OJ Programs and Services

Student Support Programs and Services

We have several ways to support students when they find themselves struggling in one or more classes.  Our Student Assistance Team meets weekly to monitor student academic progress and adjustment and looks at historical and current data to determine what additional supports a particular student might need.  We use teacher and student input, historical grades/attendance/behavioral records, NWEA test scores, current course grades, parent perception, MEAP/M-Step assessment scores and other information to make an informed decision on the appropriate steps to take in supporting the student's academic success.  Here are several of the student supports we provide at O. J. DeJonge:

Extended Day Math Support:  otherwise known as "Math Help", this is an after-school, drop-in program for any student who would like some assistance with the day's math lesson and/or getting started on their homework.  Many students take advantage of this 45-minute session, offered Monday through Thursday, knowing that one of our math teachers will be on hand to assist them.  It doesn't matter if the teacher is not that particular student's teacher; each of our math instructors is fully able to assist all OJMS students with math concepts and skills.

Academic Mentoring:  we have several teachers who serve as Academic Mentors for small groups of students, typically 3-6, one to two days per week.  Although spaces are limited, we try to reserve mentoring spots for students who experience challenges in multiple curricular areas and who may have obstacles in life that will make it difficult for them to master the curriculum and be successful in school.  The mentor serves as a guide, advocate and tutor for the student, helping them acquire both academic and life skills, in the context of a caring relationship, that will help them be successful this year and beyond.

Family Link

Mason County Family Link is a collaborative initiative between Ludington Area Schools, Mason County Central, Mason County Eastern, Gateway to Success Academy, United Way of Mason County, West Michigan Community Mental Health System, Department of Health and Human Services, Northwest Michigan Health Services, Staircase Youth Services, West Shore Community College and Pennies from Heaven Foundation.

This initiative supports student achievement by bringing together a range of agencies to provide needed services and support.  It specifically includes staff that work on-site at  Ludington Area School District.

Community Schools Coordinator –  Provides coordinated access to health and human services within a school setting.

Site Team Clinician –  Provides strength based, child centered and family focused counseling to student and/or their families who are not eligible to receive services through the local mental health agency.

Department of Health and Human Services Success Coach – Provides social services to students and works with families to help and identify a plan for self-sufficiency.

 By bringing health and human services into the school building to serve children and families we can accomplish the following:

  • Increase support for students, families and schools;

  • Increase access to needed health and human services and other community supports

  • Promote opportunities that support students’ educational, social and emotional development; and redirect non-educational issues from the principals and teachers, so they can focus on educating children.

For more information contact Lynne Russell, Executive Director, United Way of Mason County at (231) 843-8593.