New Life Tigers

Alternative Education Day

2011-04-08T11:37:00.001-05:00

GAA Students were treated to a guided tour of the State Capitol Building by Oklahoma State Representative Gus Blackwell on March 25th. Alternative Education Day is organized as an opportunity for students to meet with legislators, exhibit accomplishments, and meet other alternative education students and teachers from around the state. Oklahoma currently has 255 alternative schools.

Winner of the Ms!!!

2010-10-25T22:06:00.003-05:00

Andres won the Jugga M&Ms with a guess of 1750. The actual amount was 1746. Students were able to guess once for every half credit they completed. Andres was very generous and shared his winnings with other GAA students.

Parent Teacher Conferences were a HUGE success with 100% of parents attending. Student success would be greatly hindered without the home support of parents and family. Thank you.

1st Nine Weeks almost complete

2010-10-15T21:59:00.001-05:00

Fall Break is almost upon us. This means that 1/4 of the school year is almost complete. GAA students are on an accelerated credit recovery system that requires dedication, motivation and self initiative. These students have to constantly push themselves everyday in order to take advantage of the opportunity to make credit recovery. As we wind down this first quarter, I find myself very proud of all of my students and confident that we will continue to have a Great Year!

GAA TIGER PRIDE

2010-10-08T13:46:00.000-05:00

Some of the BEST GUYMON TIGER PRIDE comes from GAA Students!!!!!

The Champion!!!

2010-10-01T20:32:00.000-05:00

Juan was hoisted into the air as he won the 1st 9weeks GAA Washer Tournament. Mrs. Sandoval, Coach Justiss, Mr. Acevedo and 31 students competed in a total of 50 matches during a double elimination washer tournament. Matches were played on breaks, before and after school. Juan had never played washers before, but was a natural. Tahhar had gone undefeated the entire tournament until the final match with Juan who had lost one match early in the tournament. Juan bested the consolation bracket coming back to beat Tahhar twice in a row to claim the Championship. Juan won two movie tickets as well as bragging rights.... for the time being.

Congratulations Graduate!!!

2010-09-30T20:06:00.000-05:00

Students and staff share in celebreation as Josh Perales completed graduation requirements. Josh completed his last of 25 credits, on September 30th, which allowed him the honor of Guymon High School Graduate. Josh plans on working for a year, then attending college at OPSU.

Congratulations Graduate!!!

2010-09-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

Mr. Acevedo, Coach Justiss, Mrs. Sandoval as well as the entire GAA student body wish to congratulate Miguel Chaparro for graduating from Guymon High School. Miguel completed graduation requirements on September 29th from Guymon Alternative Academy. He plans to work for a year before attending college.

More Washer Pics

2010-09-24T19:51:00.000-05:00

Its hard to get any closer than this.

Can Tahhar's new hair color help?

Juan became a force to be reckoned with.

Tiffany taking them down!

GAA Model Car Club

2010-09-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

The GAA Model Car Club started as an afterschool program that offers a safe, constructive alternative hobby. This is the first model building experience for many students.

GAA Washer Pics

2010-09-10T18:05:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Sandoval AKA "Smack Down" showing the boys how its done.

Tahhar quickly became a favorite to win the tournament as he was a formidable opponent.

Daniel bringin the rain.

Coach Justiss AKA "J-RO" checking Daniel's form.

Washer spectators awaiting thier turns.

Jugga Ms

2010-09-03T16:52:00.001-05:00

Who doesn't LOVE M&Ms? Students will be allowed to guess how many of the lovely little candies are in the glass jug. The closest guess gets to take them all home. There are a several different kinds of M&Ms mixed up on the jug including: Peanut, Almond, Pretzel, Peanut Butter, and Regular. Students get one guess for each HALF credit completed. The winner will be revealed at the end of the 1st 9weeks.

Hint: There is almost $30 worth of M&Ms in the jug.

