ANDERSONCOUNTYALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
HANDBOOK FOR STUDENTS AND
PARENTS/GUARDIANS
2012-2013
Randolph H. Dillingham, Director
805 East Whitner Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Telephone: 864-260-5028
Fax: 864-260-4004
Website:
AndersonCountyAlternative School operates without discrimination on the basis of
race, sex, religion, national origin, or disability in compliance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504,
and all other applicable civil rights laws.
ANDERSONCOUNTYALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
Randolph H. Dillingham, Director
805 East Whitner Street
Anderson, SC 29624
Telephone: (864) 260-5028
Fax: (864) 260-4004
Website:
“NEW BEGINNINGS”
2012-2013School Year
To the parent/guardian and student:
Welcome to the AndersonCountyAlternative School. This school, in operation since
1996, has established itself in the community as a place where students can succeed.
Educators, law enforcement officers, and private citizens throughout AndersonCounty
worked diligently to provide a program that offers an alternative to the traditionalmiddle
and high school setting.
This handbook is designed to serve as a guide to the opportunities, expectations, and
regulations at ACAS. It is important that each student and parent/custodian read
carefully and understand this information. It should not, however, be considered an
all-inclusive listing of rules, regulations and opportunities.
Should you need to talk with a staff member, or if you have any questions concerning
any part of this handbook, please contact us at (864) 260-5028. We look forward to
working with you throughout the school year.
By signing below, I am indicating that I have read this handbook and I understand
and will cooperate with the policies, procedures, regulations, and opportunities
outlined in this booklet.
______/______/______
Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Signature Date
STUDENTS ARE TO PLACE THIS AGENDA IN THEIR NOTEBOOK AND HAVE
IT AT SCHOOL AT ALL TIMES. IF LOST, A REPLACEMENT MUST BE
PURCHASED THROUGH THEOFFICE.
ANDERSONCOUNTYALTERNATIVE SCHOOL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TOPIC PAGE
2010-2011 CALENDAR OF EVENTS5
STAFF LISTING 6-7
MISSION STATEMENT 7
STUDENT EXPECTATIONS7-8
Attitude8
The Four Promises8
How I Run My Love and Logic Classroom8
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION9
PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSION9
HOW TO CONTACT A STAFF/FACULTY MEMBER10
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/DESIGN 10-12
PARENTS’/CUSTODIANS’ RESPONSIBILITIES 12-13
STUDENT AND FAMILY SERVICES 13-16
Guidance Program 13
Social Worker13
Nurse13
Mental Health Counselor 13-14
Leadership ACAS14
School Resource Officer (SRO)14
Bus Transportation14
GED Preparation Class 14
On-Line Courses for Credit Recovery and Supplemental Assignments 14
AndersonCounty Library Bookmobile14
“Burger King” 14-15
Handbooks 15
“New Beginnings” Class15
Boot Camp 15
Social Skills Training Class 15
Testing Program15-16
Agency Referrals 16
Optional Accident Insurance16
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT 17-28
Rule 1-Zero Tolerance of Weapons18
Rule 2-Dress Code 18-20
Rule 3-Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco 20
Rule 4-Disruptions and Interference with School 21
Rule 5-Indecent Acts21
Rule 6-Transportation 22-24
Rule 7-Items Prohibited on Campus24
Rule 8-Prohibited and/or Illegal Activities 24-27
Bullying24-26
How To Report Bullying27
Rule 9-Manner/Etiquette28
Rule 10-Repeated Violations/Misbehavior28
SCHOOL PROCEDURES 29-36
School Day29
Attendance Policy 29
Health Room and Student Health Procedures 30-31
Early Dismissal 32
Note/Letter Writing 32
Excuses and Other Paperwork32
Telephone Calls32
Release from Classes 32
Student Traffic33
Breakfast and Lunch Program33
Grading Scale33
Graduation Requirements33
Earning High School Credits and Seat Hours 34
Grade Placements for High School Students 34
Safety Standards 35
Withdrawal Procedures35
Visitors35
Returning To Your HomeSchool 36
Important Note For Middle Schoolers36
“Three Strikes” Procedure38
BOOT CAMPHANDBOOK 37-40
