Opportunities Staff

Opportunities In Learning Justin Stevens and Troy Bertrand's map of colliding Eurasian plates and cultures made in their PROJECT BASED LEARNING class that integrates earth science, Western Civilization, and English. Over the past five years, Opportunties In Learning has boasted having the best map collection of any high school in Vermont: from student-produced maps to South Is Up, from Raisz landform maps to the Peter's Projection, from Pacific- and Atlantic-centered Van Sants to copies of art-maps ... among many others (May 2010). RIGOR          RELEVANCE          RELATIONSHIPS PROGRAM BACKGROUND Opportunities In Learning is an alternative education program that serves elementary, middle and secondary students who have struggled to succeed in the mainstream setting. In order to assist the struggling learner, the program is designed to offer students with a structured, student centered approach to learning. Our small student to teacher ratio allows students to receive individualized instruction that focuses on the emotional and academic needs and interests of the learner, as well as to provide the flexibility to design individualized plans for success. Opportunities In Learning is starting its 8th year of operation. MISSION STATEMENT   It is the purpose of the Opportunities In Learning Program to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of students by maintaining a safe, structured and nurturing environment that is focused on learning. When appropriate, students have the option of transitioning back to their sending school, attending the vocational center, engaging in work study, planning transition into adult life or preparing for the GED. Administrators, Teachers, Assistants, Service Providers and Consultants are determined to work together to provide students at Opportunities with: *A Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) *Coping and social skill training and practice *A strong academic focus to increase the likelihood of success in high school, college     and post secondary training *Individual Functional Behavioral Assessment, matched with a learning profile that      identifies learning strengths and needs, and will be used to design accommodations      to increase each student’s potential for success *Positive student to staff relationships *Connections with outside local agencies *Long term goal development for transition back to sending school and/or      postsecondary life Opportunities Vision Statement It is our belief that learning is the fundamental purpose of education and that all students deserve the opportunity to be successful in school and to develop to their fullest potential, both academically and socially. We believe that is best accomplished in an environment where each student feels safe, supported and accepted; and where students experience structure, consistent positive feedback and strong relationships with peers and adults. At Opportunities In Learning, we use a supportive team model to create a positive school culture based on mutual respect and responsibility. We strive to nurture curiosity through a student-centered approach with an emphasis on project based learning. Common Beliefs Students will work to meet their fullest potential by practicing: Respect Students will respect themselves, others and property Responsibility Students will accept responsibility for their choices and actions Safety Students will maintain a safe, peaceful, and healthy learning environment by abiding by all expected behaviors, school board policies, state and federal laws. DAILY SCHEDULE School Opens 7:50 am School Begins      8:00 am Core Academics 8:10-11:00 am Lunch 10:45-11:25 (two lunch periods) Core Academics 11:05-12:25 Afternoon Specials 12:25-1:45 Cognitive Behavior Coaching 1:45-2:15 Dismissal 2:15 SCHOOL PROGRAMS Academics: Opportunities In Learning follows the curriculum of the schools within the Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union, and the Vermont State Standards Framework and Grade Expectations. In order to meet the varying needs of each student we teach the academic skills and knowledge essential for success in mainstreamed schooling with an individualized approach that is aimed towards meeting a variety of learning styles. High School: Opportunities works with students from Green Mountain Union High School. The grade range is from 9th grade to 12th grade Students can attend technical schools connected to their high school Opportunities follows the same curriculum requirements for graduation as GMUHS Physical Education is required for graduation. Medical excuses from physical education class must be approved by the school nurse prior to class Report Cards are issued quarterly and are aligned with the GMUHS marking period The grading scale is based on the student’s neighborhood school criteria and credits are assigned accordingly Students can participate in all extra curricular activities in their neighborhood school Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices Transitions in this program will be based around quarter and semester breaks Students may participate in a work study program if appropriate and under the supervision of the administrator Full Day students will participate in Friday Functional Learning activities that work on developing social skills Middle School: Students attend Floodbrook and GMUHS The grades served are 7th and 8th The curriculum for our middle school program follows a similar curriculum to the student’s neighborhood school The students in the middle school are also working intensively on developing communication and social skills to enable them to be successful in the mainstreamed classroom Report Cards are issued quarterly and follow the GMUHS marking period. The grading scale is based on the student’s neighborhood school criteria Students can participate in all extra curricular activities in their neighborhood school (i.e, sports teams…). Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices Transitions in this program will be based around quarter and semester breaks Students will participate in Friday Functional Learning activities that work on developing social skills Elementary School: Students in our elementary grades are from Cavendish Town Elementary School, Chester-Andover Elementary School and Floodbrook School The grade range is from 1st grade to 6th grade The curriculum for our elementary program follows a similar curriculum to the student’s neighborhood school The students in the elementary school are also working intensively on developing communication and social skills to enable them to be successful in the mainstreamed classroom Report Cards are issued quarterly and follow the GMUHS marking period. The grading scale is based on the student’s neighborhood school criteria Students can participate in all extra curricular activities in their neighborhood school (i.e, sports teams…). Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices Transitions in this program will be based around quarter and semester breaks Students will participate in Friday Functional Learning activities that work on developing social skills ACADEMIC CURRICULUM Opportunities In Learning’s curriculum is aligned with the Vermont State Standards Framework and Vermont State Grade Expectations. We provide all four core courses (mathematics, science, language arts and social studies), physical education, creative arts, career development and social skills. In order to meet the individual needs of each student we provide an individualized approach that reaches a variety of learning styles and offer intensive instruction in specific skill areas where students may be struggling. We offer personal planning through a project-based model, which nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and applied reasoning. Academic Programming for ALL GRADES The schedule combines 80 minute academic blocks and 40 minute blocks All four core subjects are available (mathematics, science, language arts and social studies) Project Based Learning and Personal Planning Integration of technology is readily used by all classroom teachers Intensive reading instruction is available Progress Monitoring through NECAP and MAP testing Report Cards are issued quarterly and follow the GMUHS marking period. The grading scale is based on the student’s sending school criteria Students can participate in all extra curricular activities at their sending school (i.e., sports teams…). Families will be responsible for arranging transport to any after school practices. Transitions from this program back to the mainstream setting will be based around mid quarter and quarter breaks when possible.   Progress Review meetings will be scheduled approximately every four to six weeks Elementary and Middle School Read Naturally Reading Program Wilson Reading Program Everyday Mathematics Elements of Mathematics Social Thinking Curriculum High School Opportunities follows the same graduation requirements as the sending schools Physical Education is required for a minimum of two years. Medical excuses from physical education class requires a doctor’s note and must be approved by the school nurse prior to class Students must complete 20 hours of community service within the course of four years if they continue their high school at Opportunities In Learning Students may participate in college preparatory exams at their sending high school (PSAT, SAT). Students may work with their high school’s guidance counselor to plan for college entrance Students may apply for collegiate scholarships and grants through the guidance department at their sending high school Students will be invited to participate in all IEP meetings and the Transition planning process to the mainstream setting and/or into adult life. AFTER SCHOOL TUTORING Opportunities In Learning makes every attempt to assist students in being successful academically. Sometimes students may require support that extends beyond the regular hours of the school day. Students who are struggling to maintain passing grades or who are struggling to complete work assignments will be enrolled in our after school “Failure Is Not An Option” program. “Failure Is Not An Option” is an after school tutorial program that will be held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 2:15 pm to 3:45 pm. Students will work either 1:1 or in small groups to develop the skills necessary for academic success. Transportation arrangements will need to be made for out of district students and students living in the Londonderry area. The after school tutorial program will begin after the first quarter progress reports go home. Students and parents will be notified if after school tutoring is required. The Opportunities In Learning graduating seniors (left to right): Orin Hart, Jacob Johnson, DJ Cobb, Frank Heynig, and Matt Daniels (June, 2009).