North Star, in Hadley Ma, is an alternative learning center for teens that prefer not to attend school. The theory is that people will learn regardless of school. So if teens have an outlet to learn the information they want, in the ways they want, they will do so eagerly.
The structure is individualized. North Star is open 4 days a week and they offer classes throughout the day. Everything is open to everyone, although the teens are expected to commit to options they choose. Tutors are also available. Of course the structure they choose can always be changed and adjusted. All the teens are encouraged to seek learning options that lay out side of North Star. Including classes at the five colleges, or community colleges, internships, jobs or volunteering.
North Star is closed on Wednesday and McKenzie and her brother Sage spend the day at home. McKenzie has decided to start attending public school next year, where she will continue playing soccer. McKenzie hopes to play college soccer when the time comes. Sage will stay at North Star where he is focusing on performing arts. Sage will perform in about half a dozen plays throughout the valley this year.
90% of the students came from a school setting. They leave for a plethora of reasons. They might have been doing poorly, or were feeling at odds with their social situation. Some teens just want to have time to study what interests them, not a preplanned curriculum.
After North Star on Friday McKenzie and Sage, her friend, head to the Northampton skate park.
No one is turned away for lack of funds. The program lets families offer alternative contributions. Teens can be part of cleaning crews throughout the week. Parents can help with fundraising or maintenance.
Springfield MA, Police Officer Anthony Pioggia waits to take the stand at an evidentiary hearing, while supporters of Charles Wilhite look on. Nathan Perez, a murder witness, testified that Charles Wilhite was the shooter, Wilhite was convicted on this evidence. Nathan Perez has stepped forward, a year later, stating that Wilhite was not the shooter and Pioggia pressured him to say so.
More work from the Lyz story. Lyz was finally given a referral to an endocrinologist in Springfield. Drake drove her there and once there Lyz was give a prescription for hormones.
