Principal’s Corner by Johanna Thomas

 

As many are aware, the Albert Lea Area Learning Center is located on the Riverland Community College campus for high school students. However, this is not the only program the Albert Lea Area Learning Center provides. The ALC provides programs in grades kindergarten through 12th grade, which take place during the school year and through the summer months across the district.   

 

Summer targeted services

This program takes place during the summer for students going into first through eighth grade. It provides academic support and educational experiences for students outside of the school year. Last summer, over 340 students participated in this programming. The students experienced Pelican Breeze cruises, experiential education learning, hatching chickens, buddy reading with the YMCA children and a culminating field trip to Como Zoo. In addition, students are provided with breakfast and lunch daily.    

 

Extended day targeted services

This program provides additional academic support for students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade in language arts and math after school during the school year. Currently, 140 students are participating in this after=school program Monday and Tuesday in  the elementary schools and Southwest Middle School. 

 

Middle school program

The middle school program provides support to students in sixth and seventh grade with a focus on social and emotional learning as well as academic support. Twenty-one students are involved in this program at SWMS during the regular school day.    

 

Credit recovery program

Credit recovery allows Albert Lea High School students as well as neighboring high school students to continue to stay on track for graduation by taking a required course they did not pass in school during the school day. This program is offered after school Monday and Tuesday during the school year as well as in the summer.

All of the programs offered through the Area Learning Center are taught by dedicated teachers and support staff. As you can see, programming for the Area Learning Center reaches across all grade levels and provides opportunities for a large number of students, both during the school year and in the summer. 

Johanna Thomas is the principal of the Albert Lea Area Learning Center.