Providing another path to success

SANDUSKY — There's another way local students can achieve academic success. Sandusky Digital Academy, located at 314 W. Madison St., is a flexible alternative education program.Since 2012, the program has caught up Sandusky High School students on credits through online coursework and individualized attention as they work at their own pace.The academy offers more than 150 online course options, including advanced placement and test prep classes, alternative education coordinator Sherry Smith said. All students can work on assignments from home and are given a laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot to complete assignments.If students need help, they can attend a "Success Lab" from 8:30-11:30 a.m. or noon to 3 p.m. on most weekdays to work with five licensed teachers.The students are only required to come to school to take tests and prepare for them. In fact, the academy gives students an hour and a half of test prep each day during the school year, Smith said.When students have caught up on credits, they have the option of going back to Sandusky High School for classes."We don't want too send them back to high school behind," Smith said. "They also need to have good attendance and behavior."For the next two years, the school will be located at the former Jackson Junior High School at 314 W. Madison St. The academy's students vacated Adams Junior High School to make room for Ontario students while the new Ontario Primary is under construction.In their temporary facility, students have access to a computer lab with 22 computers, a language arts and social studies room as well as a math and science room for instruction. Seniors also have their own room to use at the school.Sandusky Digital Academy students have access to a computer lab with 22 computers for completing assignments. Beginning this school year, SDA students will have classes at the former Jackson Junior High School for two years during a transition period.When they successfully complete 21 credits and pass required state tests, students receive a diploma from Sandusky High School. They can either pick up their diploma before graduation or participate in the ceremony with their classmates.This spring, about 52 academy students graduated and about 100 students are enrolled for this school year.More assistance availableIn addition to helping them complete needed credits, academy officials want students to be successful outside the classroom.While at the academy, students have access to job placement services. Officials help set up job interviews at school during the year to get them employed. After graduating, students have entered the military, attended college and attained employment, Smith said. If needed, the academy can also help connect graduates with local employers."If they don't go to college, we make sure they have employment," Smith said.The academy also serves breakfast and lunch at their facility and has a counselor and social worker onsite to provide emotional support and guidance for future plans."They have felt rejected in other places, but they feel welcome here. We're a family," said Barbara Straka-Kenning, the academy's school counselor.Sandusky Digital Academy students can receive help with their assignments from licensed teachers during two sessions everyday. Beginning this school year, SDA students will have classes at the former Jackson Junior High School for two years during a transition period. New 22+ diploma program launchesThis school year, the academy introduced a 22+ diploma completion program for residents needing to earn their high school diplomas. It's a free state program, in which students can work from home at their own pace with help from teachers available for all core subjects.Students in this program can come in after 3 p.m. to get homework help.Anyone who enrolls must be at least 22 years old and not already have a high school diploma or GED.Straka-Kenning will be available to assist 22+ students with academic, career and college plans.An SDA success storyLoryn Smith can attest to program's usefulness.Smith enrolled at the academy while caring for her young child and graduated from Sandusky High School this spring.This summer, she returned to work at Sandusky Digital Academy as a district intern. During the experience, she helped recruit new students, reaching out to some as far away as Toledo. Smith also passed out informational letters and brochures to local churches so congregants can learn more about the program. "You don't have to drop out — there are other options," Smith tells students.Recent Sandusky High School graduate Loryn Smith is pictured on a poster for Sandusky Digital Academy. Smith attended the academy and returned to work as a district intern this summer.Want to enroll?• To enroll in Sandusky Digital Academy or the 22+ diploma program, contact alternative programs coordinator Sherry Smith at 419-984-1060 or email askdigitalacademy@scs-k12.net Reach reporter Caitlin Nearhood at nearhood@sanduskyregister.com, follow her on Twitter @CaitlinNearhood and on Facebook www.facebook.com/CaitliNearhood Beginning this fall, Sandusky Digital Academy students will have classes at the former Jackson Junior High School for two years during a transition period. They will use this entrance to access the building.