care about their children's academic future. These teens are amazing and I find it a privilege to work with them.
-
Nice try MAtt right ok............Dont come up on this page and lie and bull shit we all know that HLA is fucked up and in the middle of class teachers force student to do Physical Training or "PT" and miss class time and are forced to get good grades or go on restrictions all weekend dont sit here and say you are privilaged you hate the school and kids dont front HLA is full of abusive people and situations
-
thats not true, some teachers may care, but there is no one that can truly say that the academics were anywhere near adequate. to prepare us for college
-
On 2005-11-07 07:46:00, MCP wrote:
"I see some concerned parents out there and I just want to let them know that I am a teacher at HLA and I work as hard as I can to prepare my students for college and ensure an academic foundation for them to build on. My classes are structured and I dedicate a lot of time to my students. It is my hope that parents can know just how much we care about their children's academic future. These teens are amazing and I find it a privilege to work with them. "
HLA staff invasion. Get out your waders, the bullshit is flowing...
-
TRUE TRUE ABOUT 2 TEACHERS CARED BUT FOR EXAMPLE KEES DEVENTE, IAN ECT ECT DIDNT AND FUCKING IN TROUBLE FOR NOT DOING GOOD IN SCHOOL THATS WHY HALF THE STUDENTS WERE THERE COMEON NOW
HOW IN THE WORLD DOES HLA GET YOU RPREPARED FOR COLLEGE GOT EM
-
yeh, the academics were wicked easy, but some teachers did try to challenge you... and would challenge you if you asked. Tony was badass... as well as Andy, Jenn and maybe a few others. Sam Tanner, on the other hand was madd nice and fun... but i learned NOTHING in there... it was all about the actual teacher, and the student who they were working with. As far as PT goes,not all teachers gave it.. and what other form of punishment, other than restrictions, were they going to enforce? they can't sent you to the principle, call your parents ir suspend you. c'mon now, it's better than the old days, eh?
-
well im glad you are so worried about being a good teacher.
the two years i wasted at hidden lake really fucked me in preparing for college.
the teachers i had sucked, except for tom ring and jason grizzle and hawley stevens. everyone else was a joke of a redneck who probably was learning what they were teaching along with us.
worst academics ever.
dan pg26
-
the academics to need a lot of improving...the only worthwhile classes are AP level ones.
-
How legitimate can the school be? Students only attend classes two days a week, and they cant fail?
-
that is inaccurate. students attend classes everyday of the typical school week, on a AB type schedule. for example Monday and Wednesday you would have Reals in the morning, and on Tuesday and Thursday you would be in class during that time. That time block is longer, so it all balances out. Friday, everyone is in Reals for that time period. They balance it out, so you attend the typical amount of your studies.
-
Youre failing to mention that reals last three hours three days a week, followed by lunch, followed by gym class for the remainder of the afternoon.
You also arent discussing how it is impossible to fail a class there, as well as the fact that students are routinley pulled from classes indefinitly in for "theraputic reasons" please dont champion this schools education. Its just to easy to shoot down.
-
Oh, I am most definently not saying that the academics are very good, but I am saying that classes are routine, just as they should be. They just need to be more challenging.
-
So are all the academic staff part-time?
-
nope, they are full time staff
-
whadda they do three days a week when the kids are in reals?
-
all of the students are not at reals everyday at the same time. Like I previously stated, it's an AB schedule... Friday's however, when everyone is in reals, the teachers have meetings, and planning time.
-
all of the students are not at reals everyday at the same time. Like I previously stated, it's an AB schedule... Friday's however, when everyone is in reals, the teachers have meetings, and planning time.
-
Youre either full of it or its been changed. Im guessing youre full of it.
When I was there every peer group went to reals at the same time Monday and Friday in the morning.
On Wednesday we would have some sort of specific reals depending on whatever particular issue your counsolers felt you were dealing with, this was generally a waste of time as the counsolers would generally place you in a group without asking you what was going on, thus you usually ended up in a group that had nothing to do with you. I personally ended up in a divorce support group many many times having come from a home deviod of any divorce.
