McGirk takes over Medical Lake alternative high school program

The Medical Lake Alternative High School has a new facilitator: Lyra McGirk.

McGirk, a long time Spokane resident and Ferris High School graduate, went into the workforce before she attended and acquired her bachelor’s degree at Eastern Washington University.

McGirk previously taught at Barker High School, which is a public, alternative, coed school in the Central Valley School District for eight years, and specialized in program development for alternative high school students.

“I’m excited to bring new things to the table and for the Medical Lake program,” McGirk said.

McGirk added that she probably should have been in an alternative school program while growing up.

“Part of the work with alternative students is understanding their diverse needs,” McGirk said. “I don’t believe you can work in alternative education and not like kids.”

Superintendent Tim Ames first learned of McGirk’s talents through his wife Kerri Ames, who was the principal at Barker.

“McGirk started with 40 students and it went up to 120,” Ames said. “Many of the kids who went through her program went on to attend technical school and some even went to college.”

McGirk said the year has been “going well so far.” In the first few days, she, paraprofessional Keith Dunlop and teacher David McNeil, interviewed students and their parents and set up their schedules.

“The schedule is set with flexible school hours to go with their needs,” McGirk said. “We’ve also began understanding our limitations with just a small staff. It’s been a swell start.”

Ames said McGirk will implement Gradpoint into the alternative high school program. According to its website, Gradpoint is an online personalized-learning program that “introduces rigorous standards-based curriculum, assessments, student data and reports.” He added that staff is working on ways to implement classes at Medical Lake high school for alternative students.

Another change for the alternative high school is that it is a closed campus.

“It’s a lot of changes for kids, and they’ve adapted well, the transition went smooth,” McGirk said.

McGirk said her goals for the program include sustaining a higher student retention and increasing graduation rates.

“I think she’s going to do a great job, she’s going to bring structure to that program,” Ames said.

McGirk said she also understands the impact she and the other teachers will provide their students, even though they might not see the benefits right away.

“The benefits will come down the line for them,” McGirk said.

Al Stover can be reached at [email protected].