Life Gaps Charter School

UPDATED August 18, 2002

May 31, 2002 story about Life Gaps students spending a few hours with Muhammad Ali
Read informative Lafayette Journal Courier account of Jerry Cook's work as founder and director of Life Gaps school.

Life Gaps School in Monticello, Indiana is designed to help students who were expelled from school and to assist them with their school work and to keep them off the street. It operates in a classroom at the Monticello National Guard Armory from 8:00 am to 3 pm daily. Founder and director Jerry Cook has been working with up to 15 young people at a time to help them regain their grade status in school and help build their self-image while at the same time engaging them in vocational study.

LifeNets has helped facilitate contributions to Life Gaps Charter School from interested parties and local businesses.

Our Mission is to bridge the gap for at-risk teens by lending them an academic hand, and to then teach them the criteria for mastering the art of life.

Some of the students are dropouts, others have been expelled from school. Others need help with their Attention Deficit Deficiency (ADD). Course terms at Life Gaps School range from a nine week quarter to a full 36 week school year.

1. To lead at-risk individuals toward a diploma
2. To provide on-the-job skills for at-risk individuals

An unidentified number of mostly young people are unsuccessful at or have left formal education. Some can't read, spell or perform basic math skills. This normally results in low self-esteem and also poverty-level minimum wage employment. As a result they and/or their eventual offspring are likely to become a burden to many in our community.

For more information contact

Jerry Cook
7605 W. 400 N
Wolcott, IN 47995

(219) 279-2771

To cause some individuals to obtain a high school diploma while becoming skilled for a job that earns more than minimum wage.

1. Educational Program - A student could choose either the GED "Help" program or a regular education program leading to a recognized diploma.

a. If he chooses the second, he would be tested for grade level competency to determine where his individual program would begin.

b. This program can include daily or weekly classroom work with home study. The schedule can be tailored toward the individual.

2. On-the-job Skills Program - Either choice would allow the student to enroll in the on-the-job training program, if he chooses. This program would involve working for an approved business with the goal NOT being the income earned, but the skills to be learned. These skills would hopefully lead to a decent standard of living.

a. The job sites must be interviewed, selected and approved by the administrator.
b. Regular follow-up by the administrator is a must.

a. His purpose is to survey and evaluate to determine if the need is there by meeting with school principals and guidance counselors. Court Probation Department and Police leaders and selected business and professional leaders . Possible clientele could be former students from OSS (Out of School Suspension) or Alternative school or incarcerated individuals

Bowling, mini-golf / driving, ball games, museums, "decent" concerts, Minnesota canoe trip

Gabe Hallman - "I caused the teachers lots of trouble in school. I was really low in my test scores. Mr. Cook is rough and tough and it's a good thing because I need that. I am doing better and I really like it here at GAPS school Next year I plan to be a freshman at TL"

Jami Hankins - "I was being home-schooled but I was not disciplined enough to do the work. I want to go to Ivy Tech in nursing but my grade level is very low. Thankfully, I am getting help from Mrs. Ward, Mrs. Stevens and Mr. Cook."

Nasha Hufford - "I wasn't getting along in high school I hope to try a couple of classes at Ivy Tech this summer"

Rene Ayala " I was in a lots of trouble in school I am getting better but I have a ways to go. Thanks to Mr. Cook, I have leaned lots of things outside of the classroom. I've done lots of farm things."

Kurt Vesley - " I am 13 I was lazy in school and I was falling behind. I have now caught up. I plan to be in the 8th grade next fall."