OPERATION JUMPSTART EAST

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM

Student Handbook

2013-14

The purpose of our Alternative Education Program is to create a profound experience that can change a student’s life.

Jeanne Blume,Principal

Harry Dixon III, Assistant Principal

Devin Bell, Administrative Assistant

2552 Sgt. Alfred Drive, Slidell, Louisiana 70458

Visit our web page: operationjumpstarteast.stpsb.org

1

(985) 641-5729; Fax (985) 690-4402

School Hours: 9:30 – 4:30

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Operation Jumpstart East Alternative Programprovides an alternative education for students in St. Tammany Parish Public Schools.Operation Jumpstart East is designed to help students reach their educational goals by increasing academic as well as social skills. Students are assigned by the Superintendent of the St. Tammany Parish Public Schools or through the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

Operation Jumpstart Eastprovides a safe, structured learning environment that focuses on academic improvement and character development.The junior high curriculum mirrors that of the regular campus. Students in eighth grade may earn Carnegie Units. The high school offers diploma-bound students the opportunity to earn credits toward graduation including opportunities for earning high school credits throughA3 Virtual Academy. AGED Program is also offered at Operation Jumpstart East for students who meet criteria.

GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS

Operation Jumpstart East’s expectation is for students to follow the Goals of the program as they learn to manage their own behavior. The “FISH” philosophy has been adopted to reinforce the goals of the program as we guide the student toward becoming an independent student, capable of attending a regular campus. Excessive staff management of student behavior could delay program completion or require program removal.

The goals of the FISH philosophy are:

Be There:means taking responsibility for being fully present.

Choose Your Attitude: means taking responsibility for your own responses and actions.

Make Their Day: means showing respect by affirming or supporting others.

Have Fun: means to be engaged in a positive school culture.

POSITIVE INCENTIVES

Program completion and return to a regular campus.

Weekly Level Privileges

Phoenix Rising Rewards are awarded for improved behavior or grades; acts of kindness; positive change in behavior, etc. Coupons given staff members and provides recognition of the student and enters the student into a drawing for prizes which include pizza, ice cream coupons, and gift cards.

Positive Verbal Recognition

 “Student of the Week” recognition

Opportunities to participate in various activities during the school year

Requirement to Return to a Regular Campus

Students must completion all requirements of expulsion criteria determined by the Superintendent’s office. Expulsion criteria include completion of specified time assigned to the alternative program,meeting an assigned compliance level of 80% or above, and completion of mandated screenings and/or counseling. Students must also meet allattendance requirements outlined by the St. Tammany Parish Public School System.

*Students placed at Operation Jumpstart East through an IEP: An IEP will be reconvened for to review placement and consider return to a regular campus.

Percentages required for completion of the program are computed based on points earned. The number of points required is calculated based on the number of days the student is required to attend Operation Jumpstart East.

1

STUDENT BEHAVIOR PROGRESS REPORTS

Weekly levels and compliance percentage are reflected on the Progress Report. Points are earned daily in various categories which include Dress Code, Appropriate Language, Following Instructions, Respect to Staff, and Appropriate Peer Interactions.Additional points may be earned for returning the Progress Report signed by parents or guardians and no Major Behavior Incident Reports.Unexcused absences will result in loss of points for the entire day

Students’levels change weekly (One STAR, Two STARS, Three STARS). Three and Two Star Levels offer privileges and/or incentives.

Three STARS(90% and above)

Lunch in the cafeteria seated with peers

Go outside or to gym after lunch.

Snack on Friday

Level 3 Recognition Bracelet

Two STARS(80% - 89%)

Lunch in the cafeteria in assigned seat (two seats apart)

One STAR (79% and below)

Lunch at OJE

Students meet each Monday with their Homeroom Teacher/Mentor during Phoenix Families. Progress Reports are reviewed and given to students during this time. The progress Reports will indicate the Weekly Percentage and Level and total percentage. The reports must be signed and returned by Wednesday.Additional points are earned when Progress Reports are signed by parents or guardians and returned.

Progress Reports are faxed weekly to students who are participating in outside agencies such as YSB, Truth 180, Probation, and Drug Court.

SUPPORT PROGRAMS

Extensive behavior support and review of expectations is provided to avoid suspensions. However it is important to understand that students may be suspended and expelled from an alternative program when behavior becomes unmanageable.

MORNING SUPPORT

Students are assigned to Morning Support as a disciplinary action. Morning Support begins at 8:30 and continues until 9:15. Students will participate in a written component and a counseling component. Parents will be notified prior to assignment of Morning Support and are responsible for transportation.

AFTERNOON SUPPORT

Students are assigned to Afternoon Support as a disciplinary action. Afternoon Support begins immediately after school and ends at 5:30pm. Students will participate in a written component and a counseling component. Parents will be notified prior to assignment of Afterschool Support and are responsible for transportation.

