2015 2016 The Redirection Center AM Handbook Community ۰ Safety ۰ Individuality 6558 South Acoma St. Littleton, CO 80120 303-347-4725 Nondiscrimination Statement Littleton Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, nor on the basis of age against persons whose age is over forty (40), or any other applicable status protected by federal, state or local law. Inquiries concerning any of the above should be directed to the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, 5776 South Crocker Street, Littleton, Colorado 80120; phone (303) 347 3300; or to the Office of Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 Speer Blvd., Ste. 300, Denver, Colorado 80204, phone (303) 844 5695.
Mission Statement Our mission is to create a purposeful community that values meaningful relationships, an engaging learning environment, and dedication to academic and personal success. The Redirection Center Staff Ashley Broer, PhD............... Principal.............................. 303 347 4732 Ron Mangum, MA............... Dean of Students........................303 347 3589 Kyle Darbonne, MA............. Science and Physical Education.............303 347 4840 Carol Motley, MA............... Math and Social Studies.................. 303 347 4842 Jennifer Wigent, MA............. Language Arts......................... 303 347 4841 Carleah Wright, BA............... Specialized Paraprofessional............... 303 347 4840 Heather Spragins, LCSW, AAT..... School Mental Health Professional...........303 347 4843 Melody Hanna................. Office Manager..........................303 347 4730 The Redirection Center AM (RCAM) is a middle and high school program within Littleton Public Schools serving both expelled and at risk youth in grades 6 9. In addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, RC employs a strong social emotional component designed to meet the needs of each student. The Redirection Center AM (RCAM) supports students as they develop academic and social competence in an atmosphere that encourages and supports self regulation and direction. We believe that every student desires success and possesses unique strengths, struggles, and perspectives in life. Our philosophy is that students do well if they can. When a student struggles by acting out or by retreating inward, we know this is their solution to the issue. Our job is to help students by identifying new, healthy solutions for success. In order to help students reach their potential, RCAM staff recognizes each as a distinctive individual. The RCAM program utilizes a variety of tools to guide students as they strive to meet their objectives in respectful and appropriate ways. Structure and accountability are critical in this process as are positive relationships and recognizing accomplishment. As a student s self concept and knowledge improves, s/he makes better decisions, relates better to others, and enjoys a more positive experience both in and out of school. The Redirection Center AM staff is looking forward to working with you and your family. Our goal is to provide students with the opportunity to learn in a safe, supportive, and challenging environment. Students will re direct their behavior and re connect with both personal and educational goals. Because we are working together, it is very important that you understand exactly what The Redirection Center can do for you and what the Center expects you to do in return. This document is an agreement between three parties: you (the student), your parent(s) or legal guardian(s), and the Redirection Center staff. Please read this document very carefully. If you do not understand any portion of this agreement, please ask for clarification. Your signature and the signature of your parent or guardian, on this Agreement reflects your understanding of and commitment to all aspects of this program.
