In a step towards enhancing student support and fostering a positive learning environment, the Dansville and Wayland-Cohocton school districts are pleased to announce significant changes that will help students who are suspended from school. Starting this academic year, suspended students will participate in the newly established Alternative to Suspension (ATS) Program, designed to provide comprehensive academic and developmental support during their suspension period. Students who are suspended for three or more days qualify for this program.
The ATS Program, launching on Wednesday, September 6, serves as an innovative initiative aimed at empowering students during challenging times and helping them navigate their educational journey. The program will be held at the former middle school building on Clara Barton St. in Dansville and will be administered by the Center for Youth, a student-centered agency operating through the Genesee Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services (GV BOCES).
Students enrolled in the ATS Program will benefit from a structured daily routine tailored to their needs, featuring group preventative counseling, individual preventative counseling, academic support, physical activity, as well as breakfast and lunch. To ensure a high standard of care, the program will be staffed by two trained prevention counselors who specialize in developmental support.
“I am proud to work closely with our friends at Wayland-Cohocton on this vital project. We are fortunate to have found great partners in the Center for Youth and we are very pleased to hire caring members of our local community to do this important work. This is a win-win for kids, our schools and our communities,” said Dansville Superintendent Dr. Paul J. Alioto.
Wayland-Cohocton Superintendent Dr. Eileen M. Feinman said, "When you have the ability to collaborate with great organizations such as The Center for Youth and the Dansville School District to offer programming for our students, it is the students who benefit greatly from that. I am very excited to see the positive impact that the ATS program will have on our students at Wayland-Cohocton and Dansville."
A key highlight of the ATS Program is its potential to allow well-performing students to return to their regular school routine ahead of their program’s original end date. However, it is important to note that uncooperative behavior or violations of the high school code of conduct may result in further consequences.
ATS Program Details:
Location: Former middle school building on Clara Barton St. in Dansville.
Operating Hours: 8:45 AM to 2:55 PM, on school days.
Services: Academic and developmental support, group and individual preventative counseling, daily study and assignment assistance, physical activity, breakfast, and lunch.
Transportation: Transportation will be provided for students who require it.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost. For any additional inquiries or information, please reach out to a high school administrator.
This shift towards the Alternative to Suspension (ATS) Program signifies Dansville and Wayland-Cohocton School Districts' ongoing dedication to nurturing a supportive and inclusive educational environment for all students.
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For more information contact the DCSD District Office at 585-335-4000 or the WCCS District Office at 585-728-2211.