Montrose Stems the Flow, Adds ELearning

When Columbia High School reopens this week, students at its Montrose campus  will be taking an alternative route to a high school diploma. Here, within the walls of an aging elementary school, about 40 students attend non-traditional classes, including e-learning.

It's part of the district's effort to provide a path for students who might drop out of high school. And this year, for the first time, Montrose will teach special education students who have been attending school elsewhere, saving the district a far greater expense. The program is entitled "Stem the Flow."

Overseeing the new initiatives is Denise Giorello-Moczulski, the school district's supervisor of special services 9-12. She moved to the Clark Street school, where she takes on the dual role of supervisor of the alternative high school.

 The at-risk students at Montrose are generally described as discouraged learners, who do not achieve in the standard high school program. These include students who have missed so much school they are too far behind to catch up at CHS.  Some are special education students classified with emotional or behavioral disabilities. Others are simply uncomfortable in large classes.

 "For these students, a more personalized environment works better," Giorello-Moczulski said. This includes remedial programs, independent study and project-based options for graduation credits. Students are also connected to jobs and internships.

On-line learning will be offered for the first time, with state-certified teachers providing instruction electronically. E-learning will allow students to complete course work outside of regular school hours. Assessment for credit will take place at Montrose.

The school has a staff of five full-time teachers in science, math, social studies, language arts, and an inclusion special education teacher. Part-time teachers provide physical education and health, French, art, and practical arts like computer and financial training.

Four years ago, Montrose was slated to close because of budget woes. But it is now largely credited with providing potential dropouts a chance to receive a high school diploma.

The district expects a savings in special ed costs with the new "Stem the Flow" initiative. Out-placement invariably costs far more than educating a student within a school's own district. Four students have opted for the new arrangement, Giorello-Moczulski said.