Special Education Alternative School
Student & Parent Handbook
2020-2021
Table of Contents
Bridges Academy School – Map and school contact information ………………………………………………….. 2 Amity School – Map and school contact information ……………………………………………………………… 3 New Horizons School – Map and school contact information ………………………………………………………. 4 Bridges Academy School - Student Calendar ………………………………………………………………………… 5 Amity School - Student Calendar …………………………………………………………………………………… 6 New Horizons - Student Calendar ………………………………………………………………………………….. 7 Special Education Alternative School Program Description ………………………………………………………… 8 Alternative School Framework ……………………………………………………………………………………… 8 Academic Framework ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 8 Behavioral Framework …………………………………………………………………………………………….... 8 Alternative School Guidelines …………………….………………………………………………………………… 9 - 13 Attendance ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Cell Phones …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Child Abuse and Neglect ……………………………………………………………………………………….. 9 Dangerous Weapons in the School ………………………………………………………………………………. 9 Dress Code ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10 Drugs and Alcohol ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 Electronic and Other Devices …………………………………………………………………………………….. 10 Emergency School Closing/Inclement Weather …………………………………………………………………. 10 Extra Curricular and Service Activities …………………………………………………………………………. 11 Homework/Behavior Notebook (optional, as needed) …………………………………………………………… 11 Medication. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11 Meals …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11 Money (sent to school from home) ……………………………………………………………………………… 11 Personal Items ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 School Searches …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12 Seclusion and Physical Restraint ………………………………………………………………………………… 13 Special Education Alternative School Seclusion/Restraint (S/R) Procedure …………………………………… 14 Program Management Procedures …………………………………………………………………………….. 15 Learner Outcomes ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16
Forms Special Education Alternative Program – Parent/Student Participant Signature ……………………………….. 18 Emergency Contact Information …………………………………………………………………………….. 19 - 20 Permission Slip for Lifetime Activities and Field Trips …………………………………………………………. 21 Student Computer Network System Acceptable Use Agreement ………………………………………………. 22 Electronic Device Policy ………………………………………………………………………………………… 23 Photographing and/or Videotaping Students – Parent Consent Form …………………………………………… 24 Notice of Suspension …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25 Medication Consent. …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26 Student Health History Update ………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
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Bridges Academy
Grades K-8
Bridges Academy Location: 675 East Rossman Street Hartford, WI 53027
Ph (920) 252-3736
Student Arrival Time: 8:15 a.m. Student Departure Time: 2:45 p.m.
School Closing Announcements:
School website - www.hartford.k12.wi.us WTMJ-TV4 - www.todaystmj4.com WTMJ am 620-www.620wtmj.com 94.5 Lake FM - www.945lakefm.com WTKM radio - am 1540 or fm104.9
Director of Alternative Programs: Jody Jennerman [email protected]
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Amity School
Grades K-12
Amity School Location: W10795 Amity Road Brandon, WI 53919
Ph (920) 346-2860
Student Arrival Time: 8:15 a.m. Student Departure Time: 2:45 p.m.
School Closing Announcements: WMRH 1170 AM WBEV 1430 AM KFIZ 1450 AM WPKR 99.5 AM
Director of Alternative Programs: Jody Jennerman [email protected]
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New Horizons Grades K-12
New Horizons School Address: 5270 Ann Street Larsen, WI 54947 Ph (920) 836-1980
Student Arrival Time: 8:15 a.m. Student Departure Time: 2:45 p.m.
School Closing Announcements:
School closings are also posted on Channels
Director of Alternative Programs: Jody Jennerman [email protected]
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Bridges Academy | 2020- 2021 Calendar
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Amity School | 2020- 2021 Calendar
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New Horizons | 2020-2021 Calendar
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CESA 6 Special Education Alternative School Program Description:
The purpose of the alternative school program is to provide an additional placement option for students with disabilities, grades K-12, who have experienced limited success in another special education program. Students are registered at their home school and enrolled in the alternative program as their class of attendance.