GAA Washers Tournament

2010-08-31T14:20:00.001-05:00

GAA will be hosting a Washers Tournament. Washers is a childhood favorite of mine that I am excited to share with students. The concept is pretty simple. Two people compete by tossing 3 washers each toward small tin cans buried flush with the ground. There are 2 cans set 21 feet apart. A "Sinker" scores 5 points, and 1point is earned for each washer that is closest to the hole.
Below is a diagram to set up your own Washer Pitch. The best washers to use are 2 1/4 inch outside diameter in size. They have a good heft and fit nicely into small tomato sauce cans. You can find them at most hardware stores for about $1 each. You will need 2 sets of 3. It is a good idea to paint each set a different color. Get creative. The areas near the holes will be worn bare of any grass after a few games so select the location for your Washer Pitch carefully.

GAA has 4 Washer Pitches, where students play during breaks, before and after school. Some students have bought washers and personalized them with thier own colors and designs.

The first player to reach 21 points wins. This is a double elimination tournament with a pair of movie tickets up for grabs and bragging rights as The Washer Champ.

2010-11 School year begins!!

2010-08-20T20:45:00.001-05:00

The last few weeks of summer break were spent scheduling activities, organizing classes, interviewing prospective students, and preparing GAA another awesome year. We hit the ground running this year welcoming back several students from last year as well as more than a few new faces to GAA. I am looking forward to a great year with boatloads of credit recovery and opportunities for success. I will be looking for new GAA Leaders to join the ranks of successful young people, who will be dedicated to help our new students "learn the ropes."

Canoe Launch Day at Sunset Lake

2010-05-24T14:45:00.001-05:00

Special permission was granted by the City of Guymon that allowed us to launch our canoes in Sunset Lake. The lake is usually closed to all boats. The Texas County YMCA allowed us to test our canoes in thier indoor pool prior to the launch date.

Joel in Cherline (16 foot Double Ender)

Annabelle in her 12 footer.

Joel and Alex

Abraham getting shoved off.

Norberto and Abraham

Abraham chillin.

Ezequiel and Orel

Michelle and Annabelle

They really got the hang of it.

It was a long way back!

No day at the lake would be complete without a watergun fight. GAA would like to thank the following people and organizations that made this project a success.

Wirtz Lumber

Reed and Jerry Barby

Texas County YMCA

Sandoval Roustabout Service

Tom Thoelke

Cheryl Sandoval
The Guymon Daily Herald

as well as all GAA students that stayed to help us out.

Canoe Say Canoe 4

2010-05-17T13:09:00.002-05:00

GAA student and volunteer helpers were really pushing it to finish the canoes before the scheduled launch day of May 21st. These are photos of the last few weeks of work. Special thanks to all other students who showed up to help us finish.

Mr. Thoelke and Mrs. Sandoval sealing the inside bottom joint.

Abraham preparing to glue the bottom of his canoe on with PL Premium.

Annabelle gluing the bottom of her canoe on with PL Premium.

Special thanks to Alex for helping us hold the transom in place while securing it with PL Premium and drywall screws.

Annabelle sealing the transom joints.

Stacey sealing transom joints.

We used 4 inch diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe clamps to hold the bottom till the glue dried.

There was a trick to putting them on. They could be a little difficult to stretch.

Attaching the bow stem that would later be trimmed flush with the top and bottom of the canoe.

Mr. Thoelke detail trimming the bottom of the canoe after the glue had dried.

All ready to be primed and painted.

Stacey the Poser.

Now Stacey AND Annabelle are posing while the guys do the work!!

Canoe say Canoe 3

2010-05-01T09:59:00.003-05:00

GAA canoe builders are nearing completion of thier boats. The next step is attaching the bottoms. As the spring weather allowed, construction operations were moved outside.

Andy was our furry little mascot.

Mrs. Sandoval applying PL Premium Construction Adhesive to the bow stem. The majority of joints are glued together on these canoes.

Mr. A showing Annabelle how to secure the bottoms of her boat onto the chinelogs, with brads after a layer of PL Premium was applied.

The bottom has been securely attached and a thin bead of PL Premium was applied and filleted as an extra leak barrier around the entire bottom joint.

The temporary strechers were replaced with the permanent ones and the inner gunnels were attached with Titebond II and drywall screws.

