By Alex Tarr

Six new students started classes at the CCEOC Monday, Oct. 29, at the beginning of a new 18-day session.

The CCEOC is an alternative school in the Atlantic Community School system. According to its website, “The CCEOC’s purpose is to provide basic academic instruction, personal and social growth activities, job experience training and career exploration in a small individualized educational program designed to enhance self-esteem and promote personal responsibility in its students.”

One of the new students, Calley Klint said, “I’m much more focused on my work.”

“Our number one goal is to get students to graduate,” said Justin Williams, CCEOC instructor. Karen Vogl, the other instructor, also said the goal is to help students be successful and graduate.

New students will have to adjust to different work area and schedule. Students work at their own pace, which can be less stressful.

Vogl said with the new students she stays busy. She said, “I want them to feel welcome and comfortable…I want to be supportive of them.”

The new students got started on work right away last Monday so they can get as much as they can done by the end of the session. At the end of each 18-day session, new students are considered for the program.

The process for attending the CCEOC involves several steps. Each student must fill out a 2012 CCEOC application. The applications are then assessed by a reviewing committee,  consisting of the Atlantic High School principal, assistant principal, the two guidance counselors and the two instructors at the CCEOC. Someone on the committee then calls the parents of the students that were accepted to let them know.

The students and their parents then go to the CCEOC building for a meeting and orientation.

The end of the new 18 day session will be Nov. 29.

Students with more questions about the CCEOC can talk to their guidance counselors.