Alternative School Framework Provides: ● smaller class sizes/ groups ● fresh start in new setting ● more immediate feedback provided to student ● highly individualized curricular alternatives ● daily social skill instruction ● positive behavioral supports ● highly structured environment to address behavioral needs ● strong peer/staff relationships to enhance student growth ● ongoing communication and collaboration with home school district ● frequent communication with parents
Academic Framework: Students’ academic instruction will be individualized per their IEP, following the common core standards. Students grade 9-12 may earn high school credits toward a diploma. Alternative School staff will collaboratively work with the student’s home school district to determine a graduation plan; credits/transcripts are issued by the home district.
Behavioral Framework: Alternative Schools use a point level system as a basic structure for behavior management, daily communication, and a data collection system for decision making.
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Alternative School Guidelines
Attendance 118.15 Compulsory School Attendance Unless the child has a legal excuse or has graduated from high school, any person having under his/her control a child between the ages of 6 and 18 years of age who has not graduated shall cause such child to attend school regularly, during the full period and hours, religious holiday excepted, that the public or private school in which such a child should be enrolled is in session until the end of the school term (year) of the school year in which the child becomes 18 years of age.
118.16 Truancy Truancy means any absence of all or part of one or more days from school during which the principal or teacher has not been notified of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent pupil, and also means intermittent attendance carried on for the purpose of defeating the intent of §118.15
118.18 Habitual Truant “Habitual Truant” means a pupil who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
Cell Phones Cell phones must be turned in to staff upon arrival to school each day. “In accordance with Wisconsin State Statute 118.258, students are prohibited from using 2-way communication devices (including cell phones) unless the student is authorized by the principal to use or possess such a device for medical, school, educational or other legitimate uses.”
Child Abuse and Neglect The state of Wisconsin requires that all professional staff members report “suspicion” of possible physical, sexual, or emotional abuse of a child, as well as suspected child neglect to appropriate authorities.
Dangerous Weapons In the School Students are not allowed any kind of weapon on school grounds, on school buses/vans, or at any school sponsored activity. A weapon is defined as any object or substance that by design and/or use can cause bodily injury or property damage. No look-alike weapons will be permitted on school grounds. Students in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with school regulations and legal statutes.
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Dress Code
Students are expected to use good judgement in choosing appropriate clothing, jewelry, and grooming at the alternative schools and its functions. Student dress or grooming: ● Should not be disruptive to the learning process. ● Should not negatively affect the health, safety, or security of students or staff in school or its functions. ● Should not impair staff instruction or classroom management.
Clothing, jewelry, or grooming that is disruptive to or compromises the educational process in this manner is prohibited and includes, but is not limited to, the following: Clothing or jewelry with references to tobacco products, drugs, sex, gangs, cults, death, and alcohol. Clothing or jewelry that constitutes, encourages, and /or aggravates pupil discrimination under § 118.13 or the Wisconsin Statutes is also prohibited at school or its functions. No caps or other headwear are to be worn inside of the school building. Jackets are to be removed and placed in a location designated by the alternative school. Students must wear shoes at all times. Alternative school staff reserves the right to make final decision on appropriateness of clothing, jewelry, and grooming.
Drugs and Alcohol Students are not allowed illegal substances on school grounds, on school buses/vans, or at any school sponsored activity. Parents and law enforcement will be contacted immediately upon verification of possession and/or use. Students in violation of the provisions of this section shall be subject to disciplinary actions in accordance with school regulations and legal statutes.
Electronic and Other Devices This includes but is not limited to; laser pointers, MP3 players, iPods, CD players, handheld games, or any other device, which is potentially disruptive to the educational environment, are not allowed during the school day. If devices are used during transportation they are to be turned in to staff upon arrival.
Emergency School Closing / Inclement Weather In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather your child will follow school closings of the district in which the alternative school is located (i.e. Amity (Waupun), Elmwood (North Fond du Lac), Highland (Hartford Jt 1), and New Horizons (Winneconne).
Should the weather be questionable before school, please listen to the radio stations or tune in to TV for school closings, notices or delays.
