IS “BECOMING U” FOR YOU!?

More and more families and students are exploring homeschool programs as their preferred educational vehicle for High School completion. With it comes challenges such as learning environments, support, resources, and social engagement.

The Depot Academy’s “BECOMING U” program provides support services and resources to homeschool and other types of non-traditional students and families that help alleviate some of those challenges by providing the following:

• A structured schedule and environment conducive to focused work and concentration
• Access to high-speed internet for research and online homeschool programs
• Personal tutors to help answer questions about the lessons being taught in various programs
• Individual mentoring by passionate Depot volunteers and staff
• Peer interaction during breaks and lunch, as well as weekly group activities
• A healthy lunch and snacks throughout the day

The Depot Academy’s BECOMING U program DOES NOT provide the education program or curriculum. However, if you are in search of one, we can help navigate questions and provide options to consider.

BECOMING U @ THE DEPOT

The Depot Academy’s BECOMING U program starts on Monday, September 8th, and meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:00a to 2:00p with the following daily schedule:

• 10:00a – 10:15a >  Arrival and prepare for the day
• 10:15a – 11:00a >  “1st Hour” 45-minute block to work on assignments
• 11:0a -11:15a >  Morning social break
• 11:15a – Noon >  “2nd Hour” 45-minute block to work on assignments
• Noon – 12:30p >  Lunch and social break
• 12:30p – 1:15p >  “3rd Hour” 45-minute block to work on assignments
• 1:15p – 1:30p >  Afternoon social break
• 1:30p – 2:00 > “4th Hour” 30-minute block to work on assignments

BECOMING U PROGRAM FEES

The Depot Academy’s BECOMING U program is a very affordable alternative to simply staying at home.

• $20 per month, or
• $160 per school year

EXPECTATIONS

BECOMING U @ The Depot is truly a collaborative effort between The Home and The Depot, with reasonable expectations for everyone involved.

THE PARENTS
A successful homeschool or alternative education experience starts with the parents who take the lead on the following items:

• Educational program/curriculum selection and implementation
• Grading assignments and monitoring coursework progress
• If applicable, checking in with the online program’s staff with program and coursework questions and requests
• Ensuring successful participation with The Depot’s BECOMING U program with consistent attendance and on-time drop-off and pick-up times
• We DO NOT require or expect parents to attend or be present at The Depot. However, if you are interested in volunteering, we would certainly love to chat about that opportunity with you!

THE STUDENTS
Commitment from the students also plays a vital role in a successful Depot BECOMING U experience! As such, we expect the following from our students:

• Bring enough work – assignments, quizzes, exams, projects, etc. – to stay busy for the full 2-hour 45-minute work blocks throughout the day
• Respect the weekly attendance and daily schedule requirements
• Respect other students during work blocks to ensure a quiet environment that is conducive to focus and concentration
• Be respectful to the Tutors, Volunteers, and Staff
• Respect the facility and equipment by cleaning up after yourself

THE DEPOT STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND TUTORS
The third component to a successful Depot BECOMING U experience is the efforts of our Tutors, Volunteers, and Staff. Although we are NOT responsible for watching over your teen’s shoulder to make sure they are getting their work done, there are a number of things that we will commit to providing your son or daughter.

• We will provide your teen a safe place to be, with an environment conducive to helping them focus and concentrate on their school work
• We will strive to provide at least one in-person tutor so your teen can ask for assistance throughout the day. The tutors are here to assist your teen, not to teach them their lessons. If a tutor is not available on any given day, one of our volunteers or staff will do their best to assist with their questions.
• If desired, we will provide your teen with a healthy lunch as well as snacks and a choice between ice water or a flavored beverage throughout the day.
• We will provide behavioral and effort-based reports when requested.
• We will provide encouraging and righteous mentoring that builds self-esteem while supporting personal growth, responsibility, and accountability.

MISCELLANEOUS
With their parents’ permission, Teens may listen to music with earphones or earbuds at a reasonable volume. If we can hear it, the volume level is not reasonable!

Additionally, The Depot’s staff, volunteers, and tutors will not monitor or be responsible for the content your Teen listens to or views during any portion of The Depot BECOMING U program time together.

In short, we will be responsible for providing the six items of support and resources mentioned above. Parents and Teens will be responsible for the Teens’ behaviors and efforts while at The Depot.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please call or text Scott Gillespie at (989) 444-1695 or email him at Scott@EJDepot.org.

SUBMIT APPLICATION

The Depot’s BECOMING U program application below MUST be submitted by a Parent or Guardian. In the event more applications are received than we have room to accommodate, students committing to all 3 days per week will be given preferred consideration.

All applications will be reviewed upon submission. Participation confirmations will be announced via email or phone by Wednesday, September 3rd.