Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter visited River Rock Academy, an alternative school on Sheridan Street in the city | News, Sports, Work

A new alternative school has opened in the area, and Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter recently stopped by to tour the facilities. While there, he chatted with a group of high school students, who then challenged the mayor to a game of basketball.

River Rock Academy, an alternative school, is part of the New Story network of schools that offers special and alternative education programs.

Students at the academy, 1650 Sheridan St., are referred there by their home school district because of behavioral problems.

“Some of us get into situations… but that doesn’t define you. I think all of you can succeed—I really do.” said the mayor..

Questions from students tended to focus on things to do and places to go in the area.

Slaughter admitted that he keeps hearing that there is nothing to do in the youth area.

“We are updating all the parks” said Slaughter.

He listed ongoing projects such as grillball and tennis courts, as well as a bike path under construction at Shaw Place with a skateboard park planned for the second phase.

“So we’re trying to do more things,” he said.

When Chick-fil-A and Wawa will open is another question students were concerned about.

Speaking after his visit, Slaughter, who is an educator, commented on the students’ concerns.

“Whether you’re talking about academics, whether you’re talking about athletics, in the community, at school, it’s all really one thing. You know, no, they go to school, and that’s one thing, and then they go out into the community after school, that’s something. So we all have to work together to ensure that they are successful in the classroom and academically, and that they are also successful and have opportunities outside of the classroom.” – said Slaughter, speaking after the visit with the students.

“That’s what we’ve really focused on since I’ve been mayor is making sure — whether it’s a youth or one of our residents — that they have opportunities. That they have a park, infrastructure, work, housing. You look comprehensively. This is where your community lives. That’s where you have successful community members.” he said.

“You talk about our youth, they always talk about what they should do? That’s why when we’re talking about Boys and Girls Clubs, when we’re talking about those times when, you know, whether it’s after school in the evening or on the weekends, where there aren’t a lot of maybe organized school activities, especially if you’re not do neither sports, nor clubs, nor theater arts, so what should they do? This is the gap we are trying to fill,

to provide those opportunities to students or youth who may not be engaged in what is currently being offered,” he added.

River Rock Academy opened its doors this year “Alternative education for disruptive youth” according to Wess King, campus director.

River Rock currently has three classrooms that can accommodate up to 45 students in grades 6-12. There are also additional classrooms that could be used for elementary students in the future. School districts with students at the facility include Williamsport, Jersey Shore and Loyalsock.

When River Rock moved into the site used by JusticeWorks until it closed earlier this year, King said the facility received “face lift” from one end to the other.

The program uses a points system to reward improved behavior with fun activities.

King said the goal is to do that “interesting to learn” for the students who are there.

Behavioral consultants and trainers also work at the Academy.

“Potentially, a student can only be here for 45 days. But depending on the circumstances when they come in — for example, a student who might be expelled for a year — obviously they can be here for a year.” he explained.

If the stay is for a year, their progress will be reviewed every 45 days.

“It’s basically a meeting between me, our counselor, the student, the school district and the parents. We meet to collaborate and let them know how their students are doing.” he explained.

If a student reaches their 45-day goal, then there will be another 45-day goal.

“After all, you are working towards the end of exile” he said.

“If this exile is permanent, they will obviously be here for a while.” he added.