Cunningham Alternative School, 315 S. East Avenue, Vineland, New Jersey, 08360, Telephone: 856-794-6937, Fax: 856-507-8744, Grades 6-12

"Education then, beyond all other devices of human origin, is the great equalizer of the conditions of men, the balance-wheel of the social machinery." - Horace Mann

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Family Advocacy Program at Cunningham School

The Vineland Public Schools’ Family Advocacy Program is built upon a regularly scheduled “advisory” period led by teachers and supported by school counselors and administrators.  This “Family Advocacy Program” seeks to facilitate each student’s sense of belonging/ connectedness to his/her school community. 

Each student is assigned a family advocate for the tenure of his/her time in that school.  Approximately twenty students are assigned to each family advocate.  The advocate meets with his/her group every other week for about 40 minutes. The small groups led by the teacher advocates foster a sense of family, collaboration and caring between students and staff. 

The Family Advocacy sessions are opportunities for non-judgmental conversations between the advocate and his advisees.  The building of such relationships affords the student the opportunity to develop a significant relationship with an adult.  Through these groups students receive personalized guidance, life skills, career education and tutelage in study skills.

The advocate addresses a student’s concerns, monitors his/her academic progress and celebrates his/her successes.  The advocate serves as the liaison between the school, and the home for his/her students.  The advocate also leads the student to appropriate resources and support services to meet his/her needs.

Advocacy sessions include, but are not limited to, lessons which range from communication skills and conflict resolution to reviewing one’s report card, preparing for a job interview and goal setting.

These occasions for student dialogue with a trusted adult enable students to feel that they are important and valued members of their school.

The family advocate facilitates two parent conferences per year.  In this capacity, the advocate apprises or encourages the student to apprise his family of both his successes and his areas in need of improvement.

 

 

 

 

Vineland Public Schools logo: Teachers, students, parents and community working together for a bright future.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Vineland Public Schools is based upon the conviction that all students can learn. This is based upon their exposure to curriculum and instruction that addresses the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards (NJCCCS) at all grade levels. We recognize that learning is the result of a strong partnership of parents, teachers and the community, as students are challenged to become active participants in the quest for excellence.

Our goal is to ensure a safe, creative, stimulating and caring environment which promotes self-esteem, sound character, responsibility and respect for diversity. This will enable students to become knowledgeable, skillful, life-long learners who are contributing citizens in our changing society.

We expect the best from our students and will give no less of ourselves.