Student Handbook: Newville Campus

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River Rock Academy 2009-2010 Calendar:

September 1 First day of school
September 7    Labor Day - School Closed
September 18    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
October 12    Columbus Day - School Closed
October 23    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
November 6    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
November 25    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
November 26-30    Thanksgiving Break - School Closed
December 23    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
December 24-31    Holiday Break - School Closed
January 1    New Year's Day - School Closed
January 18    Martin Luther King Day - School Closed (Possible snow make-up day)
February 12    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
February 15    President’s Day - School Closed (Possible snow make-up day)
March 5    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
March 26    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
April 1    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
April 2    Easter Break - School Closed
April 5    Easter Break - School Closed (Possible snow make-up day)
April 30    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
May 21    Staff in-service training - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)
May 31    Memorial Day - School Closed
June 9    Last Day of School/Graduation - Early Dismissal (1/2 Day)

Classes are in session from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Office hours are 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

This calendar is subject to change.
Snow make-up days to be announced.
If needed, additional days will be added to the end of the school year due to inclement weather.
Revisions to the schedule will be sent home with each report card.
Early dismissal for staff in-service training is 11:00 a.m.  


Program Overview:

Welcome to River Rock Academy
River Rock Academy services students from Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin and Perry County school districts in grades 6-12.

Differentiating River Rock Academy from other providers is a state-of-the-art computer lab which enables students to learn crucial computer skills while completing individualized curriculum tailored to the specific student.

River Rock Academy students will be engaged in a web-based program designed to enhance their academic ability and scores on the PSSA.

Services Provided:

River Rock Academy students will receive academic and behavioral counseling on a regular basis.  The clinical
staff is supervised by a Master’s level supervisor.  Intensive psychological counseling will not be
provided and recommendations for professional services will be reviewed with the student, family and school
district.

SMART goals will be implemented in conjunction with group and individual counseling to facilitate transition
plans. Transition plans will reintegrate students into the public school setting and community.  School-to-work
programs utilizing community experiences are available to eligible students.

Parental involvement proves vital to the success of students.  Parents are invited to be involved in:
 - Meeting to develop/review SMART goals and transition plans
 - Meetings to review Individual Education Plans (IEP’s)
 - Calls or visits to River Rock Academy
 - Referrals to professional agencies
 - Parental advisory board

Transportation will be provided to and from River Rock Academy.

Leadership Development Course

River Rock has developed a Leadership Development Course that each student will take part in. The objectives for students who participate in this course are as follows:
- Develop trust in each other and increase team morale through achievement
- Improve our students’ ability to value differences (inherent in us all) and maximize their individual strengths
- Help our students understand the need for flexibility and adapting to change
- Enhance our students ability to communicate effectively and solve problems in an appropriate fashion
- Clarify the importance of working cooperatively to achieve common goals
- Create shared memories through meaningful and fun experiences
- Capitalize on POSITIVE, instead of negative, PEER PRESSURE

The River Rock LDC is an approach to organizational learning used to develop positive relationships, enhance performance, and influence organization-wide improvements. Studies show that the kinds of experiences we will use with our students are some of the most effective tools for facilitating organizational and personal transformation.

The River Rock “Leadership Development Course” is a method of teaching that uses activities to help students maximize what they retain from a learning experience. Primarily, students will participate in these experiences weekly as part of our Social Skills Course. Sometimes referred to as “experiential education,” this approach is commonly applied to skills related to self-awareness and interpersonal relationships, but its application extends as far as the creativity of those involved in the curriculum or program. Here at River Rock, we are intimately aware that many of our students have gotten caught up in bad predicaments because of NEGATIVE influences and NEGATIVE peer pressure from those they “hang” with. We also realize that not all of our students are going to become leaders. However, we feel ALL of our students can benefit by exposure to LEADERSHIP skills and traits through our Leadership Development Course. Even though all students may not become leaders, it will still be important that our students choose WHOM they will follow. It is important that they follow good influences as opposed to bad influences. LDC will attempt to teach our students how to decipher between the two, while also providing experiences to build solid character.

The adventure programs within our LDC create situations that challenge the abilities of our students primarily in a group setting. These situations can be metaphors for the problems or challenges that our students currently face, or might face in their future. By participating in our activities, students learn skills that they will use to be successful in relationships and situations in their daily lives. By discussing and evaluating their performance individually and together during the activities, our students will learn how to improve their application of these new or refined skills to obtain positive results. The end results are more confident and capable individuals and a more cooperative team.

