Ms. Joette Hayden, Principal 730 Spring Dr. Toquerville, UT 84774 Document Generated On April 25, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Description of the School 2 School's Purpose 4 Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement 5 Additional Information 6
Introduction Every school has its own story to tell. The context in which teaching and learning takes place influences the processes and procedures by which the school makes decisions around curriculum, instruction, and assessment. The context also impacts the way a school stays faithful to its vision. Many factors contribute to the overall narrative such as an identification of stakeholders, a description of stakeholder engagement, the trends and issues affecting the school, and the kinds of programs and services that a school implements to support student learning. The purpose of the Executive Summary (ES) is to provide a school with an opportunity to describe in narrative form the strengths and challenges it encounters. By doing so, the public and members of the school community will have a more complete picture of how the school perceives itself and the process of self-reflection for continuous improvement. This summary is structured for the school to reflect on how it provides teaching and learning on a day to day basis. Page 1
Description of the School Describe the school's size, community/communities, location, and changes it has experienced in the last three years. Include demographic information about the students, staff, and community at large. What unique features and challenges are associated with the community/communities the school serves? opened in the Fall of 2012, as a new campus which is part of the CARE schools organization. The Lava Heights Academy facility is built from the Spirit of Tuscany... a picturesque backdrop from the Red Mountain and lava flow found only in Southern Utah., a performing arts academy for struggling teens and for youth who need some structure and direction in their lives. The Lava Heights campus is inspired by the Spirit of Tuscan artistry. embodies collaboration and team work both in and out of the classroom. The three main areas of education, clinical support, and the residential team work together to ensure that the treatment plan of each individual student is designed to support their needs, build life skills, and to ensure healthy physical, clinical and academic growth. The accreditation process has grown with us this year, as we have worked to build a strong school and program that is conscientious and working towards meeting the educational standards outlined by USOE and Advance-Ed. We have carefully started to collect data, build strong educational strategies and develop plans for growth as we evaluate ourselves as an education team and as a whole school. The need for positive and healthy life skills, good communication, character education, career planning, educational advocacy and good physical health have all been part of our treatment and education while here at. Our school goals this year have been to develop strong curriculum, quality instruction, and to foster a learning environment where our students can thrive both educationally and emotionally. Most of the youth coming to are in need of a high level of clinical support, and most are struggling with academic achievement and motivation. We provide a traditional classroom environment integrated with fine arts instruction, intensive clinical support, and a structured residential program, to get them focused, on track and consistent with attending and succeeding in school. All students have a complete schedule of core classes (English, Science, Math, Social Studies, and Physical Education) plus a minimum of 3 electives - typically Life Skills along with 2-3 Fine Arts electives. Our teachers are trained to work with the behavioral, academic, and emotional needs of the students they serve. The academic department at Lava Heights follows all academic guidelines set forth by the Utah State Office of Education. All curriculum comes from state-approved core. Our new A+ curriculum is also matched to the Utah core requirements, and is updated each year to ensure accuracy. We work diligently to ensure that the appropriate credits and courses are individualized for each students needs. We collaborate with schools statewide and across the nation to ensure accuracy of transcripts, and also help with the academic transition once the program is complete. students come to us from a variety of sources. Private placement (parents) Educational Consultant guided placements Mental health agencies Out of state school districts Other sources such as private insurance companies Page 2
Treatment Objectives for Students at : *Healthy and Authentic Identity Development *Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution *Healthy Boundaries of Self Expression with Balance *Improved Self-concept through Self-discipline *Enhanced Cognitive Abilities - Insight and Reasoning *Interpersonal Interactions and Awareness of Self and Others *Healthy Relationships and Activities *Process Addictions Through their academics, students acquire knowledge and master the academic skills that are essential for success in high school or other higher education. The faculty and curriculum are dedicated to developing the students' capacity for creative and independent thought through work and responsibility. Students will enjoy a spacious environment and nurturing atmosphere. Our school includes six classrooms, a music room, library, full size gym, a state-of-the-art theater, dressing rooms, and an outside amphitheater with a seating capacity of 300. The Student living quarters house 1 to 4 students per bedroom and includes its own bathroom. Our villa style courtyard connects the administration and therapy offices, kitchen and dining areas, student housing and academics. The ideal student candidate for Lava Heights is the student who excels in a creative and open environment. We serve male and female students, ages 13 to 18. Page 3
School's Purpose Provide the school's purpose statement and ancillary content such as mission, vision, values, and/or beliefs. Describe how the school embodies its purpose through its program offerings and expectations for students. has a mission and belief statement that guides our staff, students, and program. Our mission at Lava Heights Academy is to help students acquire and build a strong foundation of knowledge, leadership and character awareness through the use of integrated fine arts that will allow each individual to succeed both academically and socially. Our vision is to awaken the hearts and minds of troubled teens by recapturing the essence of each individual teen through the spirit of integrated arts. At "the arts" are more than just an extra-curricular activity; they are integrated into everything we do - academics, therapy, social development, and recreational activities. Integrated arts are the core of our therapeutic program. is a place where true commitment and love for the arts is evident in everything we do. Moreover, at Lava Heights our approach to residential treatment is based on care, concern, and the safety of each individual. This includes environmental safety, which means every student feels safe because they have the freedom to express themselves in appropriate ways. Our professional staff are trained in Positive Peer Culture and teach Principle-based Living Skills. The staff at Lava Heights are positive role models (life coaches), teaching and encouraging pro-social behaviors through integrated arts. Twenty-four-hour supervision and professional care is provided in all aspects of our program. At, the teachers, students, administrators and support staff believe that: 1. All students have the right to be treated with respect and caring 2. All students can succeed and learn when given the appropriate academic and behavioral support 3. Curriculum needs to be modified to best meet the learning styles of our students 4. Educational planning should be student driven and supported by the educational team 5. A "whole" student approach, integrating the use of Fine Arts curriculum will help individuals gain confidence and succeed both academically and emotionally Page 4
Notable Achievements and Areas of Improvement Describe the school's notable achievements and areas of improvement in the last three years. Additionally, describe areas for improvement that the school is striving to achieve in the next three years. Lave Heights Academy opened in the fall of 2012, as a new addition to the CARE schools organization. The need for a school with a fine arts emphasis was the dream and goal of many within the organization, and it has been an exciting year to see the program, school, and student success that has taken place. As a new school, we are looking ahead to improvements, growth and expansion of our student body. Some of are main areas of improvement that we are working towards are: *Continued and enhanced professional development outside of the CARE schools organization *Increased stakeholder communication and input as to data driven assessments and school wide planning * Increasing consistency in our documentation, grading, and reporting system as we integrate our individual teacher grading, A+ curriculum grading, and the Best Notes system that the company has adopted as a program wide system of tracking. Page 5
Additional Information Provide any additional information you would like to share with the public and community that were not prompted in the previous sections. is a residential treatment center that provides therapeutic support through integrated arts, experiential therapy, outstanding academics, and positive peer culture. We serve both boys and girls, ages 12 to 18. Our vision is to utilize the power of integrated arts to help our students find themselves through creative expression. We help struggling teenagers develop their artistic potential and discover an appreciation for their own unique gifts. We teach our students the necessary life skills to overcome the complications that arise out of identity conflict. We combine a unique therapeutic approach with a performing arts academy program that meets the specific needs related to forming an identity. We also offer a challenging academic curriculum to round out a powerful experiential therapeutic program. Page 6