High School: Alternative Education: Program Information

Wahoo Public Alternative School

Course Description/Expectations, Eligibility Requirements, and Application Form

January 10, 2008

"To succeed, we must first believe that we can." --Michael Korda

Please click the following link to access the initial interest application: Initial Application

Please click the following link to access the student/teacher/parent contract: Student ContractStudent Contract

The Wahoo Alternative School is located at 112 E. 7th Street in Wahoo, Nebraska. All questions concerning the alternative school should be directed to the following School Personnel:

Ed Rastovski, Superintendent (443-3051)
Chris Arent, High School Principal (443-4332)
Shelley Maass, Director of Special Education (443-4332 or 443-4250)
Marc Kaminski, Alternative School Instructor (443-3855)
Jodi Cihal, Alternative School Aide/Secretary (443-4332)

School Mailing Addresses:

Wahoo Public Schools
2201 N. Locust
Wahoo, NE 68066

Wahoo Alternative School
112 E. 7th Street
Wahoo, NE 68066

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

Alternative School Objective:

This educational setting will focus on providing students with opportunities for positive choice making, decision-making, and change. This setting is also designed to teach students personal and social skills, as well as how to explore career opportunities as they work for the completion of their high school education. Empowering students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to meet the challenges of our changing world is very important.

School Work:

A certified teacher will monitor all work. Part of the students' curriculum will be computerized on the program NovaNET. The teacher is there to assess student progress, and to guide, monitor, and answer questions. The curriculum will be individually structured so that it enables each student to work at his/her own pace. It is the responsibility of the student to complete the work assigned.

Basic Academic Requirements for Graduation:

ENGLISH (Includes Speech 5 Credits)	40 CREDITS
MATH	30 CREDITS
SCIENCE	30 CREDITS
SOCIAL SCIENCE	35 CREDITS
PHYSICAL EDUCATION	10 CREDITS
FINE ARTS	10 CREDITS
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY	10 CREDITS
LIFE SKILLS	5 CREDITS
ELECTIVES	80 CREDITS
TOTAL =	250 CREDITS

* The class of 2010 will be required to have 40 Math credits and 70 Elective credits.

Grading:

Students will be required to complete every assignment with 70% accuracy or better. If a student receives a grade of 69% or lower, that student will be required to redo the assignment until it meets the 70% or better requirement.

100% - 70% = PASS

69% or below= REDO

Outcomes & Expectations:

OUTCOMES

Increased proficiency in basic skills
Increased appropriate career choices.
Increased student self-confidence.
Increased student productive behavior.
Increased student attendance.

EXPECTATIONS

Show up on time and be prepared.
Complete daily assignments to the best of your ability.
Contribute creativity and productivity to any independent or group activity.

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CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESS

Working Independently

In order to accomplish the goals of our educational setting, students need to demonstrate the ability to work independently in the classroom. This includes being able to set daily, weekly, and long-term goals. It is imperative that students can achieve success on their own.

Acceptable Behavior

BE RESPONSIBLE:

Do what is right!
Accept consequences for your actions without blaming or complaining.
Plan and take steps to achieve goals.
Take good care of yourself and your possessions.
Be glad for the opportunity to make decisions.

BE HONEST:

Admit your mistakes.
Take credit for your success.
Ask for help when needed.
Speak the truth!
Share your feelings in okay ways.

BE REPECTFUL:

Treat other people, as you want to be treated.
Develop patience.
Do what is helpful for you and other people.
Be thankful for what you have.
Give other people credit for their effort and achievements.

REMEMBER PAST SUCCESSES AND IMAGINE FUTURE SUCCESSES!!

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SCHOOL CREDITS

Citizenship Credit:

Each student is eligible to receive 5 credits per semester for citizenship. To receive this credit, a student can't have any unexcused absences and more than 2 tardies. A student must also display a consistency of positive behavior in and outside the classroom.

Community Service Credit:

To receive 5 credits of community service, a student must complete 90 hours of approved volunteer work each semester. Community service information will be posted up in the alternative school classroom.

Work Experience Credit:

To receive work credit, a student must work 180 hours to receive 5 credits. A maximum of 15 credits can be earned per semester. Paycheck stubs must be turned in during pay periods in order for a student to receive credit. If students are unable to find employment, work experience credit can be earned by completing work under the discretion of the staff.

