MAHOPAC MIDDLE SCHOOL

TRAINING TO WIN

         The "Training to Win" program was established in October of 1994, by administrators, teachers, counselors, physical educators, and the Social Service Department of Putnam County.

         This program is designed to serve students in our school who have received failing grades in two or more subjects since entering the middle school in sixth grade, or in previous grades. Students may also be selected if they have shown a history of frequent absences, problems at home, disruptive behavior, or an overall lack of interest in the educational system.

         The program's main objective is to make each student aware of, and interested in, education, through a combination of organized academic activities and experiential Project Adventure challenges.

GOALS

1. To heighten the student's interest and awareness in school.

2. To improve decision making.

3. To instill increased responsibility.

4. To promote each student's attendance.

5. To improve behavior.

6. To improve self-esteem.

ACADEMIC STRUCTURE

1. Homeroom: Students meet as a group with a guidance counselor, two Project Adventure instructors, and available interested teachers. At this time the following will be monitored:

a. assignment pads - Checked (must include assignments and responsibilities for each class of the previous day). Parents must sign the book after reviewing the nightly assignments.

b. homework - checked and up to date.

c. major assignments and upcoming tests will be reviewed.

e. attendance - will be stressed and homes will be called at the end of homeroom if a student is reported absent. Social Service members of Training to Win will visit the homes of chronic absentees.

f. question and answer periods will be held to increase self-expression. Topics will include schoolwork, family, friends, and sports.

2. Non-Project Adventure days: These days will be held as regular Physical Education days.

3. Mandatory after school study program: Each student is responsible for a minimum of two days after school to seek extra help. These will be selected as to individual academic need.

4. Students will be encouraged to seek extra help with any other classroom teacher if they are falling behind. If the "TTW" staff feels that any student is not achieving as well as can be expected, he or she may be assigned extra "mandatory days" after school until the situation is corrected.

5. A check list will be established with their team teachers in order to follow each student's progress during the week. The list will include behavior, attitude, and assignments for each class. The guidance counselor will meet daily with the teaching teams.

6. Field trips will be conducted to increase the students’ awareness of the world of work around them. Interest in higher education will also be encouraged. Trips include Pepsico (mentoring), Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Readers’ Digest, and Manhattan College.

The Physical Structure

         Each student in the Training to Win program will follow our Mahopac Middle School Project Adventure Elective Course.

                                                                        George Counes

                                                                        Frank Miele