One day Doug Blankesop will write an official history of SWS (since 1977), but until then the following will have to do:
School-Within-a-School (SWS) is our alternative school within East. SWS is a unique educational alternative experience of a small, supportive and stimulating community within a large, comprehensive high school. For information about SWS, please contact David Morris, SWS Administrator, at 742-2169 or email.
SWS has just over 200 students (50/grade plus East High's exchange students) and between 7 and 10 staff, depending how you count part time people. The focus of SWS is on being a small community (NOT necessarily smaller class sizes), being a part of our larger communities, and academic rigor for independent students. Our official color is purple, yet we are part of the larger East High School (red and blue). Students in SWS take core academic courses with SWS students and teachers, and they take most electives with East students and teachers. SWS does offer some electives, but in general SWS students take less SWS specific classes as they move on through high school and start to take more electives. SWS occupies a wing of East High, where most SWS classes are offered. There is a common area, some offices, the chamber of secrets, and lockers.
Parents, teachers, students and administrators work together on many SWS projects and events. There is a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) that meets monthly with student leaders, our administrator, and a teacher. There is a Student Advisory Board (SAB) that meets weekly at lunch. SAB is a chance for student elected representatives to make decisions about our program. SWS staff meets weekly to make decisions about our program, discuss classes and students, or participate in professional development. These meetings, our close academic and geographic environments, and our annual SWS events contribute to our sense of community. Occasionally we are goofy :) |
