Partnership Principal Kittie D. Weston-Knauer

     Kittie D. Weston-Knauer, principal of Scavo Campus, Des Moines, is on a mission serving more than 300 ninth through 12th graders in her alternative school.

     “These young adults may not have been successful in school or within their lives and communities,” said Weston-Knauer. “However, they will continue to be citizens in our communities, and we must do everything we can to maximize the potential they have within.

      “As leader of an alternative school, I must make sure they have not only the academic resources, but all the resources they need. It’s more than just learning to read and write; they must develop appropriate life and social skills. They must see that they can be life-long learners.”

     Since 1999, Weston-Knauer has been principal of Scavo Campus, an alternative high school that provides a structured yet self-responsible learning environment.   

    
     “Our curriculum and schedules are personalized for those students who are employed, parenting, or following an individualized slate of classes,” she explains. “We adapt our program for gifted students, those committed to vocational choices, and those students who are college bound. We facilitate social, emotional, vocational and academic development through innovative programs designed for our diverse student population from the entire Des Moines School District.”

    High school courses are offered in a flexible, non-traditional format in which students can earn credits needed to receive a diploma from Scavo, return to a comprehensive high school, or acquire a high school diploma or GED from the Des Moines Area Community College Youth-at-Risk Consortium (DMCC). In partnership with DMACC, Scavo curriculum incorporates an Internship Program, introducing young adults to various aspects of the professional world through active participation in their chosen fields.

    Quality childcare is available for infants and toddlers of teen parents (male and female) enrolled at Scavo or any high school in Des Moines. Teddy Bear Town, the childcare facility on the Scavo Campus, provides a developmentally appropriate, early childhood program ensuring a safe and nurturing environment, promoting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development while responding to the needs of their parents. Instructional and intervention programs for parenting and expectant teens, including pre-natal, child development, and parenting classes, are offered in conjunction with the professional services of two SUCCESS case managers, a social worker, nurse, and psychotherapist. Community agencies provide up-to-date information and support for the students facing the challenges of being a parent. Staffed by three pediatric nurse practitioners, the goal of the school-based health service is to improve health care access and to educate all Scavo students to be informed health care consumers.

     “Extra-curricular activities provide the satisfaction of contributing to our Scavo community and the city at large,” Weston-Knauer said. “Students and staff enjoy community bike rides and conservation classes. We are commissioned by federal, county, and private agencies to create permanent public murals, and students participate in fundraising and work for a variety of charitable organizations.

     “Co-curricular activities enhance concepts learned, integrate knowledge, and develop a sense of pride and understanding of the contributions of people from diverse cultures. Scavo Campus students compete in our statewide forum for Black History Month. Students planning careers in medicine collaborate with staff at Des Moines’ Osteopathic and Podiatric University. The life work of the many cultures in our community is celebrated in cross-curricular studies and presented to staff and students.”

     Scavo Campus is providing a quality educational program and support services in an alternative setting, designed to meet the social, emotional, vocational and academic needs of all students while they earn their high school diplomas.

     For more information about this unique, alternative high school, contact Kittie D. Weston-Knauer by e-mail at [email protected].