GAA Lifting Heavy

2010-04-15T09:23:00.000-05:00

GAA Students were challenged by Coach Collin Justiss to get bigger and stronger than they have ever been. Students were offered Strength Class for the 09-10 school year. Coach Justiss implemented a strict, well planned weight lifting program, emphasizing a safe, self esteem boosting gym experience. The class incorporated elements of nurtition, weight training and cardio.

Abraham getting big.

Marcos workin on his guns.

Dylan warming up.

Colton working on his lats.

Ever in his Hannah Montana PJ pants.

Beto reppin 315.

Canoe say Canoe 2

2010-04-06T02:19:00.001-05:00

Phase 2 of Canoe Building involves attaching chine logs and gunnels.

Gunnels provide structural integrity for the dorsal part of the canoe.

Chine logs give structural integrity to the lower part of the canoe as well as creating more surface to adhere the bottom to. More on that later.

Here are the two halves of the canoe body after the 4" PVC clamps have been removed. (Clamps donated by Sandoval Roustabout Services)

These are made of 1x2 stock in 16 foot lengths. Pine works really well because it flexes. This is the moment of truth. If the wood cracks or splits at this point... well, its back to the ole' drawing board.

Fortunately the Chines and Gunnels held. They are stretched over a center framework with the ends tying drywall screws together. They will be removed after the adhesive cures.

GAA Book Clubs

2010-03-25T01:41:00.008-05:00

Mr.A, Mrs. Sandoval and Coach Justice initiated The GAA Book Clubs. They will be meeting with groups of students twice per week for 45 min to read, and discuss topics covered in selected novels.

Mr. A and his group will be reading The Contender by Robert Lipsyte

Feliciano was one of Mr. A's GAA Book Club. After students complete a novel, they rotate to another teacher's book club.

Canoe say Canoe 1

2010-03-11T00:40:00.007-06:00

GAA students requiring an Art 2 credit took on the challenge to build canoes, yeah real canoes. Mr. A along with Mrs. Sandoval and Mr. Thoelke met with students on Tuesday evenings to get the job done. GAA would like to formally show huge amounts of appreciation to Mr. Larry Wirtz of WIRTZ LUMBER, as well as Reed and Jerry Barby for thier help and sponsorship of supplies to make this project a success. You mean so much to us and we are fortunate to have you as friends.

To begin students had to implement concepts from Algebra and Geometry (yes people really do use that stuff) to figure and make exact measurements. Here's Abraham following Stacey's directions to figure slope.

The angle for the bow and stern are very important. The pieces have to fit exactly in order to ensure no leaks.

Stacey practicing her "Wingardium Leviosa" spell, while the scarf joints dry. We use Titebond 2 for these joints, letting them dry for 24 hours.

Mrs. Sandoval supervising Annabelle cut her bow angles with an elctric jigsaw. The canoe bodies were made from 1/4 inch Mahogany plywood.

Annabelle making sure her scarf joints are exact before setting the weights for it to dry.

Stacey calling for help because Abraham is singing and dancing again.

Self Portraits for Art 1

2010-02-25T10:24:00.004-06:00

GAA students are required to complete an 18x24 self portrait in graphite as a final to complete the second semester of Art 1.

Ana Hidalgo (self-portrait)

Alejandro Santana (self portrait)

Anahis Avalos (portrait of her nephew)

Orlando Barboza (self portrait)

24 x 24 Matrix Drawings

2010-02-25T10:01:00.005-06:00

GAA students are required to draw a 24 x 24 inch matrix drawing as a final, to complete the first semester of Art 1. These are some of them.

Stacey Ray's Lighthouse

Omar Gaucin's Lion

Nancy Melandez's Bird

Laura Valtierra's Man

Ana Hidalgo's Penguin

Alejandro Santana's Lion

New Guymon Graduate!!

