Transcript Preparatory Academy - Laurens Elementary School

Preparatory Academy
of
Laurens District 55
Last Updated: September 2011
Why the name change?
• The name change reflects the different
direction our alternative program is taking.
• We are no longer at a crossroads trying to
decide IF we are going to excel.
• Instead…
VISION
• The vision of the Laurens District 55
Preparatory Academy is to increase and
enhance the methods of education
implemented through research based
curricula and positive behavior
intervention for students in grades 6-12
who have experienced difficulty in the
traditional learning environment.
MISSION
• The mission of Laurens District 55
Preparatory Academy is to provide a
relevant, standards-based curriculum and
an effective behavioral intervention
program to students in a safe environment
in order to develop productive citizens for
our society.
LOCATION
• The Preparatory Academy is located at the
Sanders Center across from Sanders Middle
School.
• Other agencies housed in the building are Head
Start, First Steps and Family Literacy (GED)
• Physical address: 125 Gleamns St, Suite B,
Laurens, SC 29360
• Mailing address: 129 W. Main St., Laurens, SC
29360
• Phone: 864.984.2211
ENROLLMENT
• Most 6-12th grade students are assigned to
the Preparatory Academy as a result of…
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–
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A decision of a hearing officer
A decision of an IEP team
A voluntary decision of a parent (sign over)
A transfer from another district’s alternative
program
– A release from a Department of Juvenile
Justice program/facility
What’s New!
• A full-time certified staff
• A surveillance system
• Implementation of a positive behavioral
intervention plan (level and point system)/PCM
training
• Character Education sessions
• Promethean Board
• Exit portfolio
• PowerSchool Access
• Routine Parent/Guardian (s) Workshops
Positive Behavioral Intervention
• Through training, the staff is learning how
to consistently “see” and “reward” positive
behaviors students demonstrate.
• The level system allows students to earn
privileges as they move to Levels 2 and 3.
• Current results: sharp decrease in the
amount of discipline referrals
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS (FAQs)
• The following questions are asked most by
parents and/or guardians concerning the
alternative program.
• If you feel your question or concern still
has not been answered after reviewing this
power point, please call 864.984. 2211 for
more information.
Q#1: My child will be attending
the Academy.What should I do?
• Contact Mrs. Elizabeth Gary (984.3568) to
set up an intake interview with Dr. Fulton.
• Both parent AND student meet with Dr.
Fulton to discuss academic, behavioral and
attendance improvement goals.
• At the end of the intake interview, a start
date will be determined.
Q#2: Is the environment safe?
• Safety is a top priority at the Preparatory
Academy
– Our staff participated in a “Basic Practitioner”
course in Professional Crisis Management.
– Police officers from Laurens City Police Dept.
routinely monitor the campus.
– A camera is located in each class, the hallway
and around the entrance of the campus.
Q#3: How long will my child
attend the Prep Academy?
• Generally,
– Most students can expect to attend the
Academy for a minimum of 45 days;
HOWEVER, most students stay longer.
– Please note: High school students generally do
not return to LDHS after 45 days to ensure a
student’s academic and attendance records
transfer easily from one semester to the next.
Q#4:What is the attendance policy?
• Attendance is important at the Preparatory
Academy and reported daily to the home
school’s attendance clerk.
• Attendance is counted by periods for
students who attend LDHS.
• Attendance recovery is offered each day
from 7:15-8:15am for high school students.
• All cases of truancy are referred promptly.
Q#5: Will my child be taught by
certified teachers?
• Teachers at the Preparatory Academy are
certified and/or highly qualified teachers
who are not only dedicated to providing
quality instruction, but also specializes in
working with the student who is considered
at-risk.
Q#7: What high school courses are
available at the Prep Academy?
• The Preparatory Academy offers college/tech
prep courses for high school students such as:
– English 1, 2, 3 and 4
– Algebra 1/Geometry/Algebra 2
– Global Studies/Government/US History /Economics
– Biology/ Physical Science/Chemistry
– IBA/ Keyboarding
– Business Law /Business and Personal Finance
*Courses offered are based on individual needs!
Q#6: What supplies would my
child need?
• Students will need to bring paper, pencils
and pens with them to school everyday.
» Students should not bring book bags, purses, etc.
• Textbooks will be kept at the Academy
unless directed by staff to do otherwise.
Q#8: Is there a dress code?
• Yes. Parents/guardians must purchase a
uniform.
• The uniform for students entering in the
program are: black pants (No JEANS) that
fit at the waist, white collared shirt, white
undershirt, black belt and black shoes (No
sneakers, boots, heels or jewelry*.
•
*Students must earned Level 2 status or higher to wear jewelry.
Q#9: Is transportation provided
to the Preparatory Academy?
• Generally, transportation is provided for middle
school students and LDHS students with IEPs.
• Parents/guardians of high school students without
IEPs should provide transportation to the Prep
Academy.
• If you have requests/concerns about
transportation, please call Mr. Robert Shortt at
the district office: 864.984.3568
Q10:Is there a PRE-GED program ?
• No. All students at the Preparatory
Academy work towards a diploma for the
duration of the time he/she attends the
Academy.
• Students, who are seventeen or older, must
withdraw from LDHS before enrolling in
the Adult Education program.
Additional questions???
• Please call Mrs. Elizabeth Gary at
984.3568 at the district office
• OR
• Dr. Fulton at the Preparatory Academy at
984.2211.