Alternative Programs and Students Services
Melchers Complex/Tyler Buidling
610 Gayle Street
Fredericksburg, Virginia 22405
Phone: 540-899-6000 Fax: 540-899-6046
The Turning Point Alternative Education Program is designed to offer continuing educational opportunities to high school aged residents of Stafford County who have not completed a public school education. Turning Point offers academic instruction to individuals who want the opportunity to further their education by either completing their high school diploma requirements or to obtain their GED. Teachers and staff at the center provide individual and small group instruction. Students also have access to a computer lab and counseling services.
The Alternative Education Program office and the Turning Point Program are located at the Tyler Building of the Melchers Complex at 610 Gayle Street off of Route 17 behind the Arby’s between Route 1 and I-95.
Student Population:
Primary consideration for admission is given to 11th and 12th grade students between the ages of 17 and 20 who need three or four credits to graduate. In addition, high school students who are identified as potential dropouts and for whom no other educational alternative appears appropriate are candidates for Turning Point.
At Turning Point, students enroll in an instructional program designed to let them complete their high school diploma requirements or earn their GED credential. Every student is expected to attend classes regularly and on time.
High School Diploma Classes:
Diploma students attend on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
It is important to note that diploma students are technically enrolled at their base high schools, but attend classes at Turning Point. SOL testing is conducted at each student’s base high school as needed.
Generally, students may enroll in academic classes and earn credits through a combination of hours of attendance and instruction, as well as course content mastery.
Turning Point does not typically accept students who need more than three to four credits to complete graduation requirements. The Program is not designed as an alternative high school with a full range of course offerings, but the Program does have some flexibility to help students complete the last few requirements for high school.
GED Classes:GED students attend Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. with a requirement for an additional ten (10) hours per week of work or work related activities.
Using pre-tests to evaluate each student’s educational level in different testing areas, individualized GED review will be provided in preparation for taking the GED test during the current school year. Students must be 18 years old to take the GED test, or meet specific requirements to take the GED test as 16 or 17 year olds. Students not yet 18 who meet these State requirements are considered GED students with an Individualized Student Alternative Education Plan (ISAEP).
Virginia Department of Education: GED Information
Admission:
Anyone may call the Alternative Education Program Center for information, but students are usually referred to Turning Point by their principals through each school’s guidance department. They must then meet criteria to be accepted into the Program. That acceptance is based on a variety of information about each student.
The Turning Point staff will interview every prospective student in order to review Program services, staff expectations and the responsibility required of the student. A student’s high school transcript, test scores, and disciplinary records will be reviewed as part of the interview and screening process.
Each student may be given some form of test to check his/her academic skill level, since much of the Program’s coursework is individual and small group oriented. Career and Technical Education assessment and career exploration opportunities will be made available to all students.Assessment:
For GED students under the age of 18, the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) will be administered. By State mandate, students must achieve a 7.5 reading level to enter the GED/ISAEP Program.
Cost and Transportation:The Program is free to high school aged students who are residents of Stafford County. The student or the student’s family must provide transportation.
Schedules and Absences:
Course credit for diploma students is based on a minimum required amount of successful instruction time supervised by Program teachers. “I did it at home” does not count toward successful instructional hours.
Hours/Arriving and Leaving:
Turning Point is open for student instruction from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It is open for GED instruction from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Transportation is the responsibility of each student or the student’s family. Students must sign in electronically at the counselor’s office and again at the classroom door. Other than for a verified doctor’s visit, you may not leave the campus and then return later.
Attendance and Breaks:
Base Schools:
School Board policies prohibit Turning Point students from returning to their base high schools at the end of the school day without prior permission. Students are not to visit their base schools during the school day unless they have previously scheduled appointments to do so, or unless they are taking SOL tests as previously arranged with building staff.
Conduct:
The Stafford County Public Schools’ Code of Conduct applies to all students enrolled in Turning Point.
Suspensions:
As noted in the Code of Conduct, possession or use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, and weapons are strictly prohibited. Violation of these policies will lead to suspension and possible dismissal from Turning Point. The Melchers Complex is a non-smoking facility, including the parking lot.
Absences:
Unexcused absences in excess of twenty percent of a student’s agreed upon weekly schedule would result in the following actions:
- Verbal Warning
- Written Warning
- Probation Status
- Suspension (with a conference required for re-admittance)
- Dismissal from the Program
Reminder: Turning Point is designed for students who need or want to finish high school or obtain a GED. The Program has enrollment limitations and may not be an appropriate setting for some students. Additional programs aimed at helping younger students who might be thinking of leaving school are available through each high school.
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