A new alternative school has opened in the area and Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter stopped by recently to tour the facilities. While there, he spoke to a group of the high school-age students who then challenged the mayor to a game of knock-out basketball.

River Rock Academy, an alternative school, is part of the New Story network of schools offering special and alternative education programs.

Students at the academy, 1650 Sheridan St., are referred there by their home school district for behavioral issues.

“Some of us get caught up in situations…but that doesn’t define you. I think all of you can be successful — I really do,” the mayor said..

Questions from the students tended to focus on things to do and places to go in the area.

Slaughter admitted that he hears all the time that there is nothing in the area for youth to do.

“We’re revamping all the parks,” Slaughter said.

He listed current projects, such as pickleball and tennis courts, and a bike track being constructed at Shaw Place with a skateboard park coming in Phase II.

“So, we’re trying to do more things,” he said.

When are Chick-fil-A and Wawa opening here was another question on the minds of the students.

Speaking after his visit, Slaughter, who is an educator, commented on the students’ concerns.

“Whether you’re talking about academics, athletics, in the community, in the school, it’s all one really. You know, there’s no, they go to school and that’s one thing, and then they come out after school in the community, that’s something. So we all have to work together in order for them to be successful in the classroom and academically, they also need to be successful and have opportunities outside of the classroom,” Slaughter said, speaking after his visit with the students.

“That’s what we have really been focused on since I took over as mayor, is making sure — whether it’s the youth or any of our residents in the community — that they have opportunities. That they have park amenities, infrastructure, jobs, housing. You look at it comprehensively. That’s where you have a vibrant community. That’s where you have successful community members,” he said.

“You talk about our youth, they always talk about what is there for them to do? So that’s why, when we talk about the Boys and Girls Clubs, when we talk about those times where, you know, whether it’s after school in the evening or on weekends, where there’s not as much, maybe organized school activities going on, particularly if you’re not involved in sports or clubs or theater arts, then what is it for them to do? So that’s the sort of the gap that we’re trying to fill,

to provide those opportunities to the students or the youth that may not be involved in what’s being offered right now,” he added.

River Rock Academy opened its doors this year to offer “alternative education for disruptive youth,” according to Wes King, campus director.

At the present time, River Rock has three classrooms which can accommodate up to 45 students in grades 6 through 12. There are also additional classrooms which could be used for elementary age students in the future. School districts with students at the facility include Williamsport, Jersey Shore and Loyalsock.

When River Rock moved in the site which had been used by JusticeWorks until they closed earlier this year, King said the facility was given a “facelift” from one end to the other.

The program utilizes a point system to reward improvements in behavior with fun activities.

King said that the goal is to make it “fun to learn” for the students who are there.

There are also counselors and behavior coaches on staff at the Academy.

“Potentially a student could be here for as short as 45 days. But depending on the circumstances when they’re coming in — for example a student that would maybe be expelled for a year — obviously they could be here for a year,” he explained.

If the stay is a year, then every 45 days there would be a review of their progress .

“Basically it’s a meeting between me, our counselor, the student, the school district and the parents. We meet to collaborate and let them know how their student is doing,” he explained.

If a student meets their 45-day goal, then there would be another 45-day goal set.

“Ultimately you’re working towards the end of the expulsion,” he said.

“If that is a permanent expulsion, obviously they are going to be here for a little bit of time,” he added.