Continuation High School

Some Sunset HS students spending time in the garden.

CONTINUATION HIGH SCHOOL? What in the world is that? California has them, as does Denmark. These are alternative high schools, which can be for students at risk of not graduating on time, as in California. The class schedule is more flexible and there is a wider variety of classes that help students meet governmental educational standards and is more accommodating to the students at the same time.

One such school is SUNSET HIGH SCHOOL in Encinitas. Craig Williams is a math teacher and student advisor there. Among some of the unique provisions he incorporates into his educational day is a unique type of student pass. Anyone who has attended high school might be familiar with such passes as bathroom pass, study hall pass, and library pass. But Mr. Williams invented the garden pass.



Sunset High School has a garden and students can get a pass in order to learn more about plants, the land, and creatures likely to be found in a garden. In some ways, the pass is even a zen or meditation moment, a way to relax and see what's growing and how far along plants are in their growth. It gives peace and calming, which is especially needed by students for whom school can become stressful.

Within the area of counseling, the school uses the Naviance system, which actually aligns nicely with Mr. Williams' educational philosophy. Students and parents can learn what is needed to pursue education at a higher level or enter the work world, while being able to complete graduation requirements. The program has separate portals for students and faculty, so staff can utilize the program to the greatest extent possible in their work with students. It allows students to become passionate about one or more aspects of their world, something which keeps them engaged in completing their education.

The school also offers internships, in which students get a work experience for about 10 hours per week and also complete their class assignments. That allows students to see the relevance of their education to their future work life. Besides, they can also earn money while completing their education.

Then there are also the support groups, in which about 90% of the students participate. There are anger management, women's, sobriety, Latino men's, and other more general groups. Just being in one of these groups can give a student a sense of being part of the Sunset High School community, an investment in self, as well as the group.

All of this is just part of everyday life at Sunset High School, a place that goes the extra mile to support youth involved in the mission of completing their education. More and more education is expected to provide that little bit extra to help meet the needs of today's youth.

Graduation day with a Sunset HS graduate and a teacher.

Thanks to this Pollination Project article: https://thepollinationproject.org/grants-awarded/craig-williams-sunset-high-school-encinitas-ca/; and information from Sunset High School.

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