In our second yearat the Depot Campus , we are building on some real momentum in our school and community , ” said Brad Martin , director of the alternative-setting school affiliated with E . O . Smith High School . Based on The Big Picture model of learning , Depot Campus provides a “ non-traditional educational experience for students who have demonstrated the need for a smaller and more personal instructional setting , ” according to the program’s website .

“ The traditional setting doesn’t serve everybody , ” said Martin . Students who are struggling in the traditional high school environment are identified via cooperation between teachers , administrators , guidance counselors , and Depot staff . At Depot , students are offered an individualized program that is tailored to their specific interests . The Big Picture model places an importance upon adult-student relationships . The goal is for teachers , referred to as advisors , to stay with the students throughout their high school career .

Students at the Depot are expected to spend at least two full days a week participating in an off-campus internship . Internships are provided by local businesspeople , who take students into their workplace and give them an opportunity to experience a career firsthand .

On May 7 , the Depot Campus held a celebratory breakfast to thank mentors for their contributions to students’ educations and lives . “ That’s what makes this school run , ” said Martin . “ We wouldn’t be here if we couldn’t have established this internship piece . ”

New this yearwas a video featuring interviews with mentors and interns , on location . Partners talked about some of the highlights of their time together during the school year.

Among the student-mentor partnerships this yearwere Sarah Wilby and River Lefebvre . Sophomore Lefebvre worked with Wilby at the Lutz Children’s Museum , helping to maintain the facility’s large collection of animals and to facilitate educational outreach . “ I wanted to work with animals , ” said Lefebvre . “ Brad had a job shadow with the Lutz set up , so I decided to try it . ” Lefebvre , who is thinking of a career in zoology , learned plenty about working with animals . But he also gained some experience he had not anticipated . “ I had never worked with kids before , and I never had youngersiblings , ” said Lefebvre . When Wilby got him involved in the gallery program , where visiting children have a chance to meet the animals up-close and personal , Lefebvre found himself in unfamiliar territory . “ It taught me how to communicate with the children , ” he said .

“ It didn’t take him long to get good at it , ” said Wilby . “ The gallery program is important to us . It helps to enhance the museum experience , and it inspires kids to be compassionate toward animals . ”

“ I think it helped me to improve my social skills , ” said Lefebvre . “ I learned to reach out and communicate with the parents and the kids . ”

Marie Cyr , through her internship with Sara Zelonka , owner of The Healthy Alternative Market and Deli , discovered a new passion . Unsure of what she wanted to do , she happened upon the internship at the market . “ It just came along , and I jumped at it , ” said the sophomore . “ I discovered my interest in cooking . ” Cyr said she is now considering a career in the field . For Zelonka , the experience has been nothing but positive . “[ Marie’s ] a huge help , ” said Zelonka . “ She’s very competent , and follows directions well . It’s kind of fun to see her grow and progress as the semester goes on , too , both personally and in her skill level . ”

As the school yearnears completion , the Depot Campus looks forward to a milestone . “ Our first two students are graduating this year, ” said Martin . “ We’re very excited about that . ” Schools in neighboring towns who are interested in pursuing the Depot option should contact Martin at 860-487-2260 .