If your child’s home school district is cancelled due to weather, the buses will not be running. If transportation has been cancelled because of inclement weather and your child’s alternative school is still in session, students will be considered excused. If transportation is provided and school is in session, students are expected to attend school.
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Extra Curricular and Service Activities Students enrolled in the Alternative Program are eligible for all services and activities available at their home school district for students in regular education. All rules and regulations established by WIAA for regular education students also apply to students enrolled in special education.
Homework/Behavior Notebook (optional, as needed) A homework/behavior notebook will be sent home daily and used as a communication tool between the school and home. Parents are asked to sign the notebook each evening, adding anything they feel may be pertinent. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure parents sign the notebook. This assures a constant line of communication between the school and home.
Medication Prescription Medications ● In order for students to be administered prescribed medication at school, a “Administration of Medication Consent form” must be completed by the parent and physician. ● All prescribed medication must be sent to school in the original container with the prescription label on it indicating the child's name, drug identity, dosage, instructions, doctor’s name, and prescription date. ● The medication MUST be delivered to school by the parent or guardian.
Non-prescription Medications ● Non-prescription medication requires prior written authorization by a parent/guardian. ● Medication must be in the original container and clearly identified. as to the name and type of medication and dosage instructions. ● A note signed and dated by the parent giving the child’s name, medication time, dosage instructions, specific dosage times and other necessary instructions must accompany the medication. ● Medication must be turned in to a staff member.
Meals Hot lunch is available to all students. Prices are established by the district providing lunch to the alternative program. Free and reduced lunch is also available to those eligible completing the necessary paperwork.
Money (sent to school from home) When sending money to school with a student, parents should seal it in an envelope. On the envelope print the amount, student name and reason for sending the money. The envelope should be stapled or taped to the student’s homework/behavior notebook.
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Personal Items Students are not permitted to bring personal items to school, unless it is approved by a staff member. Please remember the alternative school staff is not responsible for any items the student brings into school.
School Searches Student A search of the student is justified when there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the search will uncover evidence of a school rule or criminal violation. A search shall include requesting the student to empty his/her pockets and/or purse or carry-in bags. Staff may also search jackets and coats. Student cooperation is expected. Lack of cooperation will result in law enforcement being contacted. Parking of a student vehicle on school property is a privilege. Search of student vehicle is justified when there is reasonable ground for suspecting that the search will uncover evidence or a school rule or criminal violation.
Lockers Lockers that are provided to students are for the convenience of the student and are to be used solely and exclusively for the storage of outer garments, footwear and school-related materials. No student shall use the locker for any other purpose.
Lockers are the property of the alternative school and CESA 6, and may be searched at any time without prior notice to, or consent of, the student(s) and/or parent(s)/guardian(s). Searches may be conducted by the administrator, school principal, associate principal, building administrator, lead teacher or designee, district-level administrator, any supervisor/director, police liaison officer and/or designated law enforcement official.
Any unauthorized item found in the locker may be removed. Items removed from the locker may be held by the school for return to the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student or retained for disciplinary proceedings, or turned over to law enforcement officials. The student and/or his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) shall be notified of items removed from the locker and turned over to law enforcement officials, unless such notice might compromise and/or obstruct a law enforcement investigation, in which case notice will be provided as soon as is practicable.
Students assigned to a locker will be responsible for any writing or vandalism on the interior of his/her locker and will be expected to clean the locker to remove any graffiti, or pay for damages.
An individual designated pursuant to this policy, accompanied by a faculty member of the same sex as the student and/or a police liaison officer, may conduct a search of a student's person, purse, duffel bag or similar articles if the search is based on reasonable suspicion that the student has dangerous or illegal items or substances in his/her possession.
Reference: § 118.325
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Seclusion and Physical Restraint (in accordance to Act 125, § 115.787) Seclusion will be used only if the following applies: ● Student’s behavior presents a clear, present, and immediate risk to the physical safety of the pupil or others and it is the least restrictive intervention available. ● The seclusion lasts only as long as necessary to resolve the risk to physical safety. ● A covered individual maintains constant supervision of the student. ● The seclusion room or area is free of objects or fixtures that may injure the pupil. ● The student has adequate access to bathroom facilities, drinking water, necessary medication and meals.
