U-Turn is an alternative program that will provide learning opportunities that will encourage behaviours that promote success in all school communities.  As an alternative intervention, we will provide an invitational learning setting for in-risk youth to overcome their obstacles to learning, make better decisions and improve their work habits so they can successfully transition back to their home school or other pathways and opportunities.

Profile of the U-Turn Student

In-risk youth ages 15-18 that would benefit from participation in an alternative setting in either Cambridge or Waterloo. Youth may present with the following barriers to success in mainstream school:

  • absenteeism
  • behind in credit accumulation
  • struggles to see their potential
  • lack of engagement
  • requiring support in learning skills development
  • peer conflict
  • challenges with anxiety

Program Details

  • Smaller class sizes – 15 students per class
  • Students will be able to obtain one high school credit in 30 days.  Students work on one credit for 3-75 minute periods/day
  • Classes runs from 9:45 am to 2:15 pm
  • Attendance is crucial to success in the UTurn program
  • Transportation is provided to the student, which may be via school bus or Grand River Transit bus passes

U-Turn Courses

The courses taught at U-Turn are a combination of compulsory and elective credits.  This is so that we can support students in Grades 10 – 12 within the same classroom.  Each one of our courses is taught 3 periods/day and lasts 30 days (110 hours).  Each student will only have to focus on one subject at a time.  We teach 3 courses in each semester, for a total of 6 courses in a year.  We also offer credit recovery where applicable.

Social/Emotional

Academics is not the only focus at U-Turn.  There is also a focus on the social and emotional well-being of our students, supported by the Child and Youth Workers on site.  They are available to support students in areas such as improving communication, making better choices and improving their sense of self.

Staying Active and Engaged

We encourage daily physical activity as part of our wellness strategy and have a variety of presenters come in, as well as various field trips throughout the year.

Breakfast and Lunch

We provide lunch for students as part of our Nutrition for Learning program.  We are also supported through generous donations from Cobs Bread and Tim Horton’s.

 

The Referral Process

Students MUST be registered at their home school to be eligible for U-Turn.

  1. Home School Team
    • The Home School Team identifies a need for a student to be referred to U-Turn.
    • The home school VP will complete a referral through Clevr.  They will need to include the CCS, Student Profile (from Aspen) and U-Turn Application Form (U-Turn Referral Form).
    • the U-Turn VP will reach out to the Home School VP for further information, as needed
  2. Intake Interview Meeting
    • U-Turn admin assistant will reach out to the family to schedule an intake meeting with the family and a representative from the home school
  3. U-Turn Team
    • All referrals are considered. During the intake meeting, the program will be reviewed, a start date will be agreed upon, as will credits that may be offered to meet the student’s needs.  Future pathways will also be discussed at this meeting.
    • Regular progress updates are shared with the referring home school team while the student is in UTurn

 

Student Testimonials

The smaller class size has helped me overcome my school related anxiety.  Smaller work loads at a time helped me complete more assignments without getting stressed. The one course at a time helps me focus on achieving one thing before moving on, so now I don’t have multiple half finished assignments. Without U-Turn I would drop out.

This is a very laid back, easy, and a good way to earn credits. I’m proud that I came everyday, on time to this program and earned some credits.

U-Turn has helped me get back to school, and has given me the opportunity to catch up on my schooling, and get the credits I need to have a successful future.

In my old school, I would hardly show up. I would do some of my work, but I found it hard to go back after I had missed so much.  I kept falling behind and struggled to try and catch up. If I didn’t have U-Turn honestly, I would be a drop out with no chance of getting a job.