Stockbridge schools have an option for students called the Panther Alternative for Student Success otherwise known as “PASS.” PASS was designed for students that are behind academically or behaviorally in the standard school system.

 Students that are selected for PASS are still able to attend school activities including dances, sports and pep assemblies. There are two teachers along with a part-time counselor that are able to accommodate the students’ needs. PASS attendees also have Wednesdays off of school for work-based learning and credit recovery. There are 16 students that attend the PASS program and these students are split into the credits that are needed for graduation like English, algebra, history and physics.

“I love the PASS program,” junior Chase Allison said. “It is 100% better than the high school.”

Although PASS is for Stockbridge students, the building is located in the old Howlett Elementary School building in Gregory. This building also holds the Unadilla Township Offices and the Unadilla Police station. This placement of the students has caused speculation considering some of the students are in the program for “behavioral reasons.”

“I think it’s a bit ironic that these students are placed next to a police station since some of these students are in the PASS program for their behavior,” junior Nick Pilch said. 

The placement of PASS was chosen because of the limited space in the high school. 

“This location was chosen because it met the needs of the program, and gave us access to additional resources, such as the kitchen and gym,” teacher Meghan Kunzelman said. 

“It is our goal to support and educate our students to become active participants in their education, making progress towards graduation, while earning the skills necessary to redirect their lives and make choices that will help them become employable, cooperative, self-sufficient and responsible citizens,” Kunzelman said.