Restraint will be used only if the following applies: ● Student’s behavior presents a clear, present, and immediate risk to the physical safety of the pupil or others and it is the least restrictive intervention available. ● The degree of force used and the duration of the physical restraint do not exceed the degree and duration that are reasonable and necessary to resolve the risk. ● There are no medical contraindications to the use of physical restraint.
In the event that seclusion and/or restraint is used, parents will be notified within 24 hours and a written report will be provided to the parent within 3 business days.
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CESA 6 Special Education Alternative School
Seclusion/Restraint (S/R) Procedure
1. Seclusion/Restraint is used during crisis situations where the student presents a clear, present and imminent risk to the physical safety of the pupil or others and it is the least restrictive intervention available in accordance with Act 125.
2. Seclusion/Restraint lasts only as long as necessary to resolve the risk to physical safety per seclusion and restraints guidelines.
3. While in seclusion/restraint, documentation (detailed reporting) is required to be updated in an S/R log. This also aids in the formal written report that is sent to the district and is provided to parents. Constant monitoring is required during any S/R time.
4. The teacher is responsible to notify the student’s parent of the incident and the Director of Alternative Placements in order to notifice the Director of Special Education in the home district.
5. Within two business days a written report must be completed and sent to the student’s home school district and to the alternative school program coordinator (via email).
a. The report should include the input from all staff involved in the incident.
b. Alternative School Director is the alternative school designee for the S/R report.
c. Incident is to be entered into a district log to be sent to each school district by the end of the school year. Each incident is recorded so the districts may use the information to report the information to their respective school boards.
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PROGRAM MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES
Transportation
1. The home school district transports students to and from the alternative school. 2. It will be the responsibility of the alternative school teacher to notify appropriate bus drivers if there is deviation from the scheduled transportation arrangement. 3. Student's use of their own transportation to and from school is permitted on an individual basis. 4. It will be the responsibility of the alternative classroom teacher to make arrangements to transport students for vocational and lifetime activities. 5. A student cannot be released from school to any person but the parent or guardian without a written, signed permission slip from the parent or guardian.
*** Bus/van drivers should continue to contact local authorities should safety concerns occur while transporting students.
If an incident occurs on the bus/van: ● Staff will conference with the bus/van driver and the student to determine next steps (if any). ● Any written incident report completed by the bus/van driver will be sent to: 1. Parent 2. student’s social worker (if applicable) 3. student’s home school district transportation director and director of special education
For severe incidents (i.e. physical aggression) occurring on the bus/van: ● parents may be required to ride the bus/van to/from school with their son/daughter ● bus behavior accountability sheet may be implemented ● other alternatives as appropriate
Physical Education: Every student is expected and required to participate in physical education activities as arranged by staff, including outside winter activities.
Grading Policy: (includes the following criteria): ● flexibility based on individual differences and abilities ● based upon improvement in academic behavior ● based upon improvement in social behavior ● based upon effort ● based upon participation
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Learner Outcomes
Coping Skills
Social skills are taught to help students learn to develop the skills to better cope when they begin to feel emotions such as anxiety, anger or frustration and have acted out physically or verbally in the past. Students are taught to help identify these feelings along with the triggers and to develop a variety of strategies on how to better react to those emotions in a more socially acceptable manner.
Communication Students will, within the scope of their capability, develop language and communication using, differentiating techniques to ensure effective communication (expressive speech, written, augmentative/iPads, typing and visual systems).
Self-Advocacy Students will, within the scope of their capability, develop self-advocacy skills to increase awareness, and indicate wants, needs and preferences.
Independence Students will, within the scope of their capability, develop self-care, pre-vocational and functional skills to be able to participate in school expectations and activities in a safe and regulated way..
Sensory Regulation Students will, within the scope of their capability, develop sensory regulation strategies to lead themselves toward independent self-monitoring of their own sensory systems and related needs.
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FORMS
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