SATURDAY SUPPORT

As per STPSB policy, the Saturday Support Program is used as part of the overall School Discipline Plan that identifies offenses and consequences. Students who would normally be suspended out-of-school may be given Saturday Support in lieu of suspension per discretion of the administration. Saturday Support is held once per month at Operation Jumpstart East from 7:30am – 9:30am. Notification will be provided to parents by phone call and in writing.

Assignments, activities or work assigned during Saturday Support includes:

  • Writing personal Reflections
  • Positive Behavior Packets
  • Community Service at the school site (supervised physical labor) which includes

picking up trash, pulling weeds, cleaning desks, etc.

Students must be in school uniform including tucking in their shirt. All school rules apply including banned objects and entrance procedures. CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED.

Disruptions, non-compliance, and disrespect will not be tolerated during Saturday Support. If a student does not follow rules or directions, the parent will be called and the student will be suspended for two days. Saturday Support will no longer be an option for the student.

FAILURE TO ATTEND ASSIGNED SUPPORT SESSIONS WILL RESULT IN ADDITIONAL CONSEQUENCES WHICH INCLUDES SUSPENSION.

REFERRAL TO FINS (FAMILIES IN NEED OF SERVICES)

The FINSProgram through the Youth Service Bureau (YSB) provides effective programs of prevention and intervention for at-risk youth and their families. Students who demonstrate habitually problematic behavior at Operation Jumpstart East will be referred to the FINS program.

PHOENIX FAMILY MENTOR PROGRAM

Each student is assigned a mentor that sets goals with the student, reviews behavior and grades, and meets with the student one time per week in Phoenix Families.

COUNSELING PROGRAM

The counselors of Operation Jumpstart Alternative Program strive to contribute to the preparation of students academically and socially to be successful upon their return to regular school campus or, to successfully achieve post-secondary goals. Through a preventive design, school counselors will address academic, career and social development needs of every student to become a contributing member of the society in which they live. Working in partnership with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies, we hope to assist in creating a profound change in a student's life.

School Counseling Services

The Louisiana School Counseling Model is implemented and coordinated by a licensed and nationally certified school counselor.

Mental Health Providers

MHPs are available on a referral basis to assist students with personal/social concerns.

Graduation Coach

A Graduation Coach is provided to work with students on high school overview, goal-setting and plan-making, post-secondary plans and graduation requirements review.

Responsive Services

Counselors are available to assist students who “face obstacles that interfere with their personal/social, career or educational development. Counseling services provided are available to address the immediate concerns of students, such as abuse, grief, loss, suicide prevention, and crisis prevention/intervention through personal and small group counseling, consultation, and referral” (Louisiana's Alternative Education Handbook).

Psycho-Educational Groups

Several educational groups related to pertinent student concerns will be conducted over a six week period each semester. Topics include subjects to help students get along better with others, transitions to a regular campus, career exploration and dealing with emotions. Groups are offered based on students’ needs.

Community Circles

A Restorative Practice used to build community, Community Circle is implemented on a regular basis in Life Skills and some academic classes. Community Circles are led by classroom teachers.

Guidance Curriculum

Includes: Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education, i-Safe, drug abuseprevention education, career exploration, academic planning, & test taking strategies.

EXPECTATIONS AND RULES

SCHOOLWIDE RULES

Be ThereWear school uniform in accordance with student handbook.

Follow directions by staff members.

Maintain a clean, safe school.

Choose Your AttitudeSpeak respectfully to adults and peers.

Conversation should be appropriate in language and topic.

Make Their DayAcknowledge others using positive statements.

Have Fun/PlayStay positive and engaged. Be a part of the solution.

CLASSROOM RULES

Be ThereBring all necessary supplies to class.

Complete all assignments.

Choose Your AttitudeFollow directions the first time they are given.

Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Listen as others speak.

Make Their DayMonitor voice levels during activities.

Have FunBe engaged in the learning process.

HALLWAYS

Be ThereWalk in a line on the right side of the hall.

Go directly to class during class change.

Choose Your AttitudeKeep hands, feet and objects to yourself

Remain quiet in the halls.

Make Their DayGreet others with a smile.

RESTROOM

Be ThereGet in and out quickly.

Flush toilet and wash hands.

Choose Your AttitudeMonitor noise level.

Check uniform for compliance.

Make Their DayKeep the restroom clean.

CAFETERIA

Be ThereMaintain your position in line.

Wait quietly and patiently.

Choose Your AttitudeKeep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

Speak respectfully to peers and staff.

Make Their DayKeep your area clean.

Have Fun.Discuss appropriate subject matter using conversational voices.

UNIFORMS

Students are required to wear the designated school uniform:

BLACK PANTSBLACK BELT

WHITE SHIRTPLAIN WHITE OR BLACK SHOES

PLAIN WHITE OR BLACK UNDERSHIRT

SEE IMPORTANT DETAILS AND RESTRICTIONS BELOW:

BLACK PANTS

JEANS, STRETHCHY PANTS, OR KNIT PANTSARE NOT PERMITTED. Pants must be worn at thetop of the hip bone therefore no low cut pants. Pants mustnot be tight fitting or saggy including male and female students. Cargopants with multiple pockets are not permitted. Pants may not be rolled up or torn at the bottom.