Personal Power, Positive Self Esteem37
Daily Boot Camp Check In38
Male and Female Mandatory Items38
Male Students’ Check-In 38-39
Female Students’ Check-in 39
Performance40
Boot CampPhysical TrainingRequirements40
MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS I NEED TO DO 41-42
2012-2013ANDERSON COUNTY ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL CALENDARAUGUST 2012
14-17, 20--StaffDevelopment
21-First Student Day for
Orientation-students
to leave with parents
22-First Full Day and
Bus Routes will run /
SEPTEMBER 2012
3-Labor Day Holiday24-Staff Development—
no students
25-Progress Reports
issued for 1st 9 weeks /
OCTOBER 2012
17-Early Release-Staff D.23-25-HSAP Testing for
selected HS students
24-End1st 9 weeks
grading period
31-Report Cards issued
for 1st 9 weeks /
NOVEMBER 2012
2-Staff Development-nostudents
5-Fall Holiday
6-Election Day Holiday
21-23 Thanksgiving
Holidays
DECEMBER 2012
10-Progress Reportsissued 2nd 9 weeks
21-Last day before
Christmas Holidays
24-Jan 4 Christmas
Holidays /
JANUARY 2013
7-Students/Staff returnfrom Christmas
holidays
17-End of 2nd 9 weeks
21-Martin Luther King,
Jr. Holiday
24-Report Cards issued
for 2nd 9 weeks /
FEBRUARY 2013
6-Early Release-Staff Dev13-Progress Reports
issued for 3rd 9 weeks
15-Staff Development
Day-no students /
MARCH 2013
6-Early Release-Staff Dev19-20-PASS Testing for
Middle School
25-End of 3rd 9 weeks
29-Staff Development
Day-no students
APRIL 2013
1-5 Spring Break8-Report Cards issued for
3rd 9 weeks
16-18 HSAP Testing for
selected high school
students
26-Snow Make-up Day/
Holiday /
MAY 2013
6-Progress Reportsissued-4th 9 weeks
7-10-PASS Testing for
Middle School
27-Memorial Day Holiday
31-9:00 a.m.Awards/
Graduation Program
TBD-High School EOC
Testing /
JUNE 2013
6-Last day of 4th 9 weeks7-Staff Development Day
10-Snow Make-up Day
(if needed)
11-Snow Make-up Day
(if needed) /
*Students will be dismissed on Early Release Days at 11:00 a.m. Remainder of day will be used for staff development.
INCLEMENT WEATHERSCHOOL CLOSINGS INFORMATION
Decisions on school closings will be made by 6:30 a.m. AndersonCountyAlternative School will follow the same schedule as Anderson School District Five. Announcements will be made on the following TV/radio stations: WYFF, WSPA, WLOS, FOX, and WRIX-FM. Announcements will also be posted on Anderson District Five’s website: .
FACULTY AND STAFF
Staff members can be reached by:
Telephone: (864) 260-5028.
Fax: (864) 260-4004
E-mail: as indicated below
NAME / POSITION / EMAIL ADDRESSDillingham, Randolph H. / Director /
Beaty, Master Sgt James / Boot Camp Sgt /
Burden-Brown, Tamara / GED Prep / TamaraBurden-Brown
@anderson5.net
Cohen, Virginia E. / Executive
Secretary /
Collins, Wanda / Guidance
Counselor /
Croft, Beth / Middle School
Math /
Croft, Wayne / New Beginnings
Burger King /
TBD / Middle School
Computer Ed.
Davis, Kimberly / Staff Assistant
Guidance Clerk
Sub. Bus Driver /
Dobbins, Janie / Bus Driver-2
Staff Assistant /
Floyd, Jeremy / Middle School
Soc. Studies /
Fortney, Dan / Bus Driver-4
Staff Assistant /
Fowler, Debbie / Middle School
Science /
Fraser, Chuck / High School
Soc. Studies /
Gilreath, Cathy / Nurse /
Higginbotham, Denise / Staff Assistant /
Lynch, Dr. Patti / High School Math /
NAME / POSITION / EMAIL ADDRESS
McClure, Jerel / Bus Driver-1
Staff Assistant /
McCullough, 1st Sgt Rodney / Boot Camp
Sgt /
Moore, April / Mental Health
Counselor /
Morrison, Shirley / Bus Driver-5
Staff Assistant
Bus Supervisor /
Patrick, Mary / Resource, grades 6-12 /
Powell, Freddy / Bus Driver-3
Operations/
Staff Assistant /
Robinson, Connie / Staff Assistant /
Seay, Pamela / High School
English /
Skillman, Roger / High School
Science /
Tarallo, Kristy / Social Worker /
Thomas, Phyllis / Staff Assistant /
Wilson, Linda / Middle School
English /
Whitfield, Officer Steve / SRO /
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the AndersonCountyAlternative School is to provide an opportunity for students who have been expelled from an AndersonCountySchool District or who are under jurisdiction of a South Carolina Court System to become responsible productive citizens by offering a quality program in a rigorous and safe environment.