Life Writing Credit:

Students will receive 5 credits per semester for participating in various class activities throughout the school year that will help equip them to advance in the world of work and lead rewarding personal lives. Students will be required to contribute and participate in all individual and group activities. Students must also complete two current news worksheets for 18 consecutive weeks.

PLEASE NOTE: All of the credit above will only count towards elective credit.

Credit Status:

SENIOR: 3 years + 170 credits

JUNIOR: 2 years + 120 credits

SOPHMORE: 1 year + 60 credits

FRESHMEN: Less than 60 credits

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ATTENDANCE POLICY

Tardiness:

Being on time is a very important life skill that must be learned if a student is to be successful in his/her life. Therefore, students are expected to arrive at the school on time. Entering class late is disruptive to students and staff. The amount of time missed due to tardiness each quarter must be made up that day or at a time convenient for the staff. The first time a student is tardy, the time must be made up that day. The second time a student is tardy, the time is doubled and must be made up that day, and the student will begin with the first problem-solving session of the Student Support System. The third time a student is tardy, the student must make up a half day of school. The student will also begin the second step in the problem solving process, which will be a student/parent conference with the instructor. Once a student receives his/her fourth tardy, that student will be referred to the Student Problem Solving Committee. The fifth tardy issued to a student will result in a referral to the Principal. Consequences may include a student/parent conference and/or dismissal from the program. Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the staff.

Absences:

MAXIMUM ABSENCES
In order for Alternative Education students to earn class credits they must satisfy two basic requirements:
A. Satisfy academic requirements
B. Exhibit good attendance habits
In order for a student to gain the maximum benefit of the Alternative Education Program, it is important for any student to be in attendance at least ninety percent (90%) of the semester, which would allow for a maximum of nine (9) days absent. Any student who is absent from an individual class ten (10) or more times during the course of a semester may lose credit for that class and/or placement in the Alternative Education Program.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
A. After five (5) and seven (7) days absent, per semester, parents will be notified.
B. After nine (9) days a final letter will be sent. Parents and students should be aware at all times of the total number of days missed from school. These can be checked with the alternative education teacher or on-line (PowerSchool)
C. When students miss ten (10) or more days from class and the absences were not due to court placement or extended illness, parents and students will be notified to attend a hearing to determine if the student will still receive credit and continue his/her placement in the Alternative Education Program. A letter will be sent to the county attorney for review of the situation.
D. A hearing committee will be made up of a principal, faculty and community members. Parents will be asked to bring medical verification of absences and/or any other relevant information. The results of the committee's findings may be appealed to the superintendent.
E. If the action of the superintendent is not satisfactory, a further appeal may be made to the Board of Education.

**The above information is taken directly from the 2007-2008 Wahoo High School Student Handbook.**

Personal Days:

Each student is allowed 1 personal day per semester to be used at the student's discretion. The stipulations for the personal day are as follows:
*The student must give a minimum of 24 hours advance notice.
*The student must accept the staff's decision regarding the request.
*The student may not take a personal day if he/she is not in good standing.
*The student's parents/guardians must approve personal days.

Unexcused Absences:

Unexcused absences will not be tolerated!! An absence is considered unexcused when the student is absent from school and the staff was not notified in advance. Each unexcused absence will result in:
*Problem-solving session of the Student Support System.
*Loss of privileges and free time.

All unexcused absences will be reported to parents, probation officers, counselors, and all appropriate personnel.

Other Attendance Information:

Communication is the key to our success with attendance, so when in doubt, ask. All cases will be handled individually. Failure to follow the attendance policy will result in the disciplinary action procedure listed above, and possible dismissal from the program. Exceptions to this policy are at the discretion of the staff.

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SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE

Session Times:

One Session Schedule

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.    Student Work Time
12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.    Lunch
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Student Work Time
2:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.    Break
2:15 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.    Student Work Time

Alternate Two Session Schedule (Used if Needed)

Session 1
10:30 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.    Student Work Time
11:15 a.m. - 11:25 a.m.    Break
11:25 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.    Student Work Time
Session 2
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.    Student Work Time
2:00 p.m. - 2:10 p.m.    Break
2:10 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.    Student Work Time

*Students may not leave school property during scheduled breaks.