2010-02-16T19:48:00.004-06:00

Gabe Hegwood son of Wesley and Tamara Hegwood completed graduation requirements and received his Guymon High School Diploma. Guymon High School Counselor Dana Martin helped Gabe reach his goals by allowing him to recover credits during TMC time in the Fall of 2009. TMC is a study hall built into 6th hour at Guymon High. There are limited positions for high school students to recover credits durng TMC. These students are able to recover up to 1 extra credit per semester. They use the same A+ curriculum as GAA students but do so, from the library under guidance of Mrs. Martin. Gabe attended GAA last year and rejoined after Christmas break lacking only 1/2 credit in Math, which he completed in a few weeks. Gabe plans to join the United States Army later this spring.

Yo Soy 5

2009-11-18T15:10:00.003-06:00

Yo soy alguien que a vivido 17 primaveras.
I am a hundred percent proud to be Mexican.
I am an only daughter.
I am the older sister of two little boys,
and the small sister of a boy I see once a year.
I am that girl with perfect grades in elementary school.
I am someone who not only makes mistakes but I've learned from them.
Yo soy quien trata de reconstruir su vida con cada dia pasa.
I am that fifth-year senior who can barely believe she can finally graduate.
I am sure now that everything happens for a reason & that for every bad there is a good.
I am the one that has extreme fear of spiders but is wierd enough to love snakes.
I am the one who used to love to have drama but now just wants to stay away from.
I am proud to know that others seek help from me.
I am proud to be part of the New Life Tigers.
I am an undecisive & confused & even wierd but most of all I am, Myself.

Alternative Family

2009-11-18T12:39:00.004-06:00

This school is not an institution,
it's a home away from home.
We are valued as students here,
reminded of our strength when we feel alone.
We stand together as brothers and sisters,
we are talented artists painting a picture.
When faced with daily troubles and worldwide problems,
we trust each other to step up and help solve them.
Although we are all different people who follow different trends,
we respect each other as classmates and friends.
I personally have been through many tough times this year,
but I rest easy knowing that my Alternative Family will always be here.
-Stacey Ray

I'm quiet most of the time, but I am honestly thankful to be part of a wonderful group in this amazing school.

CONGRATULATIONS FRESHMAN!!!

2009-11-12T15:12:00.002-06:00

Mr. Acevedo, Mrs. Sandoval, Mr. Justiss and all of the GAA Student Body extends thier congratulations to Jose Valles for completing 8th Grade graduation requirements. Jose completed his 8th Grade Credit Recovery on November 10,2009. He is officially a High School Student. Jose will be moving to Texhoma this week. He will be missed at GAA but goes with all of our best wishes for his future.

Cold Weather

2009-10-12T12:07:00.005-05:00

I love cold weather. We have been using our BRAND SPANKIN NEW heaters at GAA. Looking back its hard to remember sweating buckets back in August. The smell of the furnace's first burn of the season always makes me think of a cozy couch, a throw blanket, a big fat book and a steaming cuppa joe. My mom used to say that the burnt smell from the furnace was the cobwebs burning out of the vents. I passed that on to my students today. I started thinking about the on-coming winter season, and wondered how many of my students don't have heat at home, or a coat, or get enough to eat. Would I know? Would they tell me? I hope so. Think about that today, teachers, support staff, administrators. Are our "kids" getting everything they need?

FORE!!! GAA Golf

2009-09-27T21:38:00.006-05:00

Although my golf experience is very limited, I LOVE the sport! I have been playing for about a year and a half. I always thought that it would be a boring old, rich man game. Sorry, Mike... LOL! Golf is an excellent way to teach sportsmanship, consideration for others, and fairness as well as showing a solid understanding of doing the right thing. I had an idea to share what I have learned with my GAA students. I took 3 of my students to the OPSU golf course, to share the richness of the game.

Orlando and Mr. A waiting for Abraham and Feliciano to get on the green.

Abraham teeing off from 4.
Feliciano only missed this one twice.

Abraham celebrating his putt.

Orlando's concentration... his sucker helped.

2009 HOMECOMING PEP RALLY

2009-09-25T15:41:00.004-05:00

Guymon Alternative Academy students were invited to show their school spirit at the Guymon High School Homecoming Pep Rally. GAA students dove right into the spirit of things, dancing, chanting and cheering with the rest of the GHS student body. "This has been the most spirited Homecoming Pep Rally I have seen at GHS in a long time." said Athletic Director Tyler Chapman. GAA students were allowed to split up and sit with thier classes.