Location and Building Hours The Redirection Center is in the Options Building located at 6558 South Acoma St., in Littleton. If someone is driving you to school, you may be dropped off /picked up promptly on Acoma Street. You will not be permitted to loiter or smoke on school grounds either before or after school. School grounds include Acoma, Caley, the bridge and Broadway while walking or waiting to be picked up. Students may enter the Options Building beginning at 7:30am and will depart the campus by 2:10pm. Students who are expelled are reminded that they are not permitted on any LPS school campus without explicit permission from Ashley Broer (RCAM principal) and the school s principal. Transportation Transportation to and from The Redirection Center is the sole responsibility of you and your parent(s)/guardian(s). Those students who use public transportation are expected to follow school rules and regulations. This includes walking to the designated bus stop with staff, not smoking, and being respectful and appropriate at all times toward staff, students, and community members. Failure to adhere to these rules will result in consequences including, but not limited to, lunch detention, level drop, suspension, and/or expulsion. Attendance and Tardies Regular attendance is mandatory. The Redirection Center runs from 7:40am to 2:05pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. We have a two hour late start every Wednesday with our hours running from 9:40am to 2:05pm. Any absence that you incur must be excused with a telephone call from your parent/guardian to a Redirection Center staff member at 303 347 4730 within 24 hours of the absence. Unexcused absences are not permitted. Excessive absences (3 or more) due to illness require a physician s note. Any unexcused absences will count towards truancy; make up time may also be required. Make up work is your responsibility and will be done on your time at home or during an arranged time at school. Any work that is not promptly made up (within two (2) days) will result in session(s) outside of class time to complete the work. A reduction in grades may also result. Tardiness is not acceptable. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be informed of any tardy through Infinite Campus attendance marking or a telephone call. Tardiness also counts toward truancy and consequences may be assigned for each tardy to school. The RCAM Campus The Redirection Center is a closed campus. You will not be permitted to leave campus at any time during the program day without a telephone call from your parent/guardian to a member of the staff explaining the situation. Written notes will not be accepted. No student will be released during school hours without prior parent/guardian/emergency contact. School Closures When the district experiences severe weather condition that might force the cancellation of school, students/parents should tune into local radio and television stations for information. When school is cancelled, all meetings and activities after school are also cancelled. The School Resource Officer Program (SRO) Officer Jim Hanna serves the Options campus as our full time School Resource Officer. Officer Hanna works for the Littleton Police Department and is here to support students, families, and school personnel.
Food Services Each student is responsible for their own lunches each day of the week. Please let a staff member know if your student may be eligible for the free and reduced lunch program. Healthy lunch and/or snack items are available for purchase in the cafeteria. RCAM does not allow energy drinks to be consumed during school hours. Exceptions are made for soda or coffee on special occasions. Student Fees The Board recognizes the need for student fees to fund certain school activities. There is $60 fee per semester for all students attending the Redirection Center to help defray the costs of experiential activities, transportation for field trips, and curriculum materials. If you are unable to pay the $60/semester fee, please contact Melody Hanna. Student Expectations A major focus of the Redirection Center is behavior management; therefore, you will be expected to adhere to the following set of expectations at all times. You are expected to: Be part of the school COMMUNITY Be SAFE Express your INDIVIDUALITY appropriately and respect others as well CSI is expressed through the following behaviors: Be courteous and respectful to others at all times. Come to the Center prepared to participate every day. Use appropriate language (G rated) at all times. Dress appropriately according to the Littleton Public Schools dress code. Remain smoke free. Do not smoke or have in your possession any tobacco, alcohol, or drug related item. Use computers and internet access appropriately for instructional purposes. There are five things that will cause a student to either be sent home OR serve after school detention: 1. Severe disrespect toward a teacher, student, or program. 2. Physical or verbal aggression. 3. Gang related activities. This includes drawings, clothing, language, and hand gestures. 4. Using or possessing drugs, drug paraphernalia, or alcohol. 5. Possession of a weapon. If a student walks away from the building without staff permission, parents and police will be notified. The LPS Student Code of Conduct is available online. I agree to review it: https://www.littletonpublicschools.net It is located under the quick links at the bottom of the web page. The Redirection Center follows the discipline procedures outlined in the Code of Conduct in addition to employing collaborative problem solving, positive behavior supports, and a level system. Restorative Justice The Redirection Center utilizes restorative justice practices to address instances in which harm occurs. In a restorative circle, individuals meet to tell their story, identify the problem and how others are affected. The group as a whole then brainstorms and agrees upon a way to repair the harm. Restorative circles have been used successfully to address a diverse set of issues including disruptive classroom behavior, bullying, and arguing/fighting as well as other issues in the community.
