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Harbor Academy director outlines alternative program outcomes, says no‑phone policy improved engagement
Summary
Harbor Academy's alternative program director described individualized instruction for roughly 40–44 students, graduation outcomes, community partnerships and a no‑cell‑phone policy that staff say has increased student interaction and engagement.
Harbor Academy's alternative program director described the program's approach and outcomes to the Plymouth School Committee on March 3, telling members the program serves roughly 40–44 students in the spring cohort and emphasizes individualized instruction, career readiness and community partnerships.
“More than half of the students in my program are on an IEP plan or a 504 plan,” the director said, describing the program as a general‑education setting that is run with individualized supports and intensive staffing. He said the program typically graduates between 20 and 25 students per year, though an elevated number recently graduated after the pandemic created a larger cohort.
The director emphasized cost savings for the district compared with outsourced alternative placements and outlined services that include counseling partnerships, post‑graduation supports and mentoring with nearby elementary schools. He said several graduates have entered the military or college and that staff work with students on interviewing, job skills and transitions.
On discipline and engagement, the director described a programwide no‑cell‑phone policy enacted two years ago that requires staff to collect devices for the school day. “The students are now talking to one another. They're talking to the adults in the program,” he said, and reported some staff plans to ban smartwatches and secondary devices to maintain focus on instruction.
Committee members from multiple seats praised the program's outcomes and cost savings and encouraged continued expansion of partnerships that provide hands‑on experience for students. The committee did not take formal action on the presentation.
