NEWS RELEASE # 38
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 15, 2010
WHAT: APS students graduate from Rebound program
WHEN: December 17, 4:30 pm
WHERE: APS Professional Learning and Conference Center,
15771 East 1st Avenue 80011
Dropouts and At-Risk Students Earn High School Diplomas through Rebound Program
Twenty-one Aurora Public Schools students who had been expelled from high school, dropped out or were at risk of dropping out will be awarded diplomas Friday at the Ombudsman Rebound graduation.
Ombudsman Rebound represents a partnership among Aurora Public Schools, the Community College of Aurora, Colorado Youth for a Change and a national program called Ombudsman Educational Services. Since Ombudsman Rebound was created in January 2008, 106 students who otherwise may not have graduated have earned an accredited high school diploma.
Media is welcome to attend the graduation ceremony:
Friday, December 17
4:30 pm
APS Professional Learning & Conference Center
15771 East 1st Avenue
Aurora, CO 80011
One of the speakers at Friday’s ceremony is December graduate Richard Jennings, who had dropped out of school. Attending Ombudsman Rebound has helped him understand that hard work and dedication pay off, Jennings said.
“Graduating means everything to me at this point in my life,” he said. “It means I’m one step closer to pursuing my future plans of attending college and establishing career plans.”
Jennings’ brother, Mike Jennings, graduated from Ombudsman Rebound in May and will also speak at the graduation.
Aurora Public Schools and Ombudsman Rebound were recently recognized by America’s Promise Alliance, a national education initiative, for providing at-risk students an alternate route to a high school diploma.
Ombudsman Rebound students follow a customized academic plan created to meet their specific educational needs and give them greater accountability for their learning. They complete most coursework in a technology-rich environment, which allows them to receive immediate feedback and helps them become more familiar with tools they will use in college, trade or vocational school, or the workplace. In addition to academics, the program supports students through behavioral intervention, as well as training in life management and social skills. Students also have the opportunity to enroll in the Community College of Aurora to earn college credit while completing their high school courses.
Nationally, 85 percent of Ombudsman students graduate, earn credits, or return to their district school closer to or at grade level. Ombudsman has served more than 132,000 students since its founding in 1975 and partners with more than 120 school districts in 18 states. For more information, visit www.ombudsman.com.
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Interested media may contact APS News Media Specialist
Paula Hans at 303-326-2755 for more information
APS Communication Department
Georgia Durán, Chief Communication Officer
303-365-7805
FAX: 303-326-1939
e-mail: grduran@aps.k12.co.us
http://www.aps.k12.co.us/communications
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