Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of
students and parents.

1. Program Overview
2. General Information
3. Student Profile
4. Academic Profile
5. Community Service
6. Counseling Program
7. How to Enroll
8. Contact Information

Program Overview

Orchard View Alternative High School is a Wappingers Central School District 
(WCSD) program for students who have not been successful in the traditional 
high school setting. The school provides students with a full range of 
courses required for high school graduation. The school asks students to 
recognize that they have a job: full-time student. Their future success in 
life rests on making good decisions. The program offers students an 
opportunity to take control of their future, academic and career, in a highly 
structured, supportive environment where they must chose to make good 
decisions. In addition, an integral part of the Orchard View program is 
community service. Students are required to give back to the local community 
in the form of 25 hours a school year of volunteer service.

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General Information

-Grades 10-12 
-Housed on the second floor of 167 Myers Corners Rd. (separate entrance) 
-Small classes, 1:20 (teacher:student ratio)
-Accelerated/block classes (for students who are behind in credits)
-School hours: 10:30am - 4:30pm 
-Busing provided 
-Orchard View follows the Wappingers Central School District calendar 
-Voluntary enrollment 
-Class schedule: there are 8 (8) forty-two (42) minute academic periods
-There are reduced food services available
-Weekly newsletters 
-Monthly Family Nights/Pot Luck Lunches

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Student Profile

Orchard View is a wonderful opportunity for students who have been struggling 
in the traditional high school model. Students who are struggling 
academically and/or experiencing discipline problems may be good candidates 
for the program. Most students who come to the program have not been earning 
credit towards the ultimate goal of graduation. Often students have not been 
successful because of inadequate study skills, behavior control issues, low 
self-esteem, short attention span, truant and/or tardy behavior, and lack of 
motivation.

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Academic Profile

The small classes in the Orchard View program allow teachers to understand 
individual learning styles and tailor curriculum to meet their needs. 
Students are placed in classes according to the graduation requirements of 
WCSD. The program offers 2 separate enrollment options:

-A two- to four-year diploma program designed to have the learner graduate 
from high school while 100% enrolled in Orchard View.

-A one-year concurrent program, in which learners take academic courses at 
both their WCSD base high school as well as Orchard View.

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Community Service

The community service aspect of the Orchard View program for our full-time 
students is very important. 
Community service is designed to encourage direct giving in the community in 
order to give something back to the community as well as enhance the healthy 
development of self-esteem. In addition this experience provides the 
opportunity to foster and develop interpersonal skills, teach responsibility, 
and build self-confidence. Students are expected to provide their own 
transportation to and from the community agency. Community service must occur 
during the day and must not interfere with the Orchard View academic program. 
Students are expected to accumulate a total of 100 hours of community service 
by the time they graduate from Orchard View (25 hours a school year).

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Counseling Program

The Orchard View school counselor will:

-Counsel individual students with needs or concerns relating to academic, 
behavioral, and social/emotional issues. 
-Counsel small groups with needs or concerns relating to academic, 
behavioral, and social/emotional issues. 
-Consult parents, teachers, and school principal with regard to meeting the 
developmental and academic needs of students. 
-Provide support for families regarding school related problems. 
-Provide referrals to appropriate specialists, special programs, or agencies.

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How to Enroll

Enrollment in Orchard View Alternative High School is voluntary. Students may 
apply at anytime during the school year. Enrollment takes place before the 
start of the school year and after each marking period during the school 
year. If a student applies in the middle of a marking period he/she will be 
placed on a waiting list once the completed application has been received.

To apply:

1)Pick up an application from your guidance office or call 298-5000 x178 to 
receive one. 
2)Fill out the application completely with help from your guidance counselor. 
3)Signatures: student, parent/guardian, guidance counselor, base school 
principal. 
4)Attach student essay. 
5)Return completed application to guidance office or Orchard View Main 
Office.

Once a completed application has been received families will receive a call 
from the school counselor or principal to discuss the application and let 
them know when the next enrollment period is and whether or not there are 
spaces available. Serious applicants will be asked to come in for an 
interview with their parent/guardian.

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Contact Information

Orchard View Alternative High School
167 Myers Corners Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
(located on the second floor with a separate entrance) 
Phone:
845-298-5000 x178
Fax:
845-297-6805 
Staff  
Principal:  Mr. Kossmann 
Main Office: Mrs. Haan
School Counselor:  Ms. Ligotino  
Social Studies:  Mr. Phelan
Social Studies:  Ms. McFarlin
English: Mr. Bornstein
English:  Mr. Sciales 
Mathematics:  Mr. Anderson
Science:  Mr. Perino
Art: Mr. Thyberg
Health: Ms. Meyer

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