Behavior Management

Infractions of the rules of conduct/major rule violations will result in staff intervention.  The intervention may
begin on any of the following levels:
 - Non-verbal
 - Verbal
 - Loss of privileges
 - In-school suspension
 - Therapeutic time-out
 - Safe crisis intervention
 - Out-of-school suspension
 - Police intervention

Student Conduct & Responsibilities

Ever student at River Rock Academy is expected to show courtesy and respect to each other and to all faculty
members and visitors.  Each student is to see that his own behavior is acceptable and appropriate at all times. 
All students share in the responsibility to develop a school climate that is respectful, tolerant of individual
differences and conducive to learning.

Three basic behavioral norms that are the foundations of River Rock are:
- No student has the right to hurt, intimidate, or ridicule another student
- Education and the classroom are sacred
- Our school is sacred and we will always protect its property and belongings

Rules of Conduct

 - Treat all others and self with respect and dignity.
 - Refrain from physical contact.
 - Adhere to the “Expectations of Alternative Education” and the River Rock Academy handbook
 - River Rock Academy is drug-free and tobacco-free
 - Behave in a manner that will only credit yourself and River Rock Academy
 - Students are not allowed to bring no more than $10.00 a day to the program.  Anything over that amount will be held until the end of the school day
 - No cards, dice, or gambling of any kind is permitted.

Major Rule Violations

Major rule violations may require a meeting involving parents, the referring agency, the student, and any clinical/
academic staff of River Rock Academy. Police involvement may result in charges. Violations which may require
police involvement include:
 - Physical violence or threats of violence
 - Use/possession of illegal drugs/over the counter drugs/alcohol
 - Inappropriate use/distribution of prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications
 - Vandalism of property
 - Possession of a weapon

Academic Instruction

Students at River Rock Academy will have a variety of academic instruction. Both teacher-instructed and self-paced curriculum will be used. Another component will be individualized computer-aided instruction. Educational options will integrate teaching technology and strategy for maximum student achievement including Why Try and leadership development.

Grades

Grades will reflect participation assignments completed, and test scores.  Attendance and behavior will also be heavily weighted in grade calculation. 

Mid-term and marking period grades will be sent via mail on a quarterly basis to parents and home school districts.

Community Partnership Program

All River Rock Academy students with appropriate social skills will have the opportunity to work within the community at local non-profit businesses. The mission of this program is to have students serve the community
in a positive way. This program is contingent upon program, parent, and school district approval.

Safe Crisis Intervention

River Rock Academy attempts to manage aggression safely.  Non-physical intervention is always preferred. Physical intervention is the application of restraints designed to keep the student safe. 

Safe Crisis Intervention should be a rare occurrence; however, it is important that students and parents are knowledgeable on the philosophy.

All River Rock Academy staff members are trained in Safe Crisis Management through a Department of Welfare approved course.

Care for School Property

It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of our school.  Anyone found damaging school property will face disciplinary action and criminal charges.  Any student in the possession of damaged property will be held accountable.  Therefore, students need to report any markings on desks and books to a staff member immediately.

It is also expected that students not touch walls or framed art throughout the building.

Quiet Hallways

Hallways in River Rock Academy are to remain quiet at all times.  This means students may not speak in the
hallways.  Exceptions to this rule are the following:
 - Students need to respond to a staff member’s question or directives
 - Students are to greet an adult in a positive manner

Search Policy

The safety of our students is paramount at River Rock Academy.  Therefore, searches occur regularly to ensure our school is safe and drug-free.  Police and K-9 units may also be utilized to randomly search students and the school.  Students who are given the opportunity to drive to school must submit to random searches of their vehicles as defined in the driving agreement.

Fire and Emergency Procedures

River Rock Academy regularly holds emergency fire drills and provides instruction to the students on the procedures. Students are to remain quiet throughout the entire drill and follow all staff directives.

Snacks

Snacks are available for students to purchase twice a day. Receiving snacks is a privilege that the student must earn. The proceeds from the sale of snacks is used for program activities. No outside food or drink may be brought into our school other than a packed lunch. No gum or candy will be permitted on the premises. Bottled water is the only drink allowed for purchase in the program. No powdered drink packets are allowed.