These groups took place later in the afternoon, so wednesday morning, tuesday and thursday were for class-if you want to call it that remember you cant fail no matter what you do. The rest of the time is for reals or sitting on the field.
Remembering again your child can be pulled out of class at any time for any length of time in order to work on issues of some sort. Not to worry though, your child is virtually garunteed to make honor roll, ,irregardless of whether or not they attend class.
-
The schedule is different now. All students have class everyday and it is only in the afternoons that they have Reals. The students who are not in reals have Academic Support where every teacher is available to them for tutoring. There is not a no-fail policy. We have Academic Support time and we use it to make sure that students have all the resources they need to understand and pass each class. It is entirely possible to fail. We are all full-time and all have degrees in out respective fields. My students write research papers, do projects, analyze primary source materials and refine their abilities to write professionally. It is pointless to argue about different people's experiences; I am only telling you what HLA is like right now. By the way, I am not Matt. I am a teacher.
-
This is funny because teachers like Marla disagree with you? You do remember her dont you? HLA and Marty have worked very hard to make sure her post does not rememerge. Let me see if I cant dig it up.
I also find it funny how you speak of all the teachers having degrees in their respective field. I personally had to teach spanish because the math teacher they gave it to barely spoke a word. Yet I myself was not a teacher.
Also you seem to be evading the fact that again kids can be pulled out of class at any time for any length of time, and it wont affect their grades. Tell me just off hand how many kids failed your class last semester?
-
that is exactly what it was like when i was there a few months ago, and your sugar coating that quite a bit.
-
who is?
-
***The schedule is different now. All students have class everyday and it is only in the afternoons that they have Reals.
What was the catalyst behind the change?
-
On 2005-11-11 08:01:00, MCP wrote:
It is entirely possible to fail. We are all full-time and all have degrees in out respective fields. My students write research papers, do projects, analyze primary source materials and refine their abilities to write professionally. It is pointless to argue about different people's experiences; I am only telling you what HLA is like right now. By the way, I am not Matt. I am a teacher. "
I'm sure you're a good and devoted teacher. I just wonder how long you'll stay at HLA. I'm the parent of a kid who was there for a couple of years (pretty recently.) She should have failed at least two subjects. They cut her way too much slack, which was very nice of them, but how much did my child learn? The school is more focused on therapeutics than academics. That's a fact. I lived it. Problem is the therapeutics aren't always what they say they are.
And where are the teachers (not to mention all the other staff) who were there so recently? Why is there such a revolving door? I'm talking about really good people - counselors - Chris Jones and others too numerous to name. There was a counselor named Crissy who could only take it for six months before she fled. Teachers - Tony Sims, Domindor, and others. Senior Staff people - Arnold (amazing guy) I heard he was fired one day for no reason after being there for like 8 years. There were some really nice staff people, a school communicator,etc, who one day were gone. And if a parent tried to find out why someone left, everything was a big secret. Where's the continuity for these kids (especially with the counselors)?
I just wonder why the good people leave or get pushed out. That school could be an awesome place if they would let the real professionals do their jobs.
There really is so much good about HLA,but they seem to be self-destructive.
-
its molly i think. the teacher i mean. and the school is VERY HARD to fail. it is incredibly easy, with the exception of maybe 2 teachers, like hawley, who most kids dont even have. If you try, you will pass. And HLA pretty much makes you try, so its wayyyyy hard to fail.
"And where are the teachers (not to mention all the other staff) who were there so recently? Why is there such a revolving door? I'm talking about really good people - counselors - Chris Jones and others too numerous to name. There was a counselor named Crissy who could only take it for six months before she fled. Teachers - Tony Sims, Domindor, and others. Senior Staff people - Arnold (amazing guy) I heard he was fired one day for no reason after being there for like 8 years. There were some really nice staff people, a school communicator,etc, who one day were gone. And if a parent tried to find out why someone left, everything was a big secret. Where's the continuity for these kids (especially with the counselors)? "
i agree with this completly. its all a part of the programs manipulation...and you know what that means. RESTRICTIONS!!! yah, but the staff was allowed to be hypocritiacl in this and other matters i guess.
