Primary Focus:
To provide a structured learning environment where students who exhibit certain disciplinary problems or other difficulties can continue their education and earn credit while learning academic and life skills.
Setting:
1. The Alternative School is located in the Student Services Center
2. Transportation for assigned students is a parental responsibility.
3. Students assigned to the facility are responsible for bringing their lunch each day.
4. Course-work is coordinated and monitored by the Alternative School Teacher.
5. Students are not allowed to interact with other students unless it is a part of their student placement goal plan.
6. Students are not allowed on the base school campus, or the campus of any Mountain Brook School, without written approval by the administration.
Basic Functions:
1. Provide all students with an opportunity to learn within a safe and productive school environment
2. Attempt to reduce out-of-school suspensions.
3. Provide “high-risk” students with an opportunity to receive a quality education.
Reasons for Referral:
1. Severe disciplinary interventions are needed.
2. Chronic behavioral problems are exhibited.
3. Chronic attendance problems are exhibited.
4. To address environmental and academic transition needs for “high-risk” students.
5. To transition students who have been hospitalized, or in related facilities, back into the base school.
Pre-Referral Stage:
1. The Alternative School Teacher works collaboratively with teachers in grades 7-12.
2. The Alternative School Teacher may attend Student Support meetings to assist in determining appropriate referrals to the alternative school setting, upon request.
3. School Personnel will gather referral data needed to develop and implement student placement goals.
4. School Administrators contact the Director of Student Services to make disciplinary referrals.
Length of Stay:
Students referred to the program will be expected to complete the four level program attached. Minimal assignments to the Alternative School will be two weeks. The program is designed to promote the individualized student skills needed to ensure his/her successful re-entry into the regular school setting.
1. Parent/Guardian must agree to personally transport the student to and from school daily. In some cases the Alternative School Teacher may approve an appropriate substitute or designee to do the transportation.
2. Parent/Guardian must sign the student in and out each day.
3. School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Parents must be prompt. Supervision of student is not available before 8:30 a.m. or after 2:30 p.m.
4. Students must report to school with all books and supplies needed.
5. Two tardies will mean an additional day’s stay. If beyond two tardies, each tardy will result in an additional day’s stay.
6. Any student who threatens or causes bodily or physical harm to any staff member, will face possible expulsion from the Alternative School Program. The student will be granted an expulsion hearing before the Superintendent and the Board of Education.
7. Any absence must be made up at Alternative School. Mrs. Posey, the alternative school teacher, should be informed the morning of any absence at (205) 414-3827.
8. Parent/Guardian and student acknowledge that they understand attendance is mandatory. Any absence must be made up by adding the number of absences to the length of stay in this program. The student’s level will be dropped to Level I after an unexcused absence. Failure to notify the teacher of an absence and/or having two or more unexcused absences may result in further restrictions as well as possible involvement of Family Court.
9. Lunches must be brought clearly labeled with the student’s name and given to the teacher upon entering the school.
10. Upon arrival, students must turn in all homework assignments to alternative school teacher. Penalties for lack of homework will be given.
11. Upon arrival, students must retrieve assignment folder, go directly to his/her assigned seat and begin work.
12. Students should remain on task until completion.
13. Talking is permitted only when permission has been granted by the teacher. The student must raise his/her hand and be recognized by the teacher before the student may talk.
14. Only appropriate language and conversation will be permitted.
15. Break time must not exceed 10 minutes. This includes a restroom time.
16. Students must sit appropriately in their desk or at a table. Lying on the floor or head on the desk is not permitted.
17. The telephone may be used only in an emergency and with Mrs. Posey’s permission.
18. Medication of any kind will be dispensed following the policies and procedures in the school system. A student may not carry any prescription or over-the-counter medication.
19. Each student is required to work on a plan for successful re-entry to his/her school. Failure to meet the requirements set forth in the leveling system will result in additional time being added to the student’s length of stay.
20. A student is requried to rework an assignment until it is acceptable to the teacher.
21. All policies and procedures for the Mountain Brook School System are applicable. Dress codes for regular High School attendance will be strictly enforced by the teacher.
22. Students are not allowed on any school campus without written approval of the administration. The student is not eligible or allowed to participate in any activity or function of the regular school programs in the Mountain Brook School System. This includes the following: school sponsored programs- proms, dances, graduations; attending extracurricular activities- athletics, band, drama and choral practices or performances; or being at any type of tryout- cheerleading, dance team, drama, athletics, etc… Prior written approval from the administration must be obtained to participate.
23. All Alternative School Guidelines will be adhered to unless otherwise noted in a student’s IEP.
24. Students who fail to cooperate with the demands of the Alternative School program may face further disciplinary action, including possible suspension or expulsion and/or referral to the Early Warning Panel.
25. All policies and procedures regarding tobacco and alcohol products referred to in the Substance Abuse and Medication Policy adopted by the Board of Education will be strictly adhered to.
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