Synergy High students fight to keep their school open

Synergy High School could be closed to help the school board close a $7 million budget gap. Photos by Frances Taylor.

In response to an East Hartford Board of Education decision to close Synergy Alternative High School because of a $7 million school budget gap, two dozen Synergy students and alumni took to the microphone at the Jan. 17 board meeting to make what were often heartfelt appeals to members to reconsider the decision to cut all of the school's funding from the 2012-2013 budget.

Synergy is an alternative high school for at-risk students with social and behavioral problems who have floundered in the larger setting of East Hartford High School. Many teachers on the Synergy staff specialize in working with at-risk youth. The program was founded in the 1980s, and students are selected by guidance counselors or school social workers to apply to the school, which is located on Butternut Drive.

The students and alumni who spoke described an atmosphere of inclusion that made students who rarely had academic success begin to believe in their own abilities. Montrelle Tyson, a Class of 2002 graduate, gave credit to Synergy for “making me an independent young man.” Tyson said he experienced difficulty at EHHS because he was distracted and was skipping class. At Synergy, he said he found academic success and was still able to be a member of the sports team at EHHS. “I feel proud of what the school did for me, and I would not want to see it closed,” he said.

Linda Oppelt, also a 2002 graduate, said Synergy provided her with the stability and daily support that she did not have at home. “What Synergy gave me was confidence in my own future,” she said.

Jennifer Jones, Class of 1994, described a time in her life where she was drifting and skipping school at EHHS, and she became pregnant in her senior year at Synergy. “My teachers sent my work home to make sure I didn't fall behind. They let me know that just because I was pregnant did not mean I didn't have to go to school and get an education,” Jones said. “What they taught me is that no matter what happens, you can still graduate and go forward. They believed in me.”

Margaret Moore was a parent who at first reluctantly allowed her daughter to attend Synergy. “In 30 days, I saw her attitude change. Synergy is a place where those who are square pegs in round holes can succeed. It's your duty to educate these students – what can you do for them after you close Synergy High School?” she asked.

Angel Fontez, a senior at Synergy, told the board, as many students did, that Synergy was like a family. “I love Synergy... what I have learned there is to keep walking forward and not looking backward,” Fontez said. “If you can't save the building, please save the program, that is all I ask.”

After the meeting, Fontez said the students and faculty were planning to attend the Feb. 7 Town Council meeting where the issue will again be discussed. “And we are going to bring twice as many people next time,” he said.