Tenth-grader Chris Weber plays his guitar for BOCES 2 Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs JoAnne Antonacci and other visitors, at the grand opening of Westside Academy.

Students and staff of the new Westside Academy on Buffalo Road in Gates celebrated the grand opening of the school. In the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES-run program, students who encountered obstacles to success in a regular school setting can now learn in a smaller, more personalized environment. More than 75 people attended the grand opening including area legislators, BOCES 2 Board members and staff, community members, and principals and staff from area high schools.

This year, the school was open to ninth- and tenth-graders. Eleventh-grade will be added in 2002-2003 and 12th grade in 2003-2004. The school offers integrated projects, where students work on more than one subject at a time. As part of their physical education program, students are building a nature trail, which also incorporates math and science.

Lucille LoBue, parent of ninth-grader Jesse LoBue, said her son really likes his new school and looks forward to going. "He struggled in a larger high school. Here, there is more one-on-one attention," she said. "Jesse wants to be a lawyer and the school is helping him prepare for his future."

There are also various opportunities at the school for students to take leadership roles. According to LoBue, her son, who is a member of the Student Council, is learning leadership and organizational skills, growing in self-esteem, and finding the direction he needs to pursue his career goals.

Many of the family members who attended the open house said the program has made a real difference for their children. The academy serves the nine component districts of BOCES 2 which are: Brockport, Churchville-Chili, Gates Chili, Greece, Hilton, Holley, Kendall, Spencerport and Wheatland-Chili.