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In this program at-risk students are involved in individualized full-time academic course work and character education to help them become successful, productive citizens of tomorrow. This program works in conjunction with Career and Technical Excellence (CTE) to meet the following program goals: successful transition to the component school setting, course work leading to a Regents high school diploma, graduation, career education, employment preparation skills, life-skills training and improved self-image.
Parent involvement and varied community linkages are an integral part of the program. A work experience apprenticeship component is available. Students attend courses that lead to a high school diploma. Programming is provided for students in grades 9-12 with a goal of successfully meeting state standards and obtaining a high school diploma. The program also focuses on personal growth, helping each student to become a contributing member of the community.
Our Teachers
Our Guidance Councilor
Margaret Clancy-Darling, MSEd
Margaret Clancy-Darling, MSEd
Ms. Clancy-Darling has been a counselor for over 30 years. She received her Bachelors in Sociology with a concentration in Counseling from Oswego State, her Masters of Science in Education from Niagara University, and her CAS from Oneonta State. She spent the first 10 years of her career in Higher Education, working at Niagara University, Appalachian State University, Binghamton University and SUNY Geneseo. Moving to public education was a decision driven by having 2 wonderful children, Kathryn & Will, now in their 20s. She worked at Vestal Middle School, Whitney Point Intermediate School, and has been at West for 16 years. She works primarily with Alternative High School and Futures High School students. She loves to watch her students make progress and walk across the stage at graduation!
Ms. Clancy-Darling loves watching her kids play ice hockey, reading, walking her big German Shepherd, cooking, traveling, and spending time with her family, most of whom are in Buffalo, where she was born and raised.
Our Social Worker
Kate Varga, LMSW
Kate Varga, LMSW
Hi! My name is Kate Varga. I was born in Vermont, grew up in this area, and planned to move to California in a Volkswagen bus after I graduated from high school. My mother spoiled my plans when she bribed me with a car to stay in the area and do two years of community college first. I have always loved art, so I chose to do Graphic Design at Broome Community College. I met a lot of nice friends there.
After graduating from BCC, I moved to Plano (Dallas), Texas with a friend. I realized the grass is not always greener in another place and moved back after about 7 months. In New York, if I had a dilemma (or car trouble) I knew who I could take my vehicle to for repair, who I could call for a ride to work and I realized that I enjoy seeing familiar faces and having friends and family nearby to help me if I need it. I also felt that I was missing out on important life events that were happening for my siblings and other loved ones.
After moving back to New York, I worked at BOCES through a temp agency and eventually got hired full time (with benefits!) at the same job I had before I left for Texas. I worked at BOCES Duplicating Center and decided to go back to college. I applied at Binghamton University for Psychology, but dropped down to the Human Development program when I realized the intensity of the Psychology program. Upon graduation from BU, I was hired by Broome County DSS, where I worked in Family Services, Juvenile Services (PINS Diversion), CPS (briefly) and then I went to the Families First unit for the last two years.
During this time, I bought a house, met my current husband, settled down and had a few kids. I decided to go back to college once more and recently completed my Master’s Degree in Social Work attending a part-time evening program at Binghamton University, which led me to West Learning Center!
I am so happy to be here with you all and feel it has been a long, exciting path that led me here. Thank you for welcoming me and I look forward to getting to know you all better.
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