Alternative School Teacher
Mrs. Wiggins
February 07, 2008
MRThe Alternative School Program of USD #389 is an alternative educational program for secondary “at-risk” students who, for a variety of reasons, have experienced difficulty in school, and therefore, have not been successful in a traditional setting.
Regardless of the reasons for their unsuccessful school experiences, it is the Alternative School Program’s belief that these young people have a genuine desire to be in school and will make a serious commitment to complete their high school education.
The goals for students in the Alternative School Program are that students will stay in school and complete the requirements for a high school diploma; gain skills, habits, and attitudes necessary for successful employment; set realistic goals for themselves; and increase self-esteem.
Expectations are that all students will attend school regularly, make continuous progress, and demonstrate behavior that is appropriate and responsible.
The Eureka Public School
District recognizes the diverse educational needs of students
within our community. The Full-time Alternative School Program was
established in 1992 as an addition to the Eureka High School
curriculum. The purpose of this alternative high school program is
to meet the needs of secondary students who are “at-risk” of
dropping out of school. Enrollment is limited to thirteen (13)
students.
PROGRAM GOALS
Students enrolled in Alternative School will:
Demonstrate regular attendance.
Make daily progress in their classes and achieve mastery level of
course content.
Work towards meeting the requirements for a high school
diploma.
Begin to focus and prepare for their futures.
Demonstrate socially appropriate and respectful behavior.
Recognize their responsibilities and capabilities.
Develop a positive self-concept.
Students who are enrolled in Eureka High School are eligible to apply for the Alternative School Program. Students may be referred by their school counselor, teachers, or administrators; self-referrals or referrals from parents are also considered. Students who qualify for special education services and/or who have current IEP’s are NOT eligible for this program.
A team consisting of the
Eureka High School Principal, Vice-principal, Counselor, and
Alternative School staff consider the initial applications of
students. Students who are recommended are notified by the
counselor and an appointment is made for an interview with the
Alternative School Staff, the student, and his/her parent(s) or
guardian. Following the interview, the student will be notified as
to whether he/she has been accepted and when he/she can enroll.
Criteria for
consideration of a student’s application are:
failure to achieve grade level standards;
failure in two or more subjects;
two or more credits behind in number of graduation credits;
retained at grade level one or more times;
significantly behind in meeting QPA outcomes; or
student in danger of dropping out of high school.
Regular attendance is the single most important element for success in school. Responsibility for attendance rests with the student. The Alternative School should be notified of all absences on or before the day of absence.
The attendance policy stated in the student handbook will be utilized. Make-up work and time must be arranged at least a day in advance with the instructor and be completed within the grading period in which the absences occurred. Making up time does not stop the Behavior Contract from being activated.
All Eureka Alternative School rules and policies regarding conduct and procedures will be enforced. In addition, Alternative School students are eligible for activities, services, and opportunities that are available to students at Eureka High School, with administrative approval.
Information regarding progress is available to each student and his/her parent or guardian at all times. Grades in most of your classes will be indicated by your performance on the VPL online assignments, as well as the Blackboard off-line assignments. Parents are encouraged to call the instructor if they have questions regarding their student’s progress.
Upon successful completion of the assigned VPL lessons and a minimum of 80% mastery of the curriculum, additional course work of alternative activities may be assigned. Each student will be evaluated individually regarding these assignments. Upon completion of the course requirements, a grade is given and the course recorded on the student’s high school transcript.
In order to protect our students, other than parents and guardians, visitors are not permitted at the Alternative School without a set appointment with the instructor, unless it is an emergency situation. No student may allow a visitor to spend extended periods of time waiting in the parking area. Parents who are stopping to speak to their child, or drop off an item, are asked to check with the office staff before going to the classroom.
OTHER IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
Treat everything and everyone with respect.
The atmosphere should be enjoyable for everyone and allow all
students to achieve success.
Keep the computer area clean and free of damage.
Please notify instructor immediately if you have computer
problems.
If anyone can hear your music, it is too loud.
No food or drinks around the computers.
All students are subject to district requirements.
