Wahoo Public Alternative School
Course Description/Expectations, Eligibility Requirements, and Application Form
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 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:
Galen Boldt, Superintendent (443-3051)
Jason Libal, High School Principal (443-4332)
Heidi Hoffmann, Director of Special Education (443-4250)
Mick Anderson, 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 OdysseyWare. 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:
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45 CREDITS |
|
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MATH |
40 CREDITS |
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SCIENCE |
30 CREDITS |
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SOCIAL SCIENCE |
35 CREDITS |
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PHYSICAL EDUCATION |
10 CREDITS |
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FINE ARTS |
10 CREDITS |
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BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY |
10 CREDITS |
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LIFE SKILLS |
5 CREDITS |
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ELECTIVES |
65 CREDITS |
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TOTAL = |
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:
- 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 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.
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
FRESHMEN: Less than 60 credits
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
A parent/guardian must call the alternative school by 8:30 a.m. when a student is absent or will be late. Students will receive an unexcused absence if a phone call is not received by 9:00 a.m. The alternative school will follow the tardy policy outlined in the Wahoo High School student handbook.
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.**
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.
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:
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 11:30 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.
8. Students will rotate cleaning duties each week. Cleaning of the 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.
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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:
