S. E. A. L.
School of Expressive Arts and Learning

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PUTTING THE CHILDREN FIRST

Our mission is to provide a therapeutic educational environment that facilitates communication between children, families, and the community through the encouragement of academic achievement and successful life experiences.

S.E.A.L. provides the most complete educational, emotional, recreational, and social interaction development environment available today. Just a few areas are:

  • Standard Curriculum for grades K through 12 including vocational services.
  • Speech & Language, Occupational and/or Physical Therapy as directed by student's Individual Education Plan (IEP)
  • Art
  • Music
  • Variety Show
  • Plays
  • Recreational Activities
  • Clubs: Photography, Newspaper, Student Government & more
  • Sports: Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Flag Football, Bowling
  • Member of Chicago Area Alternative Education League

S.E.A.L.  Policies and Procedures -
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Curriculum: 

The School for Expressive Arts and Learning offers a primary program (grades 1 to 3), intermediate (grades 4-6), junior high (grades 7 & 8) and several high school classes (grades 9-12). The primary, intermediate and junior high classes are self-contained classes offering a standard elementary curriculum of Reading, Spelling, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and Physical Education.

The High School Curriculum parallels the basic offerings of surrounding school districts including vocational services. A variety of classes are available to meet individual student needs, as well as graduation requirements. Students may participate either in a self-contained classroom or have a schedule that calls for moving from class to class. All students have the opportunity to participate in enrichment classes such as Art and Music.

Upon enrollment, the school staff will assess the student’s functioning in academic, personal and interpersonal skills and provide programming that is developmentally appropriate. 

School Hours:  

  • Office Hours - 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Program Hours - 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

      Wednesday is early dismissal day. Program hours end at 1:30 p.m

Attendance:

In the event of an absence, a parent/guardian must notify S.E.A.L. by 8:30 a.m.. When calling the school, the parent/guardian should provide the following information:

1. The student's name
2.
The date of the absence
3. The reason for the absence
4. The caller's name and relationship to the student

Daily attendance at school is required by state law. If the student has several excused absences, the part/guardian may be asked to bring in a doctor's note. If a student has five consecutive unexcused absences, the home school district will be notified. School district officials will initiate contact with a truancy officer should the absences become a concern.

Transportation:  

Each student’s home school district will determine transportation arrangements to and from S.E.A.L.   The S.E.A.L. rules and expectations will be enforced from the time a student enters transportation through the time he/she is dropped off from school. 

Food/Lunch Policy:  

Bringing food or drink of any kind to school is not permitted. Students will be offered a catered lunch and supplemental food items in order to accommodate certain dietary needs or religious practices. Arrangements may be made for celebrating special occasions or circumstances. 

Dress Code:  

Student’s are expected to groom and dress in a manner that does not compromise or interfere with the health, safety and decency of the school environment. The following is prohibited:

  • Clothing referencing or depicting alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances, violence, vulgarity or sexual themes
  • Clothing which may be viewed as gang related
  • Headwear (hats, headbands, bandanas, etc.) except for weather or religious purposes
  • Coats or jackets indoors
  • Provocative clothing
  • Short shorts or skirts
  • Midriff shirts Displaying inappropriate body art
  • Accessories that could be used as a weapon

If clothing is viewed as unacceptable or inappropriate by staff, the student may be asked to remove accessories, change, or turn clothing inside out. The student may not participate in the school setting without full compliance.

Expressive Therapy: 

S.E.A.L. provides students with the opportunity to participate in Expressive Therapy. As an integral part of the school program, this therapeutic and educational modality utilizes a wide range of activities, including art, music, and recreation therapies.

Art Therapy:

Art Therapy is a group in which feelings,  experiences, and potential for growth are explored through drawing or doing other types of artwork. The artwork provides a non-verbal vehicle to increase insight, develop strengths, and integrate feelings that are sometimes difficult to put into words.

Music Therapy:

Music Therapy involves using music to elicit desirable responses and changes in behavior. This group provides opportunities for non-verbal and verbal expression through the structured use of music or music activities, i.e. music listening,  improvisation, lyric analysis, group singing,  relaxation techniques, and song writing.

Recreation Therapy:

Recreation Therapy is an “action oriented”  approach to therapy which provides students with leisure alternatives to build self-esteem, promote positive peer relationships, and improve coping strategies. Recreation Therapy may include; exercise, crafts, trust building activities, leisure education, pet therapy, active games, etc.

Student Activities:

Students are offered a wide variety of activities,  athletics, and clubs to participate in to promote positive social experiences, enhance self-esteem, and parallel the general education experience.