Electronic Devices Electronic devices including (but not limited to) MP3 players and cell phones are not allowed during class unless the teacher gives explicit permission. Electronic devices are kept in a locked cabinet during school hours and returned to students at the end of the day. The first time an electronic device is confiscated, it will be returned to the student at the end of the day, with a phone call home to the parent. On the second time, it will be held by the school until picked up by a parent/guardian. The third time an electronic device is confiscated, it will be held by the school until the end of the semester at which point it will be returned to a parent/guardian. Parent Conferences and Academic Credit Your successful participation in The Redirection Center program will earn academic credits which will transfer to the school of reentry. Students earn credit in the four core subject areas as well as elective credits. As long as all current courses are successfully passed with a 70% or better, students will be on track to earn a full semester s credit. Formal parent teacher conferences are held every semester. However, parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to call any time there are questions regarding a student s academic performance or behavior. Information about your student s homework, course grades, and credits can be accessed via Infinite Campus (IC): https://campus.lps.k12.co.us/campus/portal/littleton.jsp If you do not already have an access code, you may obtain grade information by using your student s lunch number and birth date. The user name is your student s lunch number, and the password is your student s birth date (MMDDYY). If you require help accessing or using IC, please notify RC staff and we will be happy to assist you. Clubs and Intramurals Students who are expelled must received permission from our principal, Ashley Broer, to participate in Options MS clubs or intramural sports. Those students who attend The Redirection Center and are not expelled, may participate with Options MS for clubs or intramural sports. Arrangements for transportation are the responsibility of the student and his/her family. Parent/Guardian Involvement You are your student s first and most important teacher. We highly value and encourage family involvement. Parent(s)/Guardian(s) are welcome to visit the program at any time. If you would like to meet with a staff member, please call in advance so that we can arrange a meeting. Parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to participate in Parent Evenings with RC s licensed mental health professional. These evenings will support the student s efforts to improve behavioral and academic functioning. To this end, both academic and behavioral goals will be identified and evaluated throughout the semester. Parent(s)/guardian(s) of any student enrolled in The Redirection Center program must commit to this requirement as evidenced by your signature on this agreement. If a family is unable to attend any meeting, they must contact the mental health professional and complete a make up session. Parent Action Committee is a great way to be involved in your child s school and organize healthy activities for the school. Please consider participating in this group. See Ashley Broer or Melody Hanna for additional information. Counseling Services Heather Spragins, our licensed mental health professional at The Redirection Center, meets with students in a group setting or individually weekly or on an as needed basis. These counseling services will help you to achieve
your academic and behavioral goals and guide you toward a positive educational transition. Heather Spragins is available to discuss any concerns a family may have and can provide brief family counseling and crisis interventions as well. Counseling provided at The RC focuses on academic and behavioral success and utilizes evidenced based and trauma informed approaches including cognitive behavioral interventions and motivational interviewing. Additional information regarding counseling is provided in the Disclosure Statement and Consent for Treatment documents. Referrals for resources offering long term assistance or diagnostic/medical services are provided upon request. Groups are determined each semester by the needs of students; typically they focus on mood management, relationship skills, and substance abuse education all of which can impact a student s education. If a group is court ordered, you must consult with the appropriate court representative to determine if the group meets court requirements. Heather Spragins will provide a letter confirming participation/completion of group upon request. If an emergency occurs outside of school hours, families are encouraged to contact the appropriate resource and notify staff at The Redirection Center of the situation: Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network..303 730 3303 Suicide Hotline:. 1 800 SUICIDE (1 800 784 2433) Littleton Police Department / Arapahoe County Sherriff... 911 Arapahoe Country Department of Human Services...303 636 1130 Student Socialization We strongly recommend that students enrolled at the RC not socialize or spend time together outside school hours; this includes the use of cell phones and computers. We have found that students are more apt to make poor decisions when spending time together/communicating without adult supervision. Student Transition and Reintegration Successful completion of The Redirection Center program will allow you to return to an appropriate educational placement with the credits you earn. In most cases, you will transition back to your home school. However, depending upon circumstances, an alternative educational placement may be considered to better meet your needs and learning style. A transition meeting will be held to facilitate your re entry with whichever school you choose. Your behavioral and academic progress will be monitored by Redirection Center staff for the first several weeks of the new semester. The staff will be available to meet with you and/or your parent(s)/guardian(s) at any time during this transition process. This agreement must be signed by all parties designated below. Your signature on this document will reflect your understanding and acceptance of all student and parent responsibilities required for participation in The Redirection Center program.
On this the day of, 20, I hereby certify that I have read and agree to all the provisions contained within this Student/Parent Agreement for participation in our Redirection Center AM program. Signed by: Student Date Parent Date Heather Spragins, LCSW Date Ashley Broer, Principal Date