U-Turn is an alternative program that will provide learning opportunities that will demonstrate and encourage behaviours that promote success in all school communities.  As an alternative intervention, we will provide an invitational learning setting for at-risk youth to overcome their obstacles to learning, make better decisions and improve their work habits so they can successfully transition back to their home school or the workplace.

Profile of the U-Turn Student

In-risk youth ages 15-18 that would benefit from an intervention in an alternative setting in Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. Risk factors for in-risk youth may include:

  • truancy
  • low grades
  • low self-esteem
  • lack of motivation
  • bullying
  • poor work habits
  • anti-social behavior
  • peer conflict or
  • low level stress/anxiety

Social/Emotional

Academics is not the only focus here at U-Turn.  There is an equal focus on the social and emotional well-being of our students.  There are Child and Youth Workers and a Social Worker at each of our sites.  They are here to work through anything that arises with the students that doesn’t necessarily involve academics.  Students focus on improving communication, making better choices and increasing self image as part of our holistic approach.

Staying Active

We encourage daily kinetics activity as part of our wellness strategy.

The Fun Stuff

We have a variety of presenters come in, and various field trips throughout the year. Some fun and interesting field trips and activities that we have done in the past are:

  • Rockwood Conservation Area
  • Rare Conservation
  • Habitat for Humanity Builds
  • CAP baseball tournament
  • Toyota Tour
  • Ripley’s Aquarium
  • Holocaust Centre Toronto

Lunch

We provide lunch for students as part of our Nutrition for Learning program.

Program Details

  • Students will be able to gain one high school credit in 30 days.  Students work on one credit for 3-75 minute periods/day.
  • Smaller Class size 15 max
  • Classes will run from 9:45 am to 2:15 pm.
  • Attendance is crucial to this program.
  • Transportation is provided to the student in form of Grand River Transit bus passes.
  • Respect – students are expected to respect themselves, other students and staff as well as, the other programs in the building.

U-Turn Courses

The courses taught at U-Turn are a combination of compulsory and elective credits.  This is so that we can cater to students in Grades 9 – 12 the same classroom.  Each one of our courses is taught 3 periods/day and lasts 30days (110 hours).  Each student will only have to focus on one subject at a time.  We teach 3 courses in each semester, for a total of 6 courses in a year.  We also offer a credit recovery where applicable.

U-Turn Works (currently on hold)

U-Turn Works is the ideal program for the student who wants experience in the working world while obtaining high school credits. Co-operative education credits count towards Groups 1, 2 and 3 compulsory credits, as well as any of your elective credits.1 credit is obtained with approximately every 110 hours of work (in-class and on the job hours). You don’t have to have a job to come into the U-Turn Works program but you must be willing to work hard to obtain a placement. Effort is a requirement in this program. You must also demonstrate a high level of respect, a level of consistent attendance and consistent completion of school work in order to be considered for this program.

U-Turn Diversion (currently on hold)

Diversion is the alternative to the regular core U-Turn program. Students are working towards transitioning to the core U-Turn program. This program is located at Continuing Education in Waterloo and in Cambridge. While setting their own pace, students focus on credit based courses, and interpersonal skills.  Diversion is a highly student centered program and attempts are made to accommodate curriculum to match individual students needs and interests.

The Referral Process

Students MUST be registered at their home school to be eligible for U-Turn.

  1. Home School Team
    • The Home School Team identifies a need for a student to be referred to U-Turn.
    • The home school VP will complete a referral through S4S.  You will need to include the CCS, Short Index card, U-Turn Application Form (U-Turn Referral Form), Attendance profile, Safety Plan and TRA (as applicable).  The IEP will automatically attach during the referral process.  The
      “How To” for S4S referral is available HERE.
    • U-Turn VP will reach out to Home School VP if there are any questions not answered in the referral.
  2. Intake Interview Meeting
    • VP of U-Turn will reach out to the family to discuss the program and a CYW will follow up with an over the phone interview.   We need to interview all parties prior to acceptance in the program.
  3. U-Turn Team
    • All referrals are considered by the U-Turn team and students are contacted by the U-Turn staff and given a start date and credits to be offered.

U-Turn Exit Process

U-Turn team in consultation with student and parent/guardian agrees that student has achieved success and is ready to return to home school or the workplace. Teacher/Staff contacts appointed home school representative to advise that the student is ready to return and completes transition checklist.

Student Testimonials

The smaller class size has helped me overcome my school related anxiety.  Smaller work loads at a time help me complete more assignments without getting stressed. The one course at a time helps me focus on achieving one thing before moving on, now I don’t have multiple half finished assignments. Without U-Turn I would drop out.

This is a very laid back, easy, and a good way to earn credits. I’m proud that I came everyday, on time to this program and earned some credits.

U-Turn has helped me get back to school, and has given me the opportunity to catch up on my schooling, and get the credits I need to have a successful future.

In my old school, I would hardly show up. I would do some of my work, but I found it hard to go back after I had missed so much.  I kept falling behind and struggled to try and catch up. If I didn’t have U-Turn honestly, I would be a drop out with no chance of getting a job.