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Catalyst Academy staff report attendance gains, individualized supports to New London School District board
Summary
Catalyst Academy teachers Casey Kaepernick and Emily Marcus told the New London School District board the alternative‑education program serves about 25–30 students daily (cap 40), emphasizes restorative discipline and work‑based learning, and reported steady attendance gains backed by in‑house data.
Casey Kaepernick and Emily Marcus, teachers at Catalyst Academy, presented the program’s annual update to the New London School District Board of Education, describing an individualized alternative‑education model that the presenters say supports students who are credit‑deficient, chronically absent or in need of flexible, work‑release options.
Kaepernick, who described the program’s daily routine and community partnerships, and Marcus highlighted program outcomes: “We have approximately 25 to 30 students that are attending daily at Catalyst. We do cap at 40,” Marcus said. She told the board staff use alternative education plans and universal design for learning to tailor supports and said the program partners with community organizations for work‑based learning and volunteer opportunities.
Marcus presented attendance figures the program has tracked, saying September 2024 full‑day attendance was 74% and that the current September rate shown in her slides was 91.45%, and she described before/after plots for students who previously struggled with chronic absence. The presenters said 70% of current Catalyst students are employed and that alumni testimony — including a former youth‑apprenticeship student now employed as a welder — showed career pathways for participants.
The teachers described a restorative approach to discipline that aligns with the New London High School student handbook, including using vape detectors while maintaining relationships and re‑entry supports so students are not defined by a single incident. Kaepernick detailed a morning “soft launch” routine that begins at 8:30 a.m., daily check‑ins and the program’s use of the city’s Washington Center gym twice daily.
Board members asked about changes in the student population and whether the reported improvements reflected enrollment shifts or program practice changes. Kaepernick and Marcus attributed much of the improvement to program evolution and stronger staff–student relationships, while Scott (district staff) noted districtwide attendance efforts complement the work at Catalyst.
The board took no formal action on the presentation. Marcus encouraged board members and staff to visit Catalyst to observe classes and community partnerships firsthand.
The board moved on to other agenda items after thanking the presenters.
