The Salvation Army red kettles were manned by a new group of recruits this year – an army of students from Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES Alternative High School (AHS). On December 19, shoppers at the Buffalo Road Big Lots store were greeted by their warm smiles and sunny dispositions, in spite of the cold.
The charitable bell ringing is all part of a program called “AHS Gives Back.” Every month, volunteers from the high school offer their time and talents to local organizations, like the Salvation Army. Students are chosen based on their interests and skills. They work alongside employers and other volunteers, learning and practicing many social and work skills. The program is organized by Student Behavioral Assistant Tammy Maier and Transition Specialist Karrie Freeman.
“We’ve partnered with Scottsville Animal Hospital, where students walked dogs and socialized kittens,” says Freeman. “At Mount Hope Cemetery, kids assisted the maintenance staff with fall cleanup and leaf raking.” The feedback from participating organizations has been overwhelmingly positive. One of the most impressive success stories has been the relationship with St. Joseph’s House of Hospitality. Students attending WEMOCO Food Service and Culinary classes have the opportunity to assist with meal preparation and service. “We’ve been asked to come back to St. Joseph’s on a regular basis, and we’re looking forward to it.”
BOCES 2 Alternative High School provides unique instructional settings for disabled students from grades 7 to 12 who are not meeting with success in a traditional public school setting. The program helps students complete academic and vocational sequences leading to a high school diploma. It includes an intensive mental health component, which addresses the behavior and social/emotional needs of the students. AHS is located at Westview Commons in Gates.
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