There are many things that each of us can do to help create an environment that supports learning and social/emotional growth at AndersonCountyAlternative School.
“Attitude,” “Four Promises,” and “How I Run My Love and Logic Classroom”
address many of the skills your student will be expected to learn at ACAS.
ATTITUDE
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude is more important thanfacts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstance, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill and it will make or break a company…a church…a home.
THE REMARKABLE THING IS THAT WE HAVE A CHOICE EVERYDAY REGARDING THE ATTITUDE WE WILL EMBRACE FOR THE DAY. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I’M CONVINCED THAT LIFE IS 10% WHAT HAPPENS TO ME AND 90% HOW I REACT TO IT. And so it is with you…WE ARE IN CHARGE OF OUR ATTITUDES.”
Charles Swindol
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You will be expected to memorize, understand, write, recite and follow
THE FOUR PROMISES
HOW I RUN MY LOVE AND LOGIC CLASSROOM
as they are written below.
THE FOUR PROMISES
I PROMISE:
To treat others with respect and dignity.
To appreciate diversity.
To diligently pursue my education and to respect other people’s right to pursue their education.
To obey the rules of this school and to conduct myself with honor.
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HOW I RUN MY LOVE AND LOGIC CLASSROOM
This is the official school discipline code.
- I will treat you with respect so you will know how to treat me.
- Feel free to do anything that doesn’t cause a problem for anyone else.
- If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it.
- If you can’t solve the problem, or choose not to, I will do something.
- What I dowill depend on the special person and the special situation.
- If you feel something is unfair, whisper to me, “I’m not sure that’s fair,” and we will talk.
PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
Students who have been expelled from a school district may attend for the duration of the expulsion. The requirements to qualify for the program are:
1. Student and parent/custodians are residents of AndersonCounty; and
2. The student has been expelled from one of the five AndersonCountySchool
Districts and/or the student is under the jurisdiction of a court system or parole
board and has been required to participate in the Alternative School program.
3. A student may have no more than three enrollments at the alternative school. This
“Three Strikes Procedure” allows a student 3 opportunities to make necessary
changes to return to and be successful at their home school and/or graduate or
obtain their GED. A senior who has a legitimate opportunity to graduate may be
considered for an additional enrollment.(See page 38 for a full explanation of
this procedure.)
PROCEDURES FOR ADMISSIONBefore a student is accepted into the Alternative School program, the student and the parent/custodian must agree to complete the following steps:
- The student and parent/custodian must have a formal interview with the Alternative School Director or designee. NO APPOINTMENTS ARE SCHEDULED UNTIL ALL RECORDS FOR THE STUDENT ARE RECEIVED FROM THE FEEDERSCHOOL. IN THE EVENT THE STUDENT IS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE, A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THAT AGENCY MUST BE PRESENT AT THE INTERVIEW.Whenaccepted for enrollment,both parent and child must sign a contract agreeing to follow the rules of the school. Also, you will receivea manila envelope with forms to be completed by the parent and returned at Orientation. Your child will not be enrolled until this information is received.
- The second phase of enrollment is that both parent/guardian and student participate in an orientation meeting prior to admission;
- All records, including forms completed by the parent/guardian, and a completed application packet must be received from the student’s home school. PARENTS ARE NOT TO BRING SCHOOL RECORDS TO US. THEY MUST BE SENT TO US BY THE HOMESCHOOL.
- The final step includes payment of your child’s fees. You will have to purchase the school shirts for your child and you must also pay a Boot Camp uniform deposit. This deposit is a refundable fee that will be returned at the end of school if all pieces of the uniform (pants and jackets) are returned to the Boot Camp instructors. If all pants and jackets are not returned, the deposit will not be returned and a $25.00 per piece fee will be assessed.
Once ALL of these steps have been completed, your child will be enrolled at the school.
HOW TO CONTACT A STAFF/FACULTY MEMBERIf you would like to contact our staff/faculty, please call the Alternative School to set up a conference. The school number is 260-5028.
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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION/DESIGNAndersonCountyAlternative School is an alternative educational program designed to promote academic and social development of students in grades 6-12, who have been expelled, or who are under the jurisdiction of a court system, parole board, or a parole officer. Participation in the program in middle or high school is AN ELECTIVE OPTION that a parent/guardian and child may choose to exercise.
