Interventions at the ATA

The ATA is proud of the number of students each marking period that earn a place on our Honor Roll by earning strong grades. It is wonderful to see so many students succeed, especially because the ninth- and tenth-grade years form the foundation for a student’s high school career.

When students don’t learn

However, not all students succeed in all subjects and at all times at the ATA. Students may struggle with certain subjects or topics within a subject. When they do it is important that steps are taken to intervene. The term "interventions" is commonly used now to describe things schools are doing in addition to the regular daily lessons to help all students meet the requirements and pass their courses.

The ATA staff has worked hard to develop a variety of interventions. We will continue to identify needs of our students and look for new ways to intervene and help them succeed.

Below are some of the interventions currently in place at the ATA.  Some of the interventions take place entirely at school. Others require help from parents or guardians at home.

Preparation Period

"Prep" period is the time between when students arrive at the ATA and when first period begins.  Because the busses from all schools do not arrive at the same time, some students have a significant amount of time at the ATA before all students are present and first period can begin.  We utilize that time for students to work on current assignments and projects or to complete late or missing assignments. A system is in place to inform students on what work is missing or what they can work on during "prep." Students who are caught up in all their work by the end of the week can participate in "Free Friday," which allows them to go outside for some basketball or frisbee or play games in the project room until first period begins.

Success Period

One period a week is devoted to what we call "Success Period." Similar to prep period, students are expected to work on missing or late assignments, make up missed quizzes or tests, or work on current assignments if they caught up on everything else. Succes Period takes place on the same day of the week for each grade, but during a different content class. For example, Success Period for the ninth grade will happen every Thursday, but one week it will occur in English class, the next week in math, and the following week in science. So each teacher only gives up one day of instruction for a Success Period every three weeks. We believe that is time well spent.

Contract for Academic Success

Students who earn less than a C- in a class in a marking period will meet with our counselor or intervention specialist to identify what led to their low grade and set goals to do what it takes to earn a better grade the next time. A copy of the contract is sent home, and the students are monitored on their progress by the front office staff.

Phone Contact at Progress Report Time

In addition to the regular progress report that is sent home halfway through each marking period, teachers will call the parents or guardians of students earning less than a C- at that time. It is expected that parents or guardians will join with ATA staff to see that their child does what is needed to improve their grade.

Homework Lunch

Both Port Huron Area School District high schools have welcomed their ATA students into their homework lunch program. Port Huron High School and Port Huron Northern High School students missing two or more assignments in a class must report to the homework lunch coordinator at their home school to work on the missing assignments during their lunch period.  We appreciate the help from both of those schools and are hoping to make similar connections with interventions available at the other home schools.

After Hours at the ATA

While not a structured or mandatory intervention, a great way for students to get extra help or catch up on past assignments is if they stay after school or return to the ATA after school if they are a morning student. All teachers and other staff members are present until at least 3:15 p.m., and often until 4 p.m.  A lot of learning and catching up on assignments can take place when the building is quiet and students can get one-on-one help from their teachers. If a student will be staying after or returning from their home school, please call the front office at (810) 364-3449 so we can be sure to have help available.