Golden happy with his 'STARS'

Six to eight students are scheduled to graduate from the STARS (Southeast Texas Academic Recovery School) this May and interim administrator Andy Golden couldn't be prouder.

Golden, who also serves as an assistant principal at Jasper High School, knows the majority of the 21 students enrolled at the campus from their days at the high school.

"It's refreshing to see these kids coming back to finish their schooling," Golden said. "I saw them when they didn't want to be in school and now I'm getting to see them when they want to be in school."

Phil Brown, grant coordinator for the Jasper Independent School District, also announced that the STARS campus has received a $25,000 grant from the Meadows Foundation in Dallas.

The Meadows Foundation has contributed a total of $75,000 for startup costs since the beginning of the program in February of 2006. The Meadows Foundation commitment of financial assistance has enabled JISD to provide a facility, staff, and computer based curriculum for the STARS program.

"Without that grant money, this program would not survive," Golden said. "Every penny is appreciated."

"On behalf of the JISD, I would like to thank the private foundations, local businesses, and individuals who have supported the STARS program, which is already demonstrating success for a great need to facilitate students in the completion of requirements for a high school diploma," Brown said.

This is not Golden's first contact with the STARS program. He was originally on the committee formed by former Jasper superintendent Dr. Eddie Dunn to look into the project.

"I was on the committee and was interested in it ever since," Golden said. "I'm a very strong supporter of this program."

He is presently splitting his time between the STARS campus and his duties at Jasper High School.

The STARS facility is designed to accommodate young people, ages 16-21, who left high school before completing graduation requirements. Admission interviews are required and prospective students must meet specific requirements to apply for admission.

The STARS campus opened in February of 2006 with an enrollment of 13 students. In May of 2006, three students completed requirements for a high school diploma and a graduation ceremony was held to issue the diplomas.

In August 2006, STARS began the fall semester with an enrollment of 16 students. In December of 2006, six students had completed requirements for a high school diploma and the graduates received their diplomas.

A total of nine students were successful in completing requirements for their high school diploma in the spring and fall semesters of 2006.

STARS began the spring semester of 2007 with an enrollment of 15 students. Six additional students have enrolled to date bringing the current enrollment to 21 students.

Additional students are being interviewed and the enrollment is expected to increase to approximately 25 for the spring semester of 2007.

The STARS facility has the capacity at present to serve 40 students (a morning and afternoon session). The enrollment is expected to continue to increase as evidenced by continued interest from prospective students from the Jasper ISD and surrounding school districts.

"This is a great opportunity for kids to get their diploma and that is what this is all about," Golden said.