Students are provided the opportunity to succeed in a supportive, non-traditional educational delivery system that is teacher-directed, computer-assisted, and based upon individual learning styles and needs. Included in the Alternative School curriculum are programs to enhance the students’ abilities to function successfully outside of school such as physical training, service learning, career exploration, interpersonal skill development and individual counseling and family intervention.
The characteristics and program components that will provide a challenging and effective school setting include:
A high level of academic expectations, as well as high expectations for students to be accountable and willing to take responsibility for their actions;
Computer-assisted instruction;
A small student-teacher ratio;
Opportunities for high school students for credit renewal/accrual through Nova-Net
A flexible schedule that is compatible with a curriculum that emphasizes the basic academic subjects;
A GED program for long-term enrollees or over-age students;
Regular attendance, behavior and academic progress reports;
Direct supervision of all activities by teaching staff and security personnel;
A parent and student counseling program;
Consistent, FULL-DAY attendance policy with a vigorous work load and minimal time off;
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Efforts to obtain a mentor teacher and/or student from sending school who will assist in the transition back to the home school;
Clear and consistent goals for students and parents that are communicated on a continuing basis;
A curriculum and counseling program that engenders hope and confidence in students who lack the self-esteem to reach their potential academically and socially;
An emphasis on the development of personal social skills that include conflict management, anger control, and cultural awareness/sensitivity;
A clear, appropriate, and simplistic dress code for all students;
The use of security measures such as walk-through and hand-held metal detectors, video cameras in all classrooms and hallways, security associates, and a school resource officer.
No student lockers and the prohibition of book bags on the school campus;
Encouragement of parents to use school bus transportation for their student. If a student drives to school, a strict policy will be enforced concerning the use and location of the vehicle. Violation of this policy may result in a student losing his/her driving privilege at ACAS;
Involvement in community service projects as developed by the Alternative School;
Student participation in daily school/campus clean-up;
Available services through outside agencies: Behavioral Health, Department of Juvenile Justice, Health Department, JDPP, etc.;
“Word of the Day” tips for encouraging wise decision-making skills;
Participation and completion by all students in a rigid Boot-Camp Program;
Boot Camp sergeants who direct rigorous physical training activities, character-enhancing exercises and leadership development program;
A Social Skills Training Class that includes team-building exercises at the on-site Ropes Course;
A strictly enforced tardy policy which allows students only one excused tardy. Any other tardy may result in the student being sent back home.
NovaNet, Apex, Catch-up Math, on-line computer courses, for selected students who aregenuinelyinterested in “catching up” on courses they previously failed or supplementing courses they are currently taking. The guidance counselor and the teachers will determine students who qualify for this opportunity.
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PARENTS’/CUSTODIANS’ RESPONSIBILITIESThere are certain responsibilities that the student’s parent(s)/custodian(s) must assume when the student is enrolled at the Alternative School. By reading, understanding, and following the items below, parent(s)/custodian(s) can ensure that their student will have an opportunity to experience success.
1. Read the entire student handbook with your student and make sure thathe/she
understands each item, rule, and procedure.
2. Upon enrolling at ACAS, both parent and student will be held accountable and responsible
for attendance as mandated by the South Carolina School Attendance Law. It is YOUR
responsibility to notify the school when your child is absent. You can call the day before or
the morning of the absence. If you do not call us, we will assume that you are aware of your
child’s absence or your child is cutting and you are allowing them to be truant.
3. When scheduled for appointments, conferences, or counseling sessions at the Alternative
School, make every effort to be there and on time. If you cannot make the appointment,
please call as soon as possible and reschedule. Your input is very important to us. ALL
STUDENTS AREREQUIRED TO BE IN DRESSCODE WHEN THEY ARE
ACCOMPANYING THEIR PARENT(S) FORCONFERENCES. Conferences will be
cancelled and re-scheduled if a student comes to the school not dressed in the required school
dress code.
4. Don’t make excuses for your student and don’t cover for him/her. Your assistance is needed
to encourage the student to take responsibility for his/her actions.
5. Transportation from designated sites will be available from each school district or you may
bring your student to school or arrange suitable and dependable transportation for him/her.
If he/she must drive, make sure that the school’s rules regarding car drivers are understood.
6. If you are transporting your student to and from school, please observe thefollowing drop off
and pick up procedures:
MORNING DROP OFF:
Drop off student at back gate on Osborne Street