On June 12, the El Puente Community School in Lompoc will bid a fond farewell to graduating students from the class of 2012 at Lompoc Four Square Church.
According to El Puente teaching assistant Naomi Sanchez, some of the students will be joining the workforce, while others will be enrolling for college in the fall.
“They come here and they see a light at the end of the tunnel; they know they can make it,” Sanchez said.
The school is part of the Santa Barbara Juvenile Court and Community School District. There are three schools in the district that serve students who are criminal law violators, transitioning back to school from Los Prietos Boy Camp, or expelled from other schools.
Students who come to El Puente have fallen behind academically, were sent by the probation department, or were expelled from their other schools. Sanchez said the students are allowed a little bit more freedom, but are expected to attend school year round, from 8 a.m. to 1:40 p.m. every day.
“We’re like mothers to these kids. We have counseling centers and we try to get the students the help they need,” Sanchez said.
Steven DeLira, deputy chief probation officer for Santa Barbara County, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s graduation. DeLira, who has been working in probation for 26 years, started out as a teacher’s aide at El Puente Community School.
He said El Puente actually means “bridge,” and that the school acts as a bridge for students in many ways, by offering more individualized learning and a credit-recovery program for those who have fallen behind. It also helps students who didn’t do well in public school achieve success, he said.
“I believe the school offers kids an opportunity to be successful academically,” DeLira said. “It helps kids put things behind them and become adults.”
School Scene was compiled by Staff Writer Kristina Sewell. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 7, 2012.