News Releases

(2/13/2009) HopeTree Family Services
Gus Mitchell School Accepts Day Students

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         February 13, 2009

For more information contact:

Mark Early

HopeTree Family Services

860 Mount Vernon Lane

Salem, VA 24153

(540) 389-2112

SALEM—When many school systems across the country are cutting staff and services in response to the current economic situation, one Salem private school is expanding services in the hope of providing education to those who most desperately need assistance.

   Gus Mitchell School of HopeTree Family Services in Salem has received permission from the Virginia Department of Education to admit day students to its traditionally ‘residents only’ academic and vocational education programs. Gus Mitchell School, originally established to provide educational services for residents of HopeTree Family Services, serves students who require an alternative or special education school in order to succeed and does so in ways that will enable them to be responsible citizens and capable adults.

   “This is a great opportunity for us to offer something that many young people in the community desperately need. We have a proven track record of successfully educating young people who need a special school environment and, in these times, education, both academic and vocational, is more important than ever for someone to be successful in society,” said Dr. Tommy Barber, Gus Mitchell School’s Director of Education.

   Starting immediately, Gus Mitchell School will be accepting applications for students searching for alternative education opportunities. Barber will also be visiting area school systems to inform them of the opportunities available at Gus Mitchell School.

     “Our teachers specialize in creating personalized learning environments where the curricula are customized to each individual student. We also have a number of agreements in place with local businesses and Virginia Western Community College that give our students access to around 20 different areas of job training, ranging from Auto Mechanics to Culinary Arts,” said Barber.

   Anyone interested in learning more about Gus Mitchell School should contact Dr. Tommy Barber at 540-389-4941.

   HopeTree Family Services provides a wide range of residential and emergency care placement programs for at-risk children and youth across Virginia. The Agency has a strong reputation for providing quality care. HopeTree Family Services also operates a network of 15 group homes for adults with developmental disabilities.

###

Contact Information:
Contact Name: Mark Early
Contact Phone: 540-389-2112
Contact Email: marke@hopetreefs.org