THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, December 14, 1994 TAG: 9412140450
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: BY PERRY PARKS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
In slightly more than a month of operation, the Crossroads Alternative School has carved a niche for itself in the community, faculty members said Tuesday.
The school, a last resort for students who have been struggling in or kicked out of the Elizabeth City-Pasquotank County system, set up shop on McMorrine Street downtown this fall with a motivated staff and $50,000 worth of computer equipment funded by a state grant.
The eight students who have signed a contract to meet dress and behavioral standards in return for a second chance are doing well.
``I think they've made a really good start here,'' Pat Hollingsworth, one of two teachers overseeing the program, said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony formally opening the school. ``Our students are lovely people to work with.
``They come in here and they're not the monsters they're portrayed to be .
Six of the students in the program have been long-term suspended, which means they are not allowed to return to their school for the rest of the year.
More such students are expected before the end of the semester. Before Crossroads, students in that position were left with little alternative except new chances to get in trouble.
The Crossroads program offers counseling, individualized instruction through special computer software and the chance to watch workers on their jobs.
Hollingsworth said businesses have been supportive of the students and impressed by them.
``Every time we've asked, everyone in the community has said yes,'' she told the 40 people gathered for the ceremony.
Curious passers-by also have voiced support for the program. ``We've got people stopping by all the time,'' Hollingsworth said. One woman in her 20s remarked, ``I sure wish you had this place when I was a mess.''
Superintendent Joseph Peel said the partnership forming around Crossroads is a good model for community collaboration as the county embarks on other programs that require broad support, such as the state's Smart Start initiative for children up to age 5.
Hollingsworth said the positive reception reflects a growing desire to restore a sense of security in public institutions.
``People are very upset about violence in the schools and the communities,'' Hollingsworth said. ``We need to do our part, I think, to keep things safe.'' by CNB