THRIVE is an alternative programming option offered through the Glenwood Community Schools for high school students. The policies outlined in this handbook are enforced in conjunction with the policies outlined in the Glenwood High School handbook. As a dropout prevention program, our main strategies for prevention include: credit recovery, counseling, self-paced classes, work placement, flexible scheduling, and community connections. The THRIVE environment will be a combination of direct and virtual instruction. Direct instruction will focus on the content areas of licensed THRIVE faculty.  

The dedicated THRIVE staff has an overall goal of helping each individual student become successful in achieving self-respect, responsibility, and the necessary skills to live in our society.

Vision

THRIVE is a place where students are nurtured in their personal development, supported in taking academic risks, and prepared for post-secondary pursuits. 

Mission

THRIVE exists to enable Glenwood Community School District high school students to achieve their learning and developmental potential through online and direct instruction classes, acceleration opportunities, work/volunteer placement, interaction with highly-trained staff, and exploration of interests. 

The Pillars of THRIVE: 

1. Academic Differentiation 

   1. Self-paced online courses

   2. High-interest content with core skills in direct instruction settings 

   3. Personalized Education Plans 

2. Mental Health Supports

   1. Weekly group or individual counseling 

   2. Youth Mental Health First Aid trained staff

3. Work Skills Development

   1. Partnerships with community groups (examples: Glenwood Chamber of Commerce, Iowa Workforce Development, Mills County Public Health). 

   2. Work-Placement attendance option: Students work a minimum of 15 hours per week M-F during the school day. Program staff provides an educational connection by working with employers to assess each student’s progress. 

The THRIVE curriculum is designed to offer an alternative schedule, classroom structure, and a hands-on learning environment.  This environment is designed to help students stay focused on their education and to help them complete their graduation requirements.  It is not designed to be an accelerated way for a traditional student to go through in a hurry; therefore, a student may not graduate early from THRIVE without the permission of the Director of Student Services.

Belief Statements

We believe at-risk learners...

1. Have needs that should be met through shared responsibility within the educational community.

2. Require opportunities that differ from the regular curriculum in process, pace, organization, and interdisciplinary approach.

3. Require teachers who receive ongoing training in differentiation, and who utilize the latest instructional research and technologies.

4. Benefit from interaction with peers in a personal development (counseling group) setting. 

5. Benefit through community involvement. 

6. Have supporters who want to see them succeed.