Correspondent

Staff and students at the Renaissance Center School in Tazewell explained their programs to the school board and other interested citizens on Oct. 10.

The evening opened with a home cooked banquet at the school, funded by profits from in-school sources. Assistant Principal Carl Nichols then opened the program by relating the story of the "little red schoolhouse" once used in this county to house disruptive students from other schools. Nichols said so-called "mean kids" were sent to the school in Tazewell so that teachers could effectively teach the rest of their class.

According to information provided by the school, their vision is one of more than simply warehousing children with problems.

"The Claiborne County Renaissance Center School is not a detention center, a place of punishment, or a school based solely on academic needs. Rather, it is a center that concentrates on alternative methods of education designed for those who have had difficulty function in a traditional educational setting. Results are accomplished through an intensive 50 day behavior modification and strict discipline program. Our vision is for our students to develop long-range behavioral changes needed to allow them to become fully functioning and thriving members of society."

The student body is composed of 70 percent from other school referrals, 23 percent from the court system, and seven percent from parents of children who are unable to learn in a traditional classroom. Nichols says that the staff works initially to remove the baggage of drugs, alcohol abuse, neglect, physical abuse and other problems which are presented by most of their students. Counseling and assistance from the Cherokee Health System, CEASE, ETHRA, Youth Villages, and the court system are frequently used in the effort to modify social skills and behavior toward the goal of returning to traditional academic settings. Other organizations provide support and help as well.

Students attend a program of at least 50 days, during which they earn privileges based on their progress and an established time guide. The educational program is designed to remediate their educational needs. Students are normally returned to their traditional school, or moved into an adult education program.

The original Renaissance Center School in Tennessee was located in Dickson County. Claiborne County used that model and expanded it to include an adult education program. Now Claiborne County has become the model for the rest of the state and beyond as a full service program for children with problems.

Heidi Hamilton, mother of one student told the audience, "I wish the community understood this school better."

Judge Robert Estep said that the school "offers an opportunity for a new beginning."

Former student Bradley Lovin related how the school had helped him and announced that he is now a student at Tennessee Tech. Other current and former students attended, all of whom demonstrated the will and ability to become productive members of society.

Anyone desiring more information about the program can contact the school at (423) 526-9835.