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Hello and welcome to the First Avenue Literacy Program intake overview. Although we would
like to have the initial intake face to face with both students and a parent or guardian,
we understand that sometimes you cannot make it due to work or other commitments. This
video is designed for students and guardians to not only get a better understanding of
our program but also assist those who cannot attend the intake.
My name is Dionne Marijana and I am one of the two teachers at First Avenue Literacy
Program. Valentin Escanuela is the other teacher at the site.
First Avenue Literacy Program is a co-teaching program that helps students to build the skills
needed to succeed in the classroom and the community. Our goal is to prepare and transition
students to their home districts by offering courses that satisfy graduation requirements
set forth by the state of California. The average stay for our students is six months,
although some may earn their high school diplomas or G.E.D.'s. Our program values diversity
and strives to use students' experiences to build tolerance and unity. Students also
develop self-discipline and responsibility that will prepare them for higher education
and their future. We are located at 3935 First Avenue San Diego,
California 92103. It is in the Mission Hills/Hillcrest area between Washington Street and University
Avenue right across the street from Florence Elementary School. When coming to our site,
take the elevator or stairs to the second floor.
During the initial intake, you will be given a contract that goes over general rules of
the program. The packet will also include a sheet where personal contact and emergency
contact information must be provided. If you cannot make the intake, the contract will
be given to the student on his or her first day of school. Please go over the contract
thoroughly with your child so you will be aware of what is expected from both the student
and parent or guardian. It is important that we receive the packet completely filled out
and signed the following school day. Once enrolled into the program the student
and teacher will go over his or her academic transcript so that we may place the student
in the proper classes. Although the student will be assigned a specific homeroom teacher,
it is more than likely that he or she will have both Mr. Escanuela and I as teachers
throughout the school day. School hours are between 8 AM and 1:30 PM. Time will be allocated
for nutrition and a lunch break and food will be provided for the students. After the conclusion
of their last class, all of the students will clean the facility. They will be designated
weekly chores and it will be their responsibility to complete. Once done, students will be dismissed.
Another important aspect of the program is transportation. Fortunately, our district
provides monthly bus passes for those who qualify. It is important to know that being
issued a bus pass is a luxury, not a necessity. There are two ways students can lose their
bus pass privileges. The first is if they are not keeping up to par with their intake
contract expectations. For example, if the student is not doing any work or failing several
of his or her classes, the bus pass may be revoked until the teacher deems the student
satisfactory again. Another way to lose a bus pass is through attendance. The student
is allowed up to 4 absences (excused or unexcused) per month. If the student exceeds the 4 absences,
he or she will not be issued a bus pass for the following month.
Now onto parent conferences. The program designates parent conferences immediately after each
grading period (it's usually about every 3 months). The reason for these conferences
is to make sure that the parents or guardians are involved with their child's academics.
It is a short meeting during the school day where we go over grades, behavior and other
miscellaneous items that need be discussed. If you cannot make conference physically,
a phone conference will be sufficient. This about concludes First Avenue Literacy
Program's online intake procedure. Thank you for your time and we look forward to working
with you. If you have any questions please contact Dionne Marijana at 619-220-4977 or
Valentin Escanuela at 619-220-7198. Thank you and good-bye.