FIVE ISLAND ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL PLANS OPEN HOUSE

In recognition of Gov. Tom Vilsack declaring February as Alternative Education month, Five Island Alternative High School will host an open house Feb. 13 from 3-4 p.m. for educators and the general public.

The Alternative High School, which is located just west of the Iowa Lakes Community College Emmetsburg Campus in the Allied Health Building, has been in Emmetsburg for nearly 10 years.  Its goal is to offer an alternative to the traditional high school setting.  Gov. Vilsack stated in his proclamation that Alternative Education programs are "an effective way to educate students, thereby increasing graduation rates, especially for those who are at-risk in traditional schools."  Students who participate in an alternative high school must be referred by their local school district and be between 16 and 21 years of age.

Gov. Vilsack's proclamation reflects the importance of education: "Alternative Education facilitates growth in academic, personal, social/emotional, and career development areas and can encourage and facilitate access to postsecondary education."

In addition to the afternoon open house for the public, Five Island Alternative High School will host the Emmetsburg Chamber Coffee from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Feb. 13.

"This will be a good chance for area residents to see 'who we are' and 'what we do,'" said Cindy Magee, lead instructor for Five Island High. All guests are encouraged to use parking which is available behind the Allied Health Building.

Iowa Lakes Community College operates five alternative schools in the five-county area.  To find out further information about the school in Algona, contact Julie Buchanan at 1-877-807-9583; in Emmetsburg, contact Cindy Magee at 1-800-242-5108; in Estherville, contact Sally Bohmer at 1-800-242-5106; in Spencer, contact Jan Kamies at 1-877-807-9585; or in
Spirit Lake, contact Bonnie Ewoldt at 1-877-807-9584.