Prince Edward School Board members Wednesday learned about New Horizons Academy.

Director of Support Services Richard Goode, who oversees the alternative education program and helps ensure students have a positive transition back to their middle or high school classrooms, said that although the school system does not have a large number of students who need the program’s services, those who do come in often have a low sense of self-worth.

“We are very patient and we keep working with them,” he said.

Often, he said, students who pass through the program have threatened someone, brought a weapon to school, stolen something or exhibited violent behavior.

Goode’s goal is to improve the academic performance, behavior and attendance of his students.

“Academics is number one,” he said.

Though most students are involved with the program for nine-week periods, some stay less and others utilize it for longer.

“I believe the program is very successful,” Goode said. “When you look at the program, they can’t find a better more nurturing environment.”

Students are recommended to attend the academy either by the school board or the division’s Academic Affairs Committee. Students at New Horizons have gone on educational field trips, paid for by sponsors, to places like the Moton Museum, the U.S. Capitol and the International Civil Rights Center and Museum.

“I’ve been on the board a long time and this is something that has grown and progressed. I want to thank you and the group you work with for the program,” Sherry Honeycutt, Farmville representative and board chair, said.

Lockett District representative Dr. Chapman Hood Frazier agreed.

“It’s a real positive step having a place locally where students can go to pull themselves together,” Frazier said.

In other business, the board unanimously approved Rosenthal Insurance Consulting to review the division’s current health insurance plan reports and renewal for the 2017-18 school year at a cost of $1,000.

The board also reviewed the experiences of those board members who attended the Virginia School Board Association’s annual convention in Williamsburg Nov. 16-18.

Prospect District representative Darin Thomas said he was disappointed by the convention.

Buffalo District representative Wilkie Chaffin said he learned a bit about school security during a presentation.

“Schools have a tremendous amount of authority in terms of security,” he said.

Frazier said he learned about project-based learning, in addition to hearing a presentation about Fusfoo, a new media platform for high school students to share content they have produced, such as videos and articles.

Vice Chair and Hampden District Representative Beulah Womack said she enjoyed the conference.

“A lot of things they said we were (already) on top of thanks to our staff,” Honeycutt said.

The board also spent time Wednesday recognizing several students.

The board acknowledged third-grader Akyra Sydnor for her essay “What Christmas Means to Me,” which was chosen out of 140 other essays. Akyra had the opportunity to help Farmville Mayor David Whitus light the town’s Christmas tree, as well as read her essay aloud to those who attended the town’s tree-lighting.

The board honored students for their participation in the Longwood Center for the Visual Arts’ 2016 Youth Art Exhibit, which opened on Nov. 6. Kindergartner Alani Walton, fourth-grader Amanda Rios, sixth-grader Vera Chen, seventh-graders Kemani Bowles, Kate (Amy) Flanagan and Tina Tran, ninth-grader Charity Rice and 12th-grader Kendasia Hensley all are featured in the exhibition.

The board also recognized Malik Hurtt and his agricultural education teacher, Emily Camden, for Malik’s participation in the Farm-to-Table Agricultural Education Conference, which took place at Longwood University in September. Malik received first place in the essay contest, which granted him $100 and tickets for him and his father, Darnell Hurtt, to attend the Vice Presidential Debate in October.