-
if you put no effort, you can and do fail. i know, i was in mostly AP level classes, and they were not the easiest thing... yeh, the standard classes are wicked easy, but if the student chooses to apply themself, and wants to put in the work to learn something, they can
-
oh, and the teacher that is posting is Molly Parsons...it's not hard to go to the HLA website and match up initials
-
Id be interested to see if ol Molly can tell us how many students failed her classes last semester, honestly now.
-
they dont offer AP now, and honors is a joke-the same class as the standard and you do "extra work" aka nothing
-
Yes, this is Molli...spell my name right at least. That is no secret, I just assumed that most of you wouldn't know me. The whole point of academic support and all is to give students every opportunity NOT to fail. Students are required to study and apply themsleves, but those who refuse fail. The point is not to have "easy" academics. The point is that since students are on campus the majority of the time, there are fewer distractions and no real reasons to fail. Not only do they have all of their teachers available, our Learning Center is awesome and those who have real learning needs are more than cared for. Back to the issue: many fail simply because they want to. To answer your question, this is my first FULL semester at HLA so I do not have any who failed LAST semester but I have many who are failing or are borderline failing right now. My goal is not to have a lot of failing students...I spend a lot of soap box time trying to convince my students that college (life in general, really) does not give second chances like HLA.
I cannot argue with any of your experiences at HLA--I do not know you. But I can tell you this: the first reason that I love working at HLA is my students. They are all bright and capable (WILLING is a subject for another day). I think I have some of the most creative teenagers on the planet in me classes. The second reason I love working at HLA is because of the teachers I am working with. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in highschool myself. For me teaching highschool was my goal NOT a back-up career. I know my colleagues feel the same. That is a great thing at any workplace.
-
I admire your integrity and your passion for teaching, espically in such a non supportive enviornment such as HLA.
I think the only thing I would really take issue with is your mention of HLA being a "second chance". A second chance means youre given the benefit of a doubt. At HLA youre just told what a horrible person you are and you broke your parents heart.
I wish you the best of luck.
-
Thank you very much. I really do appreciate it. Just to clarify, when I said "second chances" I meant academically: the fact that students who are having a hard time or have something big going on can re-take a test or make up an assignment. In college or on the job, it is rare that a professor or boss will let you re-do it for reasons other than death in the family. That is all I meant by that. my comments will never be directed at Therapeutics...that is definitely not my area.
To answer another post from a while back, the reason for the schedule change is simply that when something doesn't work, we change it. For instance, sports were interfering with both academics and Reals when students have to leave early to travel. But sports are very important; we shifted the schedule a bit and now the three do not conflict at all.
-
On 2005-11-30 19:55:00, MCP wrote:
"Yes, this is Molli...spell my name right at least. That is no secret, I just assumed that most of you wouldn't know me. The whole point of academic support and all is to give students every opportunity NOT to fail. Students are required to study and apply themsleves, but those who refuse fail. The point is not to have "easy" academics. The point is that since students are on campus the majority of the time, there are fewer distractions and no real reasons to fail. Not only do they have all of their teachers available, our Learning Center is awesome and those who have real learning needs are more than cared for. Back to the issue: many fail simply because they want to. To answer your question, this is my first FULL semester at HLA so I do not have any who failed LAST semester but I have many who are failing or are borderline failing right now. My goal is not to have a lot of failing students...I spend a lot of soap box time trying to convince my students that college (life in general, really) does not give second chances like HLA.
I cannot argue with any of your experiences at HLA--I do not know you. But I can tell you this: the first reason that I love working at HLA is my students. They are all bright and capable (WILLING is a subject for another day). I think I have some of the most creative teenagers on the planet in me classes. The second reason I love working at HLA is because of the teachers I am working with. I have wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in highschool myself. For me teaching highschool was my goal NOT a back-up career. I know my colleagues feel the same. That is a great thing at any workplace."