Alejandro and German give us "Double A's" for Alternative Academy.

Abraham can't quite figure out how to make a "G" but Nelson has the "A" down.... Nancy is immpressed!

Yo Soy 4

2009-09-14T12:37:00.003-05:00

Yo Soy

-the son of a woman that never quits, no matter what the odds.

-the younger brother of a woman who has overcome everything life has thrown at her.

-the step son of a man who has been dealt some hard blows in life but keeps going.

-the step brother of a guy who likes to believe he doesn't need any one's help.

-the step brotherof a girl that has made her life in London, England.

-the son of a man who chose to leave his family for a woman who ended up leaving him.

-the grandson of the most wonderful and nicest woman who ever lived R.I.P.

-the grandson of a man who regrets the things he did in the past.

-the great-grandson of a man who died in jail for killing his wife.

-the brother-in-law of a hard working man, who is twice the man and only half the size.

-a thinker who likes to be alone than with bad company.

-a guy who likes to think outside the box.

-a student at GAA.

-a former suicidal/depressed person.

-a person with a purpose in life.

-a nice guy, even though I dress and lok different.

-a person who is there when I am needed.

-a person that would gladly give up his life just to save someone he loves.

-the uncle of four very intelligent kids who deserve a better life than what we have had.

-a person nicknamed "Shadow", because I always wear black clothes and can be standing next to you without you noticing.

-a person who plays with knives for fun.

-a fan of every kind of music especially heavy metal.

-just one of many illegals who want a better life, not just for me but for my family.

-the guy who no one talks to at school because I'm different.

-the guy who doesn't go to parties.

-the person who hates all the drama in life.

-a person who dreams, but keeps his goals realistic.

-the nephew of a famous soccer player in Mexico.

-the guy that you can tell your problems to and tries to help.

-a guy who can find a solution to anyone's problems except my own.

Cuz we're cool like that!

2009-09-04T15:19:00.004-05:00

Mungia's Heating and Air Conditioning completed installation of the last 2 of 4 A/C units at GAA. Students and staff were excited about the relief from the heat.

The scaffolding was removed after the installation was complete.

GAA Service Project (Operation: Tiger Pride on Campus)

2009-09-03T13:01:00.011-05:00

Guymon Alternative Academy once again showed flexibility and a commitment to community by hosting the 1st GAA Service Project of the 09/10 school year. On Wednesday, September 2nd, the GAA computer lab was closed down for much needed upgrades as well as the addition of computer stations (see blog below). Mr. Acevedo along with volunteers from GAA student body, collected, and disposed 3 pick up loads of garbage from the Guymon High School Campus. Mrs. Sandoval led 3 teams of GAA students in painting the men's and women's bathrooms. Painting crews also "Tiger-ized" the interior doors, by painting them orange with black trim, as well as painting the handrails for the handicapped entry ramp. Mr. Acevedo stated. "There is still much more to do, but I am very proud of our students and how they have taken ownership of this building. They have shown true Tiger Pride and continue to work hard everyday."

The Guymon Daily Herald was on the scene to document and report the occasion. You can check it out at:

www.guymondailyherald.com/content/view/155711/27/

Workers were treated to grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch. GAA students volunteered to bring the sides and fixins. GAA would like to thank United grocery store and Sonic Drive-In for helping with some of the lunch supplies. GAA would also like to thank the Guymon Public School Maintenance Department for providing the tools, trashbags and painting supplies to make this service project an success.

More pictures will be posted soon, showing before and after pictures of the areas inside GAA that were painted.

Update on GAA Computers

2009-09-02T19:18:00.006-05:00

GAA will have more positions available to serve students who qualify for Alternative Placement. Tech Jedi Master James Skelton and his Tech Jedi Zach Waugh took over GAA today to install 13 more computers bringing the GAA Computer Lab up to 40 total. They took the opportunity to update our current computers, run new wiring, install a much needed printer (YEA!), and re-arrange computer stations to accommodate the new students. Mr. Acevedo, Mrs. Sandoval, Mrs. McKinnon, and Mrs. Martin have been evaluating and interviewing potential students and parents of GAA hopefuls. Applicants are prioritized according to several qualifiers for credit recovery. GAA is designed to help 6th through 12th grade students from Guymon School District with credit recovery, offering a safe alternate educational opportunity to succeed.

