education

Staff Spotlight: New Roads School Teacher Dane Eckweiler

Staff Spotlight: New Roads School Teacher Dane Eckweiler

Looking Glass’ New Roads School Teacher, Dane Eckweiler, who started at the school for homeless youth clients of New Roads drop-in center in January of 2022, has always enjoyed helping people, particularly the challenge of helping youth who require a little more creativity in their academic approach. In early months on the job, Dane is enjoying the flexibility to help the students he works with to learn at their own pace and find subjects that interest them to help spark that passion for learning needed to keep going in the face of so many other life challenges.

Center Point School Graduation

Center Point School Graduation

Center Point School held their physically distanced graduation in the parking lot behind the school on Friday, June 18th. We held an individualized ceremony for each of our 4 graduates with their families in attendance. William’s graduation is highlighted here. Center Point School Director, Lynda Whitener made opening statements. “About 25% of students in the U.S. do not graduate from high school because of the commitment and hard work that it takes; you should feel so proud of yourself for accomplishing this, despite all of the challenges you have faced.”

Riverfront School Summer Program

Riverfront School Summer Program

Looking Glass Riverfront School is pleased to announce that we will be offering a Summer Enrichment Program for 4j students. Students in grades 9 – 12 can sign up for one or more courses. There is no eligibility requirement to participate. Credit will be granted in Language Arts, science, social studies, health, applied and fine arts, PE, and electives. First Aid/CPR certification will be available as well as a limited number of paid summer work experience slots.

Youth Development Division Funding

Youth Development Division Funding

The Youth Development Division (YDD) awarded Looking Glass with a grant that provides funding for Reengagement programs within our Riverfront School and our Adjudicated Youth Services (AYS) School. Reengagement programs are focused on providing young individuals with support and access to education, with the goal of completing high school and finding a career path or post-secondary education.

Program Spotlight: Lane-Metro Youth Corps Summer Crew

Program Spotlight: Lane-Metro Youth Corps Summer Crew

Learn about Haley, Abigail, and Sheane’s experience working on the Lane-Metro Youth Corps summer crew, operated by LG’s Riverfront School and Career Center

Staff Spotlight: Marielle Hart

Staff Spotlight: Marielle Hart

For the past five years, Marielle Hart has taught at Riverfront School and Career Center, and currently serves as their education supervisor.

Marielle says that it is rewarding to support the kids when they are struggling and help them get the quality education and services that they deserve. When asked what her hopes are for her students, Marielle says, “The kids that we work with are so resilient. They are amazing. They deserve the world.” She wants them to know that they have the love and support of the Riverfront community.

Riverfront School and Career Center adjusts to COVID-19

Riverfront School and Career Center adjusts to COVID-19

In the midst of this unprecedented crisis, it can be hard to imagine what education will look like in the future. Many schools are currently utilizing technology to continue teaching students. We spoke with Cheryl Zwillinger, Director of Riverfront School and Career Center, to learn about how she and her team are addressing these challenges.

Education with Looking Glass

Education with Looking Glass

At Looking Glass, we work to provide a variety of educational opportunities for teens that are homeless, have mental health issues, and for whom traditional education is inadequate to meet their needs. We have 3 alternative schools, therapists in 32 schools throughout Lane County, and offer educational services at each of our residential programs.

Staff Spotlight: Amber Harding, In-School Therapist

Staff Spotlight: Amber Harding, In-School Therapist

In a typical day Amber Harding, a Looking Glass In-School Therapist, takes on many roles in caring for students in Junction City. From preparing safety plans for individual students, meeting students for therapy in school, collaborating with school counselors on improving policies, to intervening in a behavioral crisis, Amber’s work adds a vital support for student success.

In-School Therapy Program Makes Front Page News

In-School Therapy Program Makes Front Page News

On Tuesday, January 1st, Looking Glass’ in-school therapy program was featured prominently in The Register-Guard with a front page article highlighting the program’s growth and importance. Looking Glass now has therapists embedded in 30 schools in Lane County and has 5 more schools on a waiting list.