The Cecil Alternative Program (CAP) is a 45 day Alternative to Education Program for students in Cecil County with behavioral issues who require additional supports in order to be successful. Teachers and related service providers in this program mirror a student’s home school by administering the same educational and social- emotional interventions, but do so in a more therapeutic and highly structured environment.

At CAP, the behavioral/counseling component is the primary focus and is based on an individual and school-wide behavior management system with built-in incentives and rewards for positive behavior.  In accordance with this, students have access to individual counseling outside of their regular scheduled services when needed.  By offering a small classroom environment, with a high teacher to student ratio and one to one counseling services, this program allows students the ability to quickly transition back to their home school. Future progress and success is ensured through a transitional tract once the students return to the public school.


 

Stressing Peace and Tranquility in 2012

The Cecil Alternative Program is incorporating a form of Martial Arts into the school week. The name of the Martial Art is Aikido.  It is a traditional Japanese Martial Art that focuses on blending with your opponent and learning how to escape from an assault instead of injure.  Students will begin their practice this Tuesday at the "World Aikido Aikikai Incorporation" in Delaware.  Students will learn from 4th Degree Black Belt, Zohreh Sensei, and Bishop, Shihan Zenko Okimura, who is a 7th degree black belt. He is also the 3rd highest ranking Aikidoist in the world. Shihan Okimura welcomed our students into his dojo to help them blend with one another, not only on the mat, but outside of the dojo in school. After each practice, Shihan Okimura will incorporate a meditation circle to share thoughts and shed insight.  Every student will receive a "Gi" (uniform) and be expected not to miss a class and participate with active black belts for 2 hours weekly.
 
The hope is that this experience will broaden the students’ minds. It will provide exposure to a different culture that stresses peace and tranquility as a way of life and inner purpose. 

Remembering September 11

This September the Cecil Alternative School commemorated the anniversary  of 9/11 by getting staff and students involved in several group projects. Students decorated the school with a huge American Flag mural and filled the garden in the front of the building with small flags.  On the morning of 9/11, students and staff observed a moment of silence for all of those who were killed in the tragedy and used classroom time to write letters thanking police officers and firefighters in their community for their hard work and dedication to the job.

Meet and Greet at CAP

A few weeks ago the Cecil Alternative Program hosted a meet and greet event for the currently enrolled students and their families to introduce them to the new program! Several families came to mingle with other families, enjoy dinner, meet staff members and listen to CAP director, Mr. Lou Guertin, speak about the program. Students and families also toured the building, which underwent many changes over the summer. With lots of enthusiasm in the air, Mr. Lou and staff are excited to get this school year started!

Official Site for Cecil County Public Schools
www.ccps.org

Maryland Association of Non-Public Special Education Facilities
www.mansef.org

The Parents Place of Maryland
www.ppmd.org

Freedom Hills Theraupeutic Riding Facility
www.freedomhills.org

Official Site for Maryland Public Schools
www.marylandpublicschools.org

Upper Bay Counseling Services
www.upperbay.org