Air Conditioning UPDATE!

2009-09-02T19:04:00.002-05:00

AIR CONDITIONING!!
Our Air Conditioning units died on Monday August 14th. Services were held and a nice Eulogy was delivered by Maintenance Director Wayne Nelson. GAA students and staff were determined NOT to let that get in their way. Students continued to show great dedication to learning, by braving the 90 plus temps to continue their Credit Recovery. High School Principal Randy Williams allowed GAA students and staff access to the High School Auditorium during the hottest part of the afternoons to work on Art and Literature. GAA Students and Staff wish to extend our utmost gratitude to Superintendant Doug Melton, Wayne Nelson and all of the maintenance staff who tried to help cool us down. We currently have 2 of the 4 new units up and running. The remaining 2 units will be installed later this week. The GAA building generates a large amount of heat from all of the computers that are being used. The new units are more efficient and a better fit for GAA.

New A/C units being installed by Mungia's Heating and Air Conditioning

Yo Soy 3

2009-08-31T19:27:00.003-05:00

Yo Soy (I am)

-the son to a beautiful mother who passed away.

-the son of a father who tries.

-a student at Guymon Alternative with dreams too big for this town.

-a brother to a man who chose to live life the hard way.

-a brother to a girl who just wants her family back.

-a proud young man who holds his head high when things are the worst.

-a strong minded, big hearted guy that will help you when you're down and out, and I expect nothing in return.

-a nephew to a great aunt and uncle who took me in when I had nobody.

-a proud young man that will be something someday and won't let anybody get in the way of my dreams.

-a SOMEBODY.

Anonymous

CONGRATUALATIONS GRADUATE!!!!

2009-08-31T08:15:00.007-05:00

Our 1st Graduate

Gerardo Medina

Gerardo Medina, son of Gerardo and Lilia Medina of Guymon, Oklahoma completed graduation requirements and recieved his High School Diploma on August 26, 2009. Gerardo started this school year at Guymon Alternative Academy, determined to finish his credit recovery, and accomplished it to the applause and cheers of his fellow GAA Students. Gerardo plans on working for a year and then pursung his education at a vocational school.

Yo Soy 2

2009-08-28T20:52:00.001-05:00

Yo Soy (I am)

-the wife of a hard-working, understanding, loving former-gangster.
-the daughter of a single, hard working parent, stressed mother of 3.
-the daughter of an alcoholic, drug addict, scandalous man.
-the aunt of a beautiful, smart, infant.
-the sister of a tall, strong, hard-working father.
-the sister of a smart, energetic, playful, tall, brother.
- the sister-in-law of a pregnant, lazy, illegal, mother.
-a daughter-in-law of a finance loaner, intelligent, caring, single mother.
-the sister-in-law of a lazy, maintained, abusive, but sometimes nice brother.
-the sister-in-law of a young, bright, cheerful, talkative, annoying, happy sister.
-the sister-in-law of a young, dark, sensitive, playful athletic, brother.
-a student at Guymon Alternative.
-short.
-18 years old.
-married.
-happy.
-Hispanic.
-a U.S. Citizen.
-lucky I have a husband that is patient with me, loves me, trusts me.
-Catholic.
-thankful for everything and everybody in my life.

Yo Soy 1

2009-08-28T20:35:00.001-05:00

Yo Soy (I am)

-a singer, and my shower is my stage.
-a writer,and my blog is my best seller.
-an artist, and my body is my canvas.
-a child of Christ, who sometimes loses faith.
-the unwanted daughter of a cold man.
- the forgotten daughter of a selfish woman.
-a sibling to understanding brothers and sisters.
-an aunt to a blessing on Earth.
-a survivor of my past, and part of something new.
-flawed, I am loved.
-myself, and no one can take that from me.

-Anonymous