Supporting students as they transition back to LHS
ALPHA - a learning place for healing adolescents - provides clinical support and academic tutoring to students enrolled at Lexington High School who are returning to school after an extended absence due to illness or hospitalization. Students may be returning from treatment centers for emotional or substance-related reasons or from significant illness or injury-related absences.
When students miss school for an extended period, their transition back often brings both academic and social challenges. To make the adjustment to a regular school routine as smooth as possible, ALPHA provides support to promote social/emotional stability and academic progress. ALPHA also coordinates with Lexington High School’s guidance department, social workers, and faculty to help facilitate a successful reintegration.
ALPHA Staff:
Scott Maitland, MA - Academic Coordinator
smaitland@lexingtonma.org 781-861-2320, ext. 69174
Joanne Loomer,- Social Worker
loomer@lexingtonma.org 781-861-2320 ext. 69194
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does ALPHA provide?
A ‘home-base’ room where students can check in during the day, receive tutoring, and get counseling support
Collaboration with teachers to ensure that students can maintain appropriate coursework
Emotional support for teens and families
Help to reduce the anxiety of returning to school and to make a smooth transition to prevent school avoidance
Communication between student, school personnel, medical professionals, therapists, and other outside providers
A caring environment that provides a student with the opportunity to better understand his or her choices and develop sustainable patterns
Academic and emotional observation/assessment to ensure appropriate environment for student success
Connections to community resources for students and families to support stability
How long are students in ALPHA?
ALPHA is a short-term service tailored to each individual. Each student has a unique set of needs as they transition to a full schedule. Participation in the program is usually up to eight weeks.
Will confidentiality be maintained?
School personnel, including teachers, school counselors, nursing staff, and social workers are made aware of a family’s decision to participate in the ALPHA service; however, details regarding the student’s absence from school are kept confidential.
Once enrolled, how does communication with ALPHA work?
ALPHA will provide regular contact with parent(s) or guardian(s) about such topics as the student’s transition to class, academic difficulties, and student progress. Family members are encouraged to contact the ALPHA clinician as needed when a student is enrolled.
In the event my child is hospitalized, what is the process?
Upon hospitalization, please contact your teen's school counselor to discuss various aspects of the return to school as soon as possible. You can discuss the option of ALPHA with the guidance counselor.
Per school policy, you and your teen need to attend a re-entry meeting at school when they return.
Whom can I speak to further about the ALPHA service?
If you have questions about the program, please call or email your teen's school counselor directly.