Turning Point Academy: New Name for District’s Alternative Programs

The Cleveland County Board of Education has approved Turning Point Academy as the new name for the campus on South Post Road housing the Cleveland County Alternative Programs (CCAP).

Principal Jon Fleisher recommended the name change noting it was the top choice of his faculty and staff. Name suggestions were submitted by teachers, staff and others. Mr. Fleisher said the list was narrowed to three by the School Improvement Team then submitted to faculty and staff.

Mr. Fleisher said Turning Point Ademy’s colors will be silver and maroon and the mascot will be a phoenix. The school motto will be “We will rise to the challenge.”

Turning Point Academy serves up to 120 middle and high school students referred there for behavior issues. Students may return to their home schools after a semester or year if they successfully meet targets in their academic/behavior plans. Students who have been suspended long term also are served in this alternative setting.

C-STOP (Community Short Term Opportunity Program) serves up to a dozen students suspended for three to 10 days in a separate program on campus. They work individually under a teacher’s supervision while they attend.

Turning Point Academy has some 30 teachers and staff. A name change for the school was among the recommendations made in June by a task force on alternative education. The committee made recommendations in these areas: vision and mission; policies and procedures; curriculum and instruction; staffing; and infrastructure.