Securing Success through GSS Graduate Support

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The GSS Graduate Support Program is just one of the many aspects of our unique model that makes GSS special and sets us apart from other shcools.  The program provides the principal source of transitional tools, placement guidance, academic, social and peer support for the Good Shepherd’s graduating students – who first came to the school as young, at-risk children.  The Graduate Support Program allows our graduating students the resources to sustain the exceptional education received in Good Shepherd’s elementary level classes, and maintain and grow their academic successes as they matriculate to secondary school and beyond.  
       
How It Works: The Good Shepherd Graduate Support Program eases a middle-school graduate’s transition into high school, maintains a  connection with all graduates during high school, advocates for students, assists in preparing students for high school graduation and post-secondary education, and tracks the growth and achievements of all graduates.

Program Design: The Good Shepherd Graduate Support Program has five specific elements to ensure students’ success:  

• Transition Preparation – orientation to the graduate support program for GSS middle-school students and families, administration of the High School Planning Questionnaire for GSS middle-school students and families, individual student interviews, and weekly high school preparation classes;
• Placement Guidance – initiating and maintaining relationships with high school placement / guidance counselors, arranging high school visits, working with students to secure financial aid packages (including need- and merit-based scholarships), providing placement test preparation, and organizing an annual Career Day;
• ​​Graduate Academic Assistance – provision of tutoring, review of progress reports and grades, ACT/SAT preparation, and volunteer mentoring program;
• Social Support – annual Graduate Social, maintaining in-person/telephone/email/social media connection with each graduate, conducting graduate retreats and university field trips, maintaining contact with graduates’ families providing any necessary referrals for support services, and periodic attendance at graduates’ extra-curricular activities; and
• Financial Support – dependent of family needs, the program provides partial financial support for student fees, uniform and book costs in order to clear any financial barriers and ensure graduates have the materials they need to succeed. Direction of the Good Shepherd School’s

Direction of the Graduate Support Program: Mr. Thomas Moran, Jr., President of the Good Shepherd School, supervises the Graduate Support Program which is under the direction of Mr. Sean Alphonso.   Mr. Alphonso graduated from Jesuit High School in 2007 – where he was active in the ROTC and Rugby – and from Saint Louis University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work degree.  Mr. Alphonso worked for homeless service and mental health providers in St. Louis for three years after graduation and returned to New Orleans in 2013. He has been a key member of the staff at Good Shepherd School since that time, and is in his third year as the Director of Graduate Support service.

Angel - GSS Gradudate, Class of 2011 currently attending Xavier University on full scholarship studying pre-med.