Attendance Policy

Attendance equates to success. Unexcused/illegal absences will result in disciplinary action. They will be reported to the appropriate referring agencies represented as well as the home school district. Missing the van is an unexcused/illegal absence. Attendance guidelines are as follows:
- All absences require a note from home within three days of the student’s return to school.
- If a note is not received, the absence will be considered unexcused/illegal.
- If a student is absent for three consecutive days, a doctor’s note must be brought in to school by a parent/guardian or faxed from the doctor’s office on the third consecutive day.
- If a note is not received by the school on the third day, those absences will be considered unexcused/illegal.
- After three unexcused/illegal absences or ten cumulative absences, a doctor’s note will be required for all subsequent absences.
- Students will be given the opportunity to make up missed work within the marking period that the absence(s) occurred.
- Work that is not made up will impact final grades.

STUDENTS MUST ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY TO REQUEST THEIR WORK

Tardy Policy

Any student arriving AFTER 8:00 AM is considered late and must report to the office.  Work missed must be requested by the student and can only be made up during the marking period in which the tardy arrival(s) occured.

Dress Code

- All students are expected to practice good daily hygiene.
 - Hoodies and coats/jackets will not be worn in the building
 - Hats are removed upon entering the building
 - Clothing should be neat, clean and seasonally appropriate.  This means that pants should be worn at the waist (no boxers showing);  shorts, shirts/tops should not be tight, too short, or transparent.
  - Midriffs should be covered at all times.
 - Tank tops are permitted during recreation time.
 - Ornaments/apparel depicting or alluding to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, Satan, racial intimidations or vulgarities are not permitted.
 - Jewelry large enough to be used as weapons will be confiscated.
- Pajamas and slippers are not permitted.
- Purses, lotions, and lipsticks are not permitted unless otherwise authorized.
- Pens are not permitted.

Computer Use Agreement

River Rock Academy has many computer systems available for use by its students. River Rock Academy does require that students use these computers in a responsible manner. Students should be sure that any computer activities are within the framework of instructions provided by the teacher responsible for the activity. Students may have access to a variety of Internet resources in various classes. It is expected that students follow teacher guidelines and exhibit responsible behavior in regard to these resources. Use of the computer/Internet is a privilege and not a right. Students acknowledge that all aspects of computer use are subject to monitoring and review without cause and without notice. Students understand that any conduct that is in conflict with these responsibilities is inappropriate and may result in termination of the use of River Rock Academy’s computer/Internet privileges. Students further acknowledge that disciplinary action may be taken, as well as possible legal action and/or financial restitution.

Lunches

Lunch is available for purchase from the local school district with a reduced rate cost for qualifying students. Students will be notified of the cost at the beginning of the school year. Free lunch is also available to qualifying students. Parents/guardians must complete the school lunch application form to be considered for a free or reduced rate lunch. Students are permitted to pack a lunch provided it DOES NOT need a microwave for reheating. No opened drink container or glass containers are allowed in school. Water and juice containers in packed lunches must be sealed and consumed at lunch time only. Students MAY NOT sell their lunches to other students.

Extreme Weather

During poor weather conditions, please watch for the River Rock Academy announcement for the appropriate campus decision on the television station WGAL Channel 8 or check their website at www.wgal.com.

Medication Permission

In order for River Rock Academy to administer over-the counter medications beyond what is offered at River Rock Academy, a parent must write and sign a note that includes the date, reason for giving the medication, the name of the medication, and how long it is to be given.  All medications must be in the original container with its original label.

Emergency Medical Plan

An emergency is an incident where the student in question needs immediate medical attention. When possible, River Rock Academy staff will contact the parent/guardian so the student can be taken to the family physician. Following is the protocol that River Rock Academy staff would utilize in the event of a medical emergency:
- Injured student will be separated from the group as necessary.
- Staff member(s) will call for Emergency Medical Services if needed.
- Staff member(s) will apply appropriate First Aid and/or CPR as needed.
- If the student requires immediate hospitalization, he/she will be transported by an ambulance or River Rock Academy staff. Students will be transported to the nearest hospital.
- If contact cannot be made with the parent/guardian, River Rock Academy staff will utilize the Consent for Medical Treatment form to obtain proper medical treatment.
- If contact cannot be made with the parent/guardian, and hospitalization is required, River Rock Academy staff will stay with the child until either the child is released from the hospital or the parent/guardian arrives.

