THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 25, 1996 TAG: 9606250236
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JON GLASS, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 116 lines
Some people had written them off as lost causes. The four young black men had been expelled from high school for offenses that included bringing a handgun onto campus and jumping into a gang fight at a basketball game.
On Monday, the four students were winners. They walked tall and proud across the stage at Madison Career Center to get a high school diploma - and to show the world they are somebody.
``People think that because you get in trouble you're not going to have any future. I don't pay any attention to that,'' said Marcus Weaver, 19, who was kicked out of Maury High about two years ago for bringing a beeper to school. He wants to become a lawyer.
``I made it this far; I'm going to make something better out of myself,'' he said.
Weaver and the other three students became the first graduates of the Bridge Senior Academy, a program started in spring 1995 by Norfolk public schools for special education students who had been expelled or placed on long-term suspension. Many had been labeled learning disabled or emotionally disturbed in their regular school.
``The Bridge Academy gave us another chance,'' said graduate Antonio L. Williams, 19, who spent two months in the City Jail after he was arrested 1 1/2 years ago for bringing a .22-caliber pistol to Lake Taylor High for ``protection.''
At Monday's ceremony, Williams showed off his talent on a trombone, teasing out the familiar notes of ``Wind Beneath My Wings.'' He plans to study music at Tidewater Community College.
Williams' grandmother, Kathleen Perry, was one of the many proud relatives on hand.
``Now that he's graduating we're feeling he'll really have a chance, as far as the job market goes, and making a future for himself,'' Perry said.
The academy combined job-skills training with academics. In the mornings, students worked in various jobs at Old Dominion and Norfolk State universities in an ``urban apprenticeship'' program. Afternoons, they attended classes in math, English and other required courses at the Tidewater Community College's Norfolk campus downtown.
Graduate Willie Cochran III, 18, worked on the motor fleet at ODU, honing skills he hopes will land him a job as an auto technician. He changed oil, balanced tires, replaced starters and fixed flat tires.
``When I was in regular high school it felt like the teachers didn't really care if we passed or failed,'' said Cochran. ``Here, the teachers make sure you learn and that it sticks with you.''
Students wore white shirts and ties and dark trousers. They worked off absences by doing community work, including church soup kitchens and thrift stores. They signed a behavior ``contract'' and learned to handle conflicts.
``I found out I learned a lot more by keeping my mouth closed, and you stay out of a lot more trouble, too,'' said graduate Anthony H. Tripp, who plans to study business at TCC.
Tripp, who gave the graduation address, said, ``Things may seem difficult, but if you keep trying, things will get better. . . . We must continue to go on, because this is just the beginning.''
The state-funded academy, with a budget of about $200,000, was opened following a dispute between Virginia and the federal government over a requirement that states provide alternatives to special education students kicked out of school - even if they were expelled for reasons unrelated to their disability.
Gov. George F. Allen argued states should have control over disciplining students. A federal appeals court in May 1994 ordered the federal government to turn over $50 million in special education funds it had withheld from Virginia in the dispute. But the state still awaits the outcome of its challenge to the federal law.
About 50 high school and middle school students attended the academy program this year, said coordinator Vivian Hester.
``To me, as an educator,'' Hester said, ``you don't write off any student because they still have potential and dreams and want an opportunity.'' MEMO: ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS
A variety of alternative programs are available to students attending
Norfolk public schools. Special education students who have been
expelled or placed on long-term suspension can earn a high school
diploma at the Bridge Academy, opened in spring 1995.
Among the other alternative programs:
Norfolk Preparatory High School: This evening program is designed for
students 17 to 20, including students who have dropped out of regular
school. It is not designed for students who can't return to regular
school because of suspension or expulsion. The school's first graduates
earned diplomas earlier this month.
Richard Milburn High School: This school is operated by a private
contractor and offers regular education students, predominantly those
who have been expelled or placed on long-term suspension, a chance to
earn a high school diploma.
New Start: This program offers classes on a short-term basis for both
regular and special ed students who have been suspended or expelled but
expect to return to their regular school.
Tidewater Regional Alternative Education program: This program is for
students who have been expelled or placed on long-term suspension,
primarily for offenses that involve weapons, drugs, alcohol or
``intentional'' injury to other students. It's primarily for students in
their early teens.
Intensive Probation/Parole class: This is for juvenile offenders who
have spent time in jail and are on probation or parole.
Norfolk Marine Institute: This is for students who have been charged
or found responsible for a criminal offense. They are placed into the
program by the court. ILLUSTRATION: JIMMY WALKER photos
The Virginian-Pilot
From left, Marcus Weaver, Willie Cochran, Antonio Williams and
Anthony Tripp were the first graduates from the Bridge Senior
Academy, a Norfolk public schools program for special education
students who have been expelled or placed on long-term suspension.
Antonio Williams played a well-named tune, ``Wind Beneath My
Wings,'' for his graduation program at the Madison Career Center in
Norfolk. Williams will be using his talents to study music at
Tidewater Community College.
KEYWORDS: NORFOLK SCHOOLS ALTERNATIVE SCHOOLS EDUCATION by CNB