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VOLUME 1
NEW YEAR, BASE ROOM RENAMED ACC GRETNA HAS TRANSITIONED TO INCLUDE ALL STUDENTS BY CASEY DOWNING
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ith each year comes changes, and one improvement that has not gone unnoticed is the BASE room transitioning to the ACC room. Many students have grown to know the BASE room, but this year it goes by a new name. The ACC room, also known as the alternate curriculum classroom, is Gretna’s transition into the district norm. Other schools in the district have made the move with the intentions of being more inclusive, and Gretna is next in line to do so. With this new title, faculty hopes that people will better understand what they do, how their curriculum is geared towards teaching each individual, and how it is tailored to fit their needs. Instructor Mrs. Ann Ross of the ACC room believes that with the name change more and more students will join the growing trend of involvement and acceptance different types of people. “Every year more and more students become involved, and we expect it to keep growing,” Mrs. Ross said. One student who is definitely involved is junior Logan Davidson. Davidson is a teacher’s assistant who help in the ACC room. He loves to see the growth and development of the students and believes he has grown from them as well. “It is very rewarding to see what kind of impact I can make in their lives,” Davidson said. “But they have also given me life skills and friendships that will last.” Another group involved are the instructors and Mrs. Lisa Salerno is no different. Mrs. Salerno is a Spanish instructor at Gretna, and she is a huge proponent of the ACC room. Mrs. Salerno’s idea on why the name has changed is similar to how many
others feel. “I think that the purpose was to promote a sense of cohesion between the students in the ACC room and the rest of the student body,” Mrs. Salerno said. “It is very important that we are able to move past our differences and I believe the new name helps erase that line of division.” As well as the new name, the alternate curriculum classroom has also increased their use of technology. One piece of equipment the ACC room takes advantage of is called the Dynavox. It is a SGD, a speech generated device, that helps to further communication between the instructor and student. Another important tool is the increased use of iPads. An intricate part of the student’s development is the progression of the fine motor skills found in the hand. The use of the iPads helps improve dexterity while also bringing entertainment. “Technology,” Mrs. Ross said. “in today’s world is obviously a growing factor for us,” On a normal day many of the same things happen in the ACC room just as they do throughout the building. The students are involved in a wide range of subjects including art, science and math. According to Mrs. Ross they have one goal in mind. “The goal each day is to get the students to grow,” Mrs. Ross said. “I know I have accomplished this seeing their smiles and helping them learn something new.” Regardless of change in name this school year the goal of the faculty and students remains the same; to strengthen the bond between the students of the ACC room and their peers in the school. “When I see the kind of compassion that students at Gretna are capable of,” Mrs. Ross said, “it makes my heart sing.”
Power Nap Lounging peacefully Keaton Cogswell wraps himself in a superhero blanket. According to Logan Davidson (19) it is his personal favorite. photo by Casey Downing.
Concert Time Practicing his music abilities, Daniel Kirchner (18) finishes making music on the maracas and transitions to the xylophone. photo by Casey Downing.
Practical Jokes Laughing after hitting Logan Davidson (19) with a ball, Molly Jacques (18) takes pride in her successful prank. photo by Casey Downing
Peaceful Afternoons Benjamin Rowland (19) rests alongside Keaton Cogswell. “It is important for students of the ACC room to have a break,” Mrs. Ross says. photo by Casey Downing
Fame Wall Wearing their medals, the members of the ACC room have decorated lockers. Each year the theme is different. This year,the theme is the Olympics. photo by Casey Downing