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FLCI & Lakeview School Celebrate 50 Years of Success!
Date: January 18, 2012 06:10PM

FLCI and Lakeview School Celebrate 50 Years of Success!

In September of 1962, the Wisconsin Correctional Institution at Fox Lake was introduced as a model of innovation. This medium security facility situated on eighty-five acres in rural Dodge County was designed much like a college campus with deliberate use of green space and dormitory-style housing. Founded upon a correctional philosophy of responsible living, the institution was the first in the nation to allow no pass freedom of movement to the offender population.

As Fox Lake Correctional Institution busily prepares for 50th Anniversary Events in the fall of 2012, staff members have had the opportunity to review a wide variety of historical documents, photographs, and archival media coverage. Admittedly, much has changed through the decades, but the institution’s strong commitment to high quality education and treatment programs remains steadfast. Excerpts from the November 1963 edition of The Solar Screen, the early FLCI newsletter, seem to reflect current philosophies and approaches regarding correctional education and treatment:

… In developing the program of this new institution during the past year, one of the primary objectives has been to create an institution ”atmosphere” which respected the dignity of the individual person and provided maximum opportunity for a positive learning and living experience… It is my sincere hope that this type of program has stimulated your desire for a normal, well-integrated and productive life… Whether this program has succeeded in accomplishing these objectives depends, in large part, on your individual reaction to the total institution and your participation in the program activities... I would encourage your participation in all phases of the program including work, education and vocational training classes, religious services, AA, the evening activities, individual and group counseling and recreation or leisure time activities… I encourage your participation in the programs presently available that you feel will make it possible for you to obtain something of real value for your efforts and times spent at Fox Lake…
Warden John R. Gagnon 1962-1985

Current FLCI Warden, Marc Clements echoes these sentiments in his 2011 Annual Report:

The basic objectives of the Fox Lake Correctional Institution, a medium security facility for adult offenders are:
? Protection of society and rehabilitation of the offender population
? Provision of custody and care of a select group of adult male offenders incarcerated by law from society for a period of time
? Creation of an atmosphere or climate which restores the dignity of the individual and provides optimum opportunity for positive behavioral changes
? Introduction and development of correctional programs that will be treatment-oriented to the highest possible degree

FLCI staff members continue to emphasize the reentry philosophy as an important tool for meeting the goal of keeping Wisconsin citizens safe. FLCI has long emphasized holding inmates accountable to the “responsible living” concept and the Reentry philosophy is a natural transition for FLCI inmates. Inmates are not only taught that there are tools at their disposal for a successful return to society, they also learn they have responsibilities to access and apply those tools.

Lakeview School

Since the institution’s inception, the Education Department at FLCI/Lakeview School has played an integral role in rehabilitation and reentry processes.

The current faculty staffing pattern includes two office operations associates, one guidance counselor, one librarian, sixteen academic positions — with two positions dedicated to the Reentry Program, and twelve career and technical education/vocational positions. FLCI continues to work in tandem with Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) toward curriculum alignment and program certification. Chuck Brendel and Linda Harmsen of MPTC provide invaluable onsite program support and guidance to FLCI instructors and the education director.

Lakeview School’s Academic Programming includes a wide variety of educational support options for students of all ability levels. Instructors are available onsite from 7:00 AM through 9:00 PM Monday through Friday. Current academic offerings include:
? Adult Basic Education (ABE) — skill development and refinement for students pursuing the High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED). ABE instruction includes reading, writing, and mathematics.
? Direct Instruction Reading Initiative — targeted Reading intervention program utilizing the Qualitative Reading Inventory to @#$%& student progress and movement.
? Vocational-Related General Education Courses — course work required for those students seeking a Moraine Park Technical College vocational diploma or certificate.
? Pathways — academic support program for students in need of targeted assistance in academic and/or vocational courses.
? Re-Entry Modules/Enrichment — examples of program offerings might include Financial Literacy, Introduction to Personal Computers, LVA Job Hunt, Spelling/Grammar, Creative Writing, and Parenting.
? Incarcerated Individuals Program (IIP) — correspondence college course work completed at Fox Lake Correctional Institution in coordination with Milwaukee Area Technical College
? Correspondence Courses — student-funded mail-based correspondence study systems offered through an accredited university or college.

Fox Lake Correctional Institution has a rich history of offering a wide variety of high quality employment training programs. Lakeview School’s Career and Technical Education/Vocational Programming offerings are in alignment with current labor market projections for the state of Wisconsin and are certified by Moraine Park Technical College. Enrolled students gain entry-level employment skills in well-paying and high-demand trades. The following is a list of the current vocational programs offered:
? Automotive Maintenance Technician
Graduates of this program may be employed as automotive technicians, mechanics, engine technicians, and engine specialists.
? Cabinetmaking / Millwork
Entry level opportunities might include assembler, machine operator, cabinetmaker assistant/helper, and cabinet installer.
? Computer Aided Drafting – Mechanical
Employment opportunities vary widely according to business trends and geographic area, but the demand for CAD employees continue to increase.
? Custodial Services
This program prepares persons to perform custodial work in public buildings, stores, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, motels, factories, churches, and office buildings.
? Heating/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration
Typical entry level job titles include service or maintenance technician, and installer.
? Horticulture
There continues to be a high demand for skilled horticulturists within Wisconsin’s labor market. Entry level positions might include greenhouse/garden center specialist, landscape specialist, and grounds maintenance specialist.
? Machine Tool Operator
The Machine Tool Operation program serves as excellent preparation for entry level opportunities as machinists, CNC operators, machine operator, or tool and die apprentices.
? Masonry/Bricklaying
Typical job titles for graduates are Apprentice Bricklayer, Mason Tender, Mason Helper, and General Construction Laborer.
? Motorcycle, Marine and Outdoor Power Products Technician
Graduates from this program may hold the following titles in the field of small engine repair: mechanic, engine repair specialist, motorcycle mechanic, marine mechanic, small engine dealer.
? Production and Fabrication Welding
Students completing this program may seek entry level position titles such as maintenance welder, production welder, and tacking welder.

Additionally, Lakeview School Instructors and Office Operations Associates facilitate Cognitive Intervention Programming; coordinate the Wisconsin Institution Literacy Council Tutoring Program; support the Diversity Enhancement Program; coordinate Veterans’ programming; serve on the FLCI Health and Safety Committee and support all Fox Lake Correctional Institution-wide events and initiatives.

Lakeview School’s programming strengths and successes are directly attributable to dedicated professional faculty members and to an institutional climate and culture that is highly supportive of educational pursuits!

Happy 50th Anniversary Fox Lake Correctional Institution and Lakeview School!
by: Holly Audley, FLCI Education Director

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