CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) – Leaders with Cape Girardeau Public Schools are asking for the public’s thoughts on a new school to help students who are recovering from addiction.
On Monday, May 5, in a Facebook post,
, the school district said it is thinking about starting a Recovery High School (RHS), to help students who are getting better after using drugs or alcohol. This new school would give them a safe place to learn and grow.
As stated by the school district, RHSs are secondary institutions tailored explicitly for students recovering from substance abuse or addiction. These schools instruct youth who are overcoming drug or alcohol misuse along with potential dual diagnoses. The curriculum aligns with state standards ensuring eligibility for high school diplomas, and each learner engages in a personalized recovery plan collaboratively developed between themselves and the institution.
We spoke with Mandy Keys—assistant superintendent of special services—who says the school would be paid for through a grant funded by the Department of Mental Health through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
She mentioned that they’ve been awarded the initial grant level and are currently in the process of applying for the subsequent one.
We’ve put significant effort into gathering stakeholder opinions. This includes collaborating with parental associations, community organizations, employee teams, and pupil collectives. We engaged in discussions with these entities, conducted surveys, and held several meetings,” stated Keys. “Our aim is to obtain their insights on facilitating a secure environment for local students as they progress towards recovery.
The school district wants to hear from you. Anyone who lives in Cape Girardeau can participate in a short survey about the new school. The survey closes on Friday, May 16 at 5 p.m. You can
click here to take the survey
.
The Cape Public School District will also have two meetings open to the public about the new school on Thursday, May 15 at Cape Central Middle School at 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
