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Student Handbook: Spring Grove Campus
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Program Overview
River Rock Academy is a Pennsylvania Department of Education approved private provider serving students from Adams and York County School Districts in grades 6 – 12. Students are referred to River Rock Academy through their home school districts.
Students complete their core academic subjects through both teacher-instructed and self-paced curriculum. Individualized computer-aided instruction allows students to research, learn, and enhance their academic ability as well as their PSSA scores. River Rock Academy staff provides individual, group, and behavioral counseling. Students also participate in therapeutic social skills/life skills curriculum.
Services Provided
River Rock Academy students will receive academic and behavioral counseling on a regular basis. The clinical staff is supervised by a clinician with MSW and LSW credentials. Intensive psychological counseling will not be provided and recommendations for professional services will be reviewed with the student, family, and school district.
Individualized Service Planning (ISP) 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:
meetings to develop/review ISP goals and transition plans
meetings to review Individual Education Plans (IEP’s)
calls or visits to River Rock
referrals to professional agencies
parental advisory board
Transportation will be provided to and from River Rock Academy by the referring school district.
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) occurred.
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.
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.
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
The Community Partnership Program is an integral part of the experience for students at River Rock Academy. By providing volunteer service to local non-profit organizations, students are able to connect in a positive way to their community while learning and demonstrating skills as well.
Local food banks, retirement homes, rescue missions, parks, gardens, and animal shelters are some of the places students have the opportunity to provide community service. As they participate, students develop meaningful relationships while understanding the positive effects that giving back to others can have for their lives.
All River Rock Academy students who meet the expectations of the program have the opportunity to be involved with the Community Partnership Program. Participation is contingent upon program, parent, and school district approval.
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.
Student Conduct & Responsibilities
Every 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.
Treat River Rock Academy property with respect.
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 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.
Behavior norms of River Rock Academy are expected to be followed while students are being transported at all times.
Purses, lotions, and lipsticks are not permitted unless otherwise authorized.
Pens are not 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 prescriptions drugs or over-the-counter medications
Vandalism of property
Possession of a weapon
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
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.
Safe Crisis Intervention
River Rock Academy attempts to manage aggression safely. Non-physical intervention is always preferred. Physical intervention is used as a last resort to maintain a safe environment.
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. Students who have been found to cause property damage will be required to pay restitution. 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:
1. Students need to respond to a staff member’s question or directives.
2. Students are to greet an adult in a positive manner.
Dress Code
All students are expected to practice good daily hygiene.
Hoodies and coats will not be worn in the building.
Hats and other headwear such as headbands or bandanas will be removed upon entering the building.
Clothing should be neat, clean, and seasonally appropriate. This means that pants should be worn at the waist with no boxers or underwear showing. Shorts/skirts and shirts/tops should not be tight, too short, or transparent. Midriffs should be covered at all times. Tank tops are not permitted at anytime.
Ornaments/apparel depicting or alluding to drugs, alcohol, tobacco, Satan, racial intimidation, gangs, or vulgarities are not permitted.
Jewelry large enough to be used as weapons will be confiscated.
Pajamas and slippers are not permitted.
Staff will use their discretion to make judgments about the dress code.
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.
Snacks
Snacks are available for students to purchase twice a day. 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.
Medication Permission
In order for River Rock Academy to administer any over the counter or prescription medication, these rules must be followed:
Before receiving any over the counter medications or prescription medications from River Rock Academy, students must have completed River Rock’s medication paperwork or have a prescription from the ordering physician and a note from parent or guardian. Both signatures are needed before any medications will be given. If one or any of the signatures are missing, medications will not be given.
Verbal consent for over the counter medications such as Tylenol or cough drops will not be permitted.
To ensure the safety of the student, over the counter medications will only be given between 11:00 am until 12:30 pm. This reduces the occurrence of medication errors. This is due to staff being unable to verify what medication might have been taken at home.
If the signatures are missing and the parent or guardian feels their child needs this medication, the parent or guardian may bring the medication in and provide the medication at that time.
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.
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.
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.
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:
River Rock Academy, 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 Street
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
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