Director's Report
To all of the Supporters of the North Country Charter Academy,
On behalf of the students, parents and staff at the North Country Charter Academy (NCCA), we greatly appreciate and thank you for your overwhelming support and contributions. The enormous success we have had this year is a direct result of our unique collaborative efforts and a reflection of the need for alternative education in our communities. The success of our Academy has without a doubt, had a positive and profound impact on all the communities in the North Country. With two locations, we were able to serve the at-risk population which covers over 4000 square miles. Again, I thank you all, especially all of the school districts and each of their school administrators and guidance counselors. You have provided us with a strong foundation that will enable us to continue on with our success in the future.
I would like to give special recognition to the founding leaders for without their vision, determination and commitment, our success would have remained only a dream: Dr. Dan Shoemake, Executive Director, North Country Educational Services and the following Superintendents: Mr. John Moulis-SAU#3, Mr. Robert Mills-SAU#7, Mr. Patrick Low-SAU#20, Mr. Bruce Labs-SAU#23, Mr. Don Johnson-SAU#35, Dr. Timothy Markley-SAU#36, Mr. Sherwood Fluery-SAU#58, Ms. Karen Soule-SAU#68, and Ms. Karen Stewart-SAU#77.
In addition, NCCA, has had an opportunity this year to foster a relationship with Essex Caledonia SAU#18-Vermont. We are grateful for their support and commitment to providing alternative educational opportunities to Vermont youth.
Throughout the past year, the Board of Trustees for the NCCA has held monthly meetings. These individuals were a critical link to our success. They have provided the Academy with guidance, direction and support. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank these members for their time, energy and commitment: Dr. Timothy Markley (Chairman), Mr. Kevin Shyne (Vice-Chairman), Ms. Kate Stearns (Treasurer/Secretary), Mr. Don Johnson, Ms. Patricia Hopkins, Mrs. Karen Mercier and Ms. Kim Hayward.
The North Country Charter Academy received its' official Charter from the Department of Education on January 21, 2004 and on September 7, 2004, it opened its doors for the first time in two North Country locations: Lancaster and Littleton, New Hampshire. As of December 31, 2004, NCCA had received over 100 referrals and as of June 2005, it had received 40 additional referrals in which 50% of these referrals were from Berlin and Whitefield school districts.
The three primary goals of the founding leaders were successfully obtained when on June 2, 2005; 100% of the seniors (21) on target to graduate actually graduated and received their high school diploma. These goals were to reduce the rate of school dropout, increase dropout recovery and provide an alternative pathway to obtaining a quality education. Of the 21 graduates, 7 (33%) of them were high school dropouts back to year 2001. Four of these graduates have children and 1 is an expecting parent. Each of the 21 students worked very hard at reaching their goal and all of them have triumphing stories and obstacles they have overcome. We are very proud of their accomplishment and extremely grateful for their commitment as well.
At the time of graduation, 7 (33%) of the graduates were actually accepted or already on their way to attending post secondary education and/or other training. The acceptance/placements for those seven students include the following: Granite State College, New Hampshire Community Technical College, University of Hawaii, University of West Virginia, Level II State Fire Fighting Training, on-line Floral Design Course and Northern Essex Community College.
The most amazing and intrinsically rewarding aspect of working with the graduates is that their belief in themselves and attitude has changed significantly from the beginning of the year. Most of the graduates were reluctant to believe that they could perform at the college level. To these students higher education is now a reality.
The momentum of success stories continue. By the end of July 2005, 3 additional NCCA graduates have actively sought post-secondary education and/or other training. Of those 3, 1 begins a Licensed Nurses Aid training program at a Healthcare Facility in September, and the other two have visited, applied and toured schools: Granite State College & Boston/New England Conservatory.
The successful graduation rate has impacted the entire North Country. In addition to having a graduate from the Vermont district, 8 of the 9 Superintendents (Founding Leaders) had students from their district attending the NCCA that graduated. The number of graduates for each district is as follows:
SAU#03 Berlin: 1
SAU#07 Colebrook: 2
SAU#20 Gorham: 1
SAU#23 Woodsville: 1
SAU#35 Littleton, Lisbon, Profile: 7
SAU#36 White Mountains Regional: 6
SAU#58 Groveton, Stark, Northumberland, Stratford: 1
SAU#68 Lin-Wood: 1
SAU#18 Vermont: 1
Of the 27 undergraduate students, 24 of them are targeted to re-enroll in the NCCA for the 2005-2006 school year. Two of the students returned to their home school and one student moved to North Carolina. We currently have 28 students scheduled for intake interviews for the fall of 2005-2006. This would give us a beginning enrollment of 52 students.
Due to the large geographical area in which the Academy enrolls, the success and sustainability is to a great extent dependent upon transportation. This was NCCA's greatest challenge this year. NCCA was very fortunate to have a van donated by Ronnie Lyster, owner of Littleton Chevrolet.
Without the van this year, 5 of the graduates would not have had transportation. We are enormously grateful for his donation and for giving the Academy the van again for school year 2005-2006. In addition to the van, NCCA utilized various vocational bus routes from Profile Jr./Sr.High School and Lisbon Regional School.
I truly believe the Academy supports the following saying: "People support what they help to create". I would like to thank all the parents, students, school districts, school board members, businesses and community organizations for their support, donations and for providing NCCA with numerous resources and opportunities. A total of $1,900.00 dollars was raised this year to fund the graduation ceremony; space was provided to hold our monthly graduation planning meetings, $1000.00 dollars was donated from Ombudsman Educational Services for scholarships and $250.00 for the signage on the school van and professional graduation photos were donated to each graduate by GM Fotography. Students made numerous presentations to Rotary Club's and a state educational conference, numerous guest speakers and community service placements were also provided.
I would also like to thank Ombudsman Educational Services and each and every one of its staff members. They are a very caring, highly professional and successfully proven company. It has been a great pleasure working closely with them this year.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lisa Lavoie
Director
North Country Charter Academy
