Small group instruction, taking a closer look at opportunities within a field, and making choices based on both aptitudes and abilities are all part of the career planning focus. Parent Outreach Outreach to parents is another priority for 2000-01. Within the past year, a Parents Advisory Council has been formed. The Greater Lowell PAC is seeking new members, particularly parents of incoming ninth grade students. Another adult group that supports Greater Lowell is the alumni, many of whom have become successful in business and industry, and now hire students or volunteer for the school's Advisory Committees.
Some alumni are parents of students.
The diverse talents and enthusiasm alumni can bring has been organized into a Greater Lowell Alumni Association, and this year Kevin MacLaughlan, a guidance counselor, is also working in the role of alumni coordinator, to expand the organization for the mutual benefit of alumni and students. These initiatives, along with scores of other programs and activities, plus the enthusiastic student body and dedicated staff, create the school climate and culture, asserts the superintendent. The visit is a culmination of more than eighteen months of self-study of these same aspects, or Standards of Accreditation, by the entire school faculty. Staff members served on committees for their own academic or vocational disciplines, as well as other areas, and submitted written reports with highlights and recommendations. She believes the visiting team will be impressed by the school.