Santa Cruz County Office of Education

Alternative Education Contact Info

Sandy Mast
Senior Director,
Alternative Education Program
(831) 466-5728

John Armstrong
Assistant Director
Alternative Education Program
(831) 466-5728

Rosa Rosas
Department Coordinator, AEP
(831) 466-5722

John Rice
Project Director, AEP
(831) 466-5724

Carol Polhamus
Project Director
Career and Technical Education, AEP
(831) 466-5727

Michael Paynter
Project Coordinator
Foster Youth Services, AEP
(831) 466-5729

Melissa Gomez
Pupil Data Specialist, AEP
(831) 466-5725

Amy Rice
Pupil Data Specialist, AEP
(831) 457-8254

Denise Pitman-Rosas
Bilingual Secretary, Guidance Counselor, AEP
(831) 466-5728

Julia (Jules) Skelton
Fiscal Accountant, (831) 466-5721

Leslie Kootstra
Administrative Secretary, (831) 466-5770

Main phone #: (831) 466-5728
Fax #: (831) 466-5730

Alternative Education Program Pages

Student & Personnel Services: Alternative Education

Alternative Education Programs

New Rule for School: Pertussis shot required for students grade 7 through 12

Academic Achievement
Social Skills Development
Vocational Preparation

Overview of Alt. Ed Programs

Alt. Ed School Sites

Our Mission

To provide a safe, supportive learning environment that encourages and develops the student's interests and abilities so that each achieves academic, social and career success. Alternative Education Graduation 2010 We build successful collaborations with families and organizations to promote responsible citizenship, improve the quality of education and the well-being of our communities.

Philosophy

We believe that the educational success of our students is dependent upon quality academic and affective programs, which are supported by a healthy organization, our students' families, and effective community partnerships. Our programs are student-centered and adapt to meet individual needs. We value personal and professional development. Staff works collaboratively to facilitate learning and change.

We believe that:

All students can learn.
All students can grow socially and emotionally to become productive citizens.
Each student should be given the opportunity to fully develop his/her potential.
There is a need to facilitate learning by drawing on individual strengths and learning styles.
Structured educational environments and programs help our students to learn.
Each student has a right to a physically and emotionally safe environment that is conducive to learning.
There is a need to embrace diversity.
Collaborative relationships are essential in delivering quality services and effective programs to our students.
We are accountable through evaluation of students and programs.

View Alternative Education Programs: A Different Path
(Large file, 196 MB, 20 minute movie. May take awhile to download.
For best results, download first, then play.)

View Alternative Education Programs presentation.
(8 MB movie. Both movies require Quicktime Player.)

The Instruction

Dedicated teachers assist students to achieve social, interpersonal and academic success. They inspire students to develop their greatest potential. Low student-to-teacher ratios are provided in a variety of K-12 educational environments. Fourteen Alternative Education campuses provide individual, small group and community based instruction. This personalized approach allows students to develop the fundamental skills needed for achievement.

Enrichment

Students learn about life outside their neighborhoods by participating in interscholastic sports programs and community arts projects. Through experiences in music, drama, poetry, video production and the visual arts, students are able to develop the confidence needed to live a healthy lifestyle.

Graduation

The Alternative Education Programs are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the curriculum is aligned with state educational frameworks.

High school students are able to earn credit towards graduation and develop employment skills.

Students who complete the program transition to their neighborhood school, attend college or find success in the world of work.

Partnerships

Alternative Education Programs have formed effective community partnerships that successfully support student programs. Community based organizations and government agencies help coordinate student services, administer grants and implement community projects. These interagency collaborations offer counseling, supervision and wellness programs for teenagers.

Enrollment

Alternative Education Programs serve students who can benefit from a small school setting.

Students must be referred by their local school district, School Attendance Review Board, Social Services or the Probation Department.

For placement consideration, please contact the Alternative Education Programs at (831) 466-5728.

School Accountability Report Card (SARC)
Community Schools English Spanish	Court Schools English Spanish
Single Plan for Student Achievement (2010-2011)
Local Educational Agency (LEA) Plan