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Colchester presents CHS Champ program to support students with internalizing behaviors
Summary
District student-support leaders described the CHS Champ program, launched this school year to serve nine students with elevated internalizing behaviors using flexible scheduling, hands-on curriculum, and proficiency-based credits that count toward graduation.
Carrie Lutz, Director of Student Support Services for the Colchester School District, and CHS Special Education Team Leaders Dave Sharkey and Dana Visser presented the CHS Champ program to the board on Dec. 3. The program, launched at the start of this school year, is designed for students with elevated internalizing behaviors who struggle in general education settings despite academic ability and a desire to attend school.
Program staff said the initiative currently serves nine students and emphasizes flexible scheduling and hands-on instructional methods to boost engagement and attendance. The board was shown a video of classroom activities and community field trips. Administrators said the Champ program awards proficiency-based credits that count toward graduation and described transition pathways including technical-program enrollment, internships, or gradual reintegration into general education.
Student Representative Rylee Friend asked about coordination with general education teachers to prevent duplicate instruction; team leader Dave Sharkey said staff coordinate schedules and curriculum planning with general education teachers to ensure complementary learning. Board members discussed scalability and alignment with the district mission, and Director Ben Yousey-Hindes described the program as an exemplar of meeting diverse student needs. The board did not take formal action on the presentation.