School Closing:

School closing information will be broadcast on KFAB (1110 AM) radio and KOLN-TV (Channel 10). The information will be released as soon as the decision to close school is made. The media will carry the messages early in the morning or as needed. Whenever Wahoo Public Schools closes or is scheduled to close, Wahoo Alternative School will close. If Wahoo Public Schools have a late start (10 a.m.), then all of the Alternative School students will start school at 10:00 a.m., unless communicated otherwise.

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RULES & CLASSROOM GUIDELINES

Classroom Rules:

1. There is absolutely no smoking anywhere on school property! The use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, or any illegal substance is prohibited. If the staff suspects any drug use or possession, the proper authorities will be notified immediately.
2. Cursing, verbal, or physical confrontation with other students or staff will lead to permanent dismissal from the program.
3. Students may eat snacks and drink pop, water, or any other approved drink during break time only. It is the responsibility of each student to throw away any of his/her trash at the end of the day. This is a privilege that can be taken away at any time.
4. Respect all materials in the classroom environment (desks, tables, chairs, books, etc.).
5. Students will be required to conduct themselves in a respectful manner; the student is only here for three hours and will be expected to use his/her time wisely and efficiently.
6. Students are responsible for the safekeeping of all their personal belongings. Wahoo Public School is not responsible for any personal belongings.
7. Cell phones must be shut off and cannot be used during class time. If a cell phone rings or becomes a distraction during class time, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the session. Problem-solving session of the Student Support System will apply.
8. Students will rotate cleaning duties each week. Cleaning of the bathrooms and classroom will take place at the end of each week. Every student will participate and do his/her part each week. Keeping the classroom environment clean is an essential key to successful learning.
9. Students may listen to music when working only if the following conditions are met:
    *Students must listen to the music with headphones (school does not supply headphones and is not responsible for the care of personal headphones brought to school
    *Students must be in good standing to listen to music (this is a privilege that can be taken away at any time)
    *The music must not affect the learning of the student or the learning environment

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ELIGIBILITY & GRADUATION

Alternative School Eligibility

A student may be eligible to attend the Wahoo Alternative School if all of the appropriate staff members for Wahoo Public Schools and the Parent/Guardian of the student agree with the placement. An application form must be filled out completely and turned into the high school office. Applications are available online or in the high school office.

Eligibility for Transferring to Wahoo High School:

A student attending the Wahoo Alternative School may be eligible to return to Wahoo High School if he/she completes the following:

Complete at least one full semester at the alternative school.
Have a good performance record.
Express a desire to return to the regular curriculum.
Have an absence of discipline problems.
Must follow the program's procedures and policies.
Student, teacher, high school staff, and student's parents/guardians must all agree to the placement.

*The staff will consider students for re-entry on a case-by-case basis. Once a student chooses to leave the program, he/she may not return.

Graduation:

Wahoo High School has one graduation ceremony each year. Students that plan to participate must meet all of the graduation requirements before they will be allowed to participate in the ceremony. Participating in the graduation ceremony is optional. If a student does not meet the requirements in time to participate in the class's ceremony, he/she may participate in the following year's ceremony.

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OTHER INFORMATION

Medication:

Designated school personnel will be allowed to give medication to students under the direction of the school nurse. No medications will be given without proper medical permission. We encourage parents/guardians to give medication at home.

If a student needs to take medication at school, the following procedures must be met:

*All medication will be kept in a locked cabinet.
*No medication will be given without a signed note from the parent/guardian indicating the medication to be given, the amount to be given, and the time to be given.
*The medicine should be sent to school in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.
*The parents/guardians must communicate with the Wahoo Public Schools nurse in regards to the medication.

**Please contact WPS Nurse Mary Specht at 443-4250 if you have any additional questions regarding medications.

Tornado & Fire Drill Procedures:

Tornado Drill: Students will quickly and quietly proceed to the basement of the building. We will then assume the position required for tornado safety.

Fire Drill: Students will exit the building in a quiet and orderly fashion through the front door of the main room or out the back door of the building. Students will gather quietly on the sidewalk across the street at a safe distance from the building. Students will remain in this area until they receive an all-clear signal from authorized personnel.