-
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.
-
On 2006-02-21 06:38:00, Anonymous wrote:
"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.
How convenient. Will you at least answer this? Is HLA licensed as a theraputic center or an academic school?
-
On 2006-02-21 06:38:00, Anonymous wrote:
"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.
"
You're probably going to be looking for work soon. Don't get too comfortable.
-
Anon 'Teacher'
Shouldn't those things have been provided all along, based on the advertisement of the program?
Define therapeutic education.
You said: 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.
Not a warm and enriching environment currently or in the past? You think a few more computers and teachers = warm and enriching?
You said: P.S. For those that choose to focus on my anonymity,I apologize for your view of the world.
Why in the world would you apologize for SOMEONE ELSE'S view of the world? You might request a teacher training on 'boundaries'... where you stop and others begin.
-
Have they found it yet??
-
I often wonder why Hawley teaches there...
-
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.
So exactly how long were you operating without any special ed teacher since Marla left? Isn't operating without a special ed teacher pretty negligent for a "school" that caters to LD kids?
- We have increased the number of teachers to 19 in an effort to ensure the 9:1 student to teacher ratio
Does this include the two shitcanned in the past two weeks? Are these new ones more unlicensed teachers?
In October, HLA purchased a brand new computer lab
What about the computer lab you've been advertising for the past decade? Did it exist and was just horribly outdated or was it just like the Science Lab (an advertising gimmick)?
Our retention rate is soaring
Really? You fired 11% of your teaching staff in the last two weeks. Do we have different definitions of "soaring" or "retention rate"?
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.
So you teachers are planning on scrapping the "program" then? Because there is no such thing as a "warm and enriching" behavior modification center.
I'm glad you like your job and try to help the kids, but your views are either a little distorted or you just don't grasp the facts. Your assessment of your facility is just a bit Pollyanna...
_________________
"Compassion is the basis of morality."
-Arnold Schopenhauer[ This Message was edited by: Dysfunction Junction on 2006-02-21 12:15 ]
-
NO WAY was this written by someone that has worked there for just over a year. I might have smoked crack but it wasn't yesterday. This sounds like an awfully familiar tactic that I've seen before. I'd say that this is coming from someone a lot higher on the administrative scale, probably trying to put out a fire that somebody lit under their butt. Most programs have policy regarding representing themselves as a spokesperson when it comes to public forms and since this is a public forum I highly suspect this is not some lowly teacher tring to represent them but someone closer to the top that is running scared.
When I tell the truth, it is not for the sake of convincing those who do not know it, but for the sake of defending those that do.
William Blake
-
What are the stats on that soaring retention rate? Previously and currently.
-
On 2006-02-21 12:42:00, Anonymous wrote:
"
What are the stats on that soaring retention rate? Previously and currently.
"
Previously full turnover about once every three years and currently 11% bi-weekly.
-
thank you to the anonymous teacher. a refreshing dose of current reality at HLA.
-
On 2006-02-21 12:46:00, Dysfunction Junction wrote:
"
On 2006-02-21 12:42:00, Anonymous wrote:
"
What are the stats on that soaring retention rate? Previously and currently.
"
Previously full turnover about once every three years and currently 11% bi-weekly.
"
i was refering to kids. that sounds like staff.
-
i was refering to kids. that sounds like staff.
What the teacher said was in reference to teachers, not students. They were referring to the retention rate of employees needed to maintain the student/teacher ratio.
-
On 2006-02-21 12:14:00, Dysfunction Junction wrote:
In October, HLA purchased a brand new computer lab
What about the computer lab you've been advertising for the past decade? Did it exist and was just horribly outdated or was it just like the Science Lab (an advertising gimmick)?
THis is interesting...Was it really purchased in October?? Who said this? HLA says via their 'Jerk and Jerks' that they have a 'mobile
science lab'...
[ This Message was edited by: Deborah on 2006-02-21 18:26 ]
-
Fix your quote tags, Juni. The thread got skewed...