D-PAth is an alternative route for students to earn their high school diploma at Poland Regional High School. Its members are part of a school within a school that sometimes feels like home. Students work at their own pace, whether it be slower or faster according to their needs. Teachers are almost always available for one-on-one support.

D-PAth is also a program with a diverse group of students who join for a variety of reasons. It might be to graduate early, get caught up, avoid trouble, better understand the curriculum, or avoid the pitfalls of a traditional classroom setting. D-PAth is as diverse as the student population itself.

D-PAth may be the best way for some students to ensure the “high school years are the best years of your life.” Whether they have changed their behavior, are working on their behavior, or have always had a positive attitude, D-PAth will be an awesome memory for its students who really do change. They will remember high school going well after they “turned it around.” They will remember high school as difficult, but worth the accomplishment. This is what D-PAth is all about.

High school is a huge part of life. After passing those four years it all comes down to graduating or not graduating. So much of life is dependent on that high school diploma. D-PAth simply helps students become successful in life.

The D-PAth faculty consists of five teachers: Ms. Taylor, Ms. Thornton, Ms. Yindra, Ms. Farrington and Mr. Truman. They teach 28 students in D-PAth.

“I think D-Path is an excellent fit for a fairly diverse group of students,” said Ms. Farrington. “The success they have seen in only the first month of school seems to indicate that D-PAth is supporting students in a format that is promoting success where students have previously not been successful.

“This year’s students are held accountable for quality work and their behavior,” Ms. Farrington said. “They have a personalized plan and a specific plan for graduation. They are able to access one-on-one help almost any time. D-PAth students are able to complete and pass entire units of work at their own pace.

“We are still at the beginning of our program in many respects,” she said. “I’m sure this year we will learn a lot of things that we need to change or alter to make the program even better.”

“Students are meeting standards much faster than the regular classroom and meeting standards they’ve tried before,” said Ms. Yindra.

“I think it enables students in the program to be more successful because of its design,” said Mr. Truman. “It isn’t ‘better’ than their old program, but it is better for these individual kids. We are seeing great strides and a real community forming. I am confident most kids will achieve their goals.”