River Rock Academy Grievance Procedure

When the grievance procedure is used, the following steps shall be followed:
1. The student shall request a conference with the person(s) who allegedly treated the student unfairly. If requested, a supervisory staff member may be present.
2. If the conference fails to resolve the issue within ten (10) school days during which the student is present from the date of the alleged incident, the student shall file a written grievance with the Campus Director.
3. A student wishing to appeal the campus director’s written decision must file a written appeal with the company Chief Operating Officer no later than five (5) school days from the date of the receipt of the Campus Director’s written decision. The appeal must be signed by the student as well as his or her parent or guardian requesting a meeting with the Chief Operating Officer.
4. The Chief Operating Officer shall schedule a conference to include the appropriate parent(s) or guardian(s) to hear the grievance not later than five (5) school days following receipt of the notice of appeal and shall issue a decision, in writing, no later than five (5) school days following the grievance conference.
5. If the grievance decision at the appropriate Chief Operating Officer level is not acceptable, the Chief Operating Officer’s decision may be appealed to the Chief Executive Officer. Such appeal is to be filed, in writing, not later than ten (10) school days following the date of receipt of the appropriate Chief Operating Officer’s written decision. The Chief Executive Officer shall resolve the grievance by investigating the problem, holding conferences with the involved parties, or reviewing the written grievance record.
6. The decision of the Chief Executive Officer shall be the final decision. The Chief Executive Officer shall send a copy of the final decision to all involved parties not later than ten (10) school days following receipt of the appeal.

Nondiscrimination in Services

While enrolled at River Rock Academy, all students maintain certain rights. These rights include:
• A child may not be discriminated against because of race, color, religious creed, durability, handicap, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or sex.
• Program services shall be made accessible to eligible persons with disabilities through the most practical and economically feasible methods available.
• A child may not be abused, mistreated, threatened, harassed, or subject to corporal punishment.
• A child has the right to be informed of the rules of the facility.
• A child has the right to communicate with others by telephone subject to reasonable facility policy and written instructions from the contracting agency or court, if applicable, regarding circumstances, frequency, time, payment, and privacy.
• A child has the right to communicate with his attorney and clergy.
• A child has the right to be protected from unreasonable search and seizure. River Rock Academy may conduct search and seizure procedures subject to facility policy.
• A child has the right to rehabilitation and treatment.
• The child and child’s family maintain the right to lodge grievance without fear of retaliation pursuant to the grievance policy listed in the student handbook.
• River Rock Academy will obtain written consent for treatment resulting from accidental injuries/illnesses.

Any student/client/parent or guardian who believes they have been discriminated against may file a complaint of discrimination with:

Alternative Education Services, Inc.
268 West Beaver Street
Suite 109 B
Hellam, PA 17406

Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission
Harrisburg Regional Office
Riverfront Office Center
1101 South Front Street, 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17104

Bureau of Equal Opportunity
Central Regional Office
Cameron and Maclay Street
Building 56, Patton House
P.O. Box 61260
Harrisburg, PA 17106-1260

U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services
Office for Civil Rights
Suite 372, Public Ledger Bldg.
150 S. Independence Mall West
Philadelphia, PA 19106-9111

Expectations of Alternative Education

I ______ understand that violation of this Alternative Education Program may ultimately result in removal from River Rock and placement in another facility.
I,_____understand that I am expected to attend daily. Unexcused absences are unacceptable. If they become excessive, a doctor’s excuse will be required. A note from my parent/guardian is required upon returning to school following any absence.
I,_____understand that I will be expected to submit to searches of my person in order to prevent access of drugs or weapons in the program area.
I,_____understand that any major violation such as possession of a weapon, possession of drugs and/or drug paraphernalia, attending school under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, or acting in an aggressive manner that violates others’ safety, will result in River Rock Academy contacting the police and pressing charges.
I,_____understand if behavior and/or actions warrant it, physical restraint may be used.
I,_____understand that I am responsible through acts of community service to care for our facilities. Damaging or defacing school property will result in disciplinary actions being taken, including police involvement.
I,_____understand that cell phones, CD players, IPOD’s, MP3 players, or any other electronic devices are not permitted to be used during school. All items will be confiscated by staff and secured until dismissal.
I,_____understand that time spent on the van(s) is an extension of school. Any behavior not permitted in school is not permitted on the van and will result in disciplinary actions.
I,_____understand that it is my responsibility to welcome all visitors in a positive manner.

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