Parents of former Salt Point Center students were given a tour of the Resilience Academy on July 21 and later given information about the school and its varied programs and activities.
Clerical Assistant Kelia Johnson showed parents classrooms, the gym and a new computer lab designed to help students use them more effectively. She also highlighted how much of the artwork displayed in the hallways was by students.
After the tour, Principal Kiesha Tillman spoke with parents about a typical school day’s structure and how teachers and staff prepare students post-high school. This year’s graduates will study at SUNY and technical colleges, and have joined the workforce.
“We’re not just speaking about the academic needs of our students, it’s also the social-emotional needs; we want them to learn life lessons,” Tillman said. “We want our students to be able to exhibit self-agency and self-advocacy.”
There are many chances for students to have fun and give back including in-school clubs, a peer mentoring program where they spend time with SPC students on Thursdays and themed spirit weeks.
“Some of our students have never stepped foot in a traditional high school, so we want them to have a traditional high school experience,” Tillman said. “We always want to make sure they have the ability to be a part of assemblies and trips.”
School counselor Heather Murphy, who helps students transition from middle to high school, shared about graduation requirements, the work-based learning program and varied electives available such as the History of Gaming.
“There are many different activities for students to take and spark some interests,” Murphy said. “We really try to do a lot of career planning.”
Parent Jen Brown-Lloyd appreciated how helpful everyone was on the tour and thinks her son Jacob will enjoy his experience.
“Our son will be happy with how much it looks like a high school,” Brown-Lloyd said. “He’s excited to transition to a program that allows him to do more high school-like activities.”
