Alms Academy Alternative to Suspension Program
Program Overview

History

Recommendations were made by Nehemiah Coalition members for a program to exist in the community that could shed some positive light on the adverse effects of long-term suspension. A sub-group of the coalition formed a steering committee to sculpt a program that can bridge a variety of gaps that have been identified throughout the process of temporary, away from school placement. Without objection, it has been concluded that while suspension from school serves a purpose in disciplinary procedure, the resulting time away from the school setting can hinder academic progress as well as increase the risk of student expulsion and or self-withdrawal from the school system.

• What is the concept of the program?

Part of the disciplinary structure for a public school can be the temporary suspension of a student from full access to a district program. Students who get suspended and have limited access to a productive temporary placement are more vulnerable to violence, crime, drugs and academic underachievement. This voluntary program offers academic continuity, structure, follow-up, and affords the student and parent ownership in an academic recovery process.

• What are the goals of the program?

Successful implementation of the program will;

1. Increase access to instructional time during student suspension.
2. Decrease the likelihood of future suspensions and expulsion.
3. Link students and families to valuable community resources.
4. Heighten parental involvement and increase follow up services for students and families subject to temporary, away from school placement.
5. Provide a greater opportunity for academic recovery, beginning at the onset of the suspension period as well as the transitional phase that students must adjust to once returning to school.

• Where will the program operate?

The program location will be The Alms Center, Bridgeton, NJ. This modern facility is rich in program resources, has a strong community presence and has become associated with positive community growth.

• Who benefits from this program?

The entire community stands to benefit from the establishment of this type of program which will provide an opportunity to keep academic success within reach. Students will return from a suspension with a better chance to earn credit for missed assignments given during their suspension, thus avoiding academic regression. There will be a greater opportunity for parent involvement and external support from agencies affiliated with the Nehemiah Coalition. Suspended students will have follow-up contact with the program staff and district liaisons through outreach and extended access to the center. This will help transition the student back into school, expedite an instructor’s efforts to provide and receive assignments and ideally, help to address any unmet needs that may have attributed to the incident resulting in the suspension.