WHITE SHIRT

Shirts must be tucked in at all times.

Students may wear either of the following type ofwhiteshirts:

White dress shirt with a collar, long or short sleeved. Sleeves may not be rolled.

White polo type shirt without a logo, long or short sleeved.

PLAIN BLACK BELT

Studs, rhinestones, cut outs, adornments, or large buckleslettering arenotallowed. Belts with rectangular ornamental buckles are not allowed.

SHOES

Students may wear black or white shoes. Brightlycolored designs are not allowed. Lacedshoes are preferred and tennis shoesshould be worn if your child has aphysical education class. Slippers, boots, high heels, backless shoes, platforms, open toed or openheeled shoes are not allowed.

UNDERSHIRTS

Students may take their uniform shirt off during Physical Education class onlyif they wear an appropriate t-shirt. T-shirts must be plain black, gray, or white without any logos, pictures orwords. Tank tops are not allowed.

Parents will be called to bring the correct uniform if students arrive to school

in violation of the above dress code.

ADDITIONAL DRESS CODE REQUIREMENTS

  • Students are not allowed to wear an extra pair of shorts under their pants.
  • Coats, jackets, and sweatshirts are checked in upon entryand may not be worn in the classroom.
  • Hair bands and bows must not be arranged in such a manner that is non detrimental to the performance of normal educational activities. School administration has the final authority on the approval of any and all head bands and bows.
  • Nails must be filed short and artificial nails are not allowed.
  • Excessive make up or unusual shades of nail polish may not be worn. School administration has the final authority on determining what is excessive and unusual.
  • Hair and facial hair must comply with STPSB rules.
  • Students may not write or draw pictures on any part of their body.
  • Jewelry may not be worn. This includes which includes watches, rings, necklaces, or earrings.
  • No piercing jewelry of any kind including plastic studs. Band-Aids may not be worn to conceal earrings or plastic studs.

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED INCLUDE:

Electronic devices including cell phones, electronic readers, and MP3 players.

Headphones

Bookbags

Handbags

Money

C.D.s, DVDs, flash drives

Food and drinks including candy and gum

Nail polish or make up items

Hair Picks

Large Key Rings

Lanyards

Any item that can be used as a weapon

Magazines or books without teacher/administrative permission.

Markers and Sharpies

Medication of any kind including medicated chapstick.

Any other item that is a safety concern or that interferes with the educational process.

Legal items confiscated will be returned to a parent or legal guardian.

PROCEDURES

ENTRANCE PROCEDURES

After being directed to exit your bus, male students walk to the ramp in the front of the building and wait in line on the right side. Female students will enter through the front steps. Move with the line. Loitering at the back of the line is not permitted.

While you are waiting in line

  • Remove your jacket.
  • Remove your belt.
  • Untuck your shirt.
  • Pull out your pockets.
  • Check to make sure that your pants are not cuffed.
  • Wait until you are called to enter the building

Once you are in the building

  • Proceed to the Coat Rack. Hand your coat jacket or sweater to a staff member and tell them your lunch number. Your jacket, etc. will be hung on the hanger matching your lunch number.
  • Place your belt in your binder, place your binder on the table, and place keys on the table.

(It is recommended that you write your name on the inside of your belt.)

  • Proceed to line to enter metal detector.
  • Take off your shoes.
  • Walk through the metal detector* holding your shoes.

After exiting the metal detector

  • Pick up your belt, keys, and binder (after it has been searched).
  • Put on your shoes and belt. Begin walking down the 300 Hall.
  • Stop at the Breakfast table (optional).
  • Stop to get water before you go to your homeroom. You will not be allowed to leave you homeroom once you enter it.
  • Go directly to your homeroom. Loitering in the hall or entering other classrooms other than your assigned room is prohibited.

*All Operation Jumpstart students will enter the building each morning through a metal detector to insure the safety of all students and staff.

BREAKFAST PROCEDURES

Students eat breakfast at Operation Jumpstart East in their Homeroom class. Students who wish to eat breakfast will stop at the Breakfast Table after initial entry and must select:

  • Breakfast food item
  • One of the following:Milkor Juice You may select both milk and juice.

LUNCH PROCEDURES

  • Students will be called to lunch by class and escorted by their teachers to the front of the building.
  • Junior High and middle school students will be called at 12:50, followed by

High school students at 1:00.

  • Students are expected to walk quietly in a line to and fromSTJH.
  • Once in the cafeteria, students will be assigned to specific tables.
  • Students will be called to line up and will return to OJE in a quiet line.
  • Shouting at students from STJH will not be tolerated.

Failure to comply with lunch procedures will result in the student eating at the Operation Jumpstart East building.

Lunchesmay not be brought from home unless a student has a dietary need prescribed by a medical doctor.

Please send a check or money order made to STJH.

Please avoid sending cash with your child.

It’s important to stay current with lunch charges.