Athletic League:

S.E.A.L. is a member of the Chicago Area Alternative Education League (CAAEL). This league provides students (boys and girls) with the opportunity to participate in athletic and academic competitions against other member schools. In order to participate, students must meet eligibility requirements based on behavior, attendance, and academic achievement. S.E.A.L.’s primary focus in implementing CAAEL is to develop and promote sportsmanship, cooperation, and positive recreational outlets.

  • Softball
  • Bowling
  • Academic Bowl
  • Spelling Bee
  • Chess
  • Basketball 

Performing Arts:

Students are offered an opportunity to participate in the performing arts program which includes:

  • Variety Shows
  • Plays

Clubs:

Club participation provides students with both social and academic experiences. These include:

  • Photography Club
  • Newspaper
  • Intramurals
  • Pep Club
  • Student Government
  • Career Club

Performing Arts:

Students are offered an opportunity to participate in the performing arts program which includes: Includes:

  • Variety Shows
  • Plays 

Behavior Management Program:  

The Behavior Management Program consists of an integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy and logical consequences. There is a behavior management point and level system, which provides students with clear, concrete and immediate feedback.

Various privileges and rewards are contingent on the student’s achievement in the behavior management system. The goal is to use the behavior management system as a transitory tool towards internalization of new behaviors and skills. The combination of a concrete behavior management system, a challenging curriculum and the nurturing therapeutic environment enables the student to make educational progress while encouraging positive social and emotional development.

Points System:

A daily points sheet is utilized to keep track of progress both behaviorally and academically.  Students can earn points for demonstrating positive behavior such as:

  • active participation 
  • positive peer leadership 
  • class preparedness and homework completion
  • appropriate peer interactions
  • on-task behavior
  • following directives
  • respectful behavior
  • cooperation
  • daily attendance 

Level System:

The level system consist of 5 levels, including transitioning. The student’s level is contingent on daily point accumulation and maintaining a certain percentage over an established period of time. The higher a student’s level the more privileges and rewards he/she will earn.

Privileges/Rewards:

  • Social Lunch (students can eat in the cafeteria with peers, use vending machines, play games and listen to music)
  • Computer Time
  • Club Participation
  • Field Trips/Outings
  • Hall Pass rather than staff escort
  • Intramural Competitions
  • Free Time Activities, i.e. Nintendo, movies, games, music, etc.

Student of the Month:

Each month one student will be recognized and named “Student of the Month”. Students will be nominated based on their progress both academically and behaviorally. 

Expected Behaviors: 

In order to maintain a safe environment conducive for learning, students are expected to meet the following expectations:

  • Being prepared for classes
  • Being in designated area
  • Completing class work and assignments on time
  • Paying attention in class and asking questions for clarification
  • Following staff directives and instruction
  • Following school rules
  • Being respectful when interacting with staff and students
  • Treating school property and the property of others with respect
  • Students shall not handle, use, or disturb any materials, telephones or equipment without permission from staff
  • Gum chewing is not permitted
  • Coats or jackets may not be worn in school
  • Buying or borrowing between students is not permitted

All school rules and behavioral expectations are enforced during transportation to and from school including field trips and other school related activities

Conduct:  

  • Substance abuse, criminal involvement, sexual harassment or discriminatory behavior of any kind will not be tolerated
  • Students are not permitted in off-limits areas or areas which have not been authorized by a staff member
  • Students are expected to refrain from using profanity or displaying inappropriate gestures or expressions
  • Students are expected to respond and comply with staff directives at all times
  • Depending on the severity of conduct the following consequences may apply:
  • Removal from peer group
  • In School Suspension (ISS)
  • Out of School Suspension (OSS)
  • Police Contact  

Administration of Medication:  

Students requiring prescription or over-the-counter medication during school hours must adhere to the following guidelines:

  • The Student's doctor and parent/guardian must complete the Medication Administration Form.
  • The parent/guardian must provide the school with a labeled pharmacy container with the student's name on it.
  • The medication will be administered by the school nurse or other authorized school personnel at the designate time.
  • School personnel will maintain records on medications administered
  • Under no circumstances will S.E.A.L. administer any medication not authorized in writing by a physician and the parent/guardian 

Belongings:

Any belongings which are not required for educational or programmatic purposes will be stored in a secure area and returned at dismissal. All contraband will be confiscated.

Money Policy:

Only under arranged or special circumstances may students bring more than ten dollars to school.

Contraband:  

  • Weapons of any kind including look-a-likes
  • Illegal substances including look-a-likes
  • Lighters or matches
  • Cigarettes
  • Drug paraphernalia  
  • Cameras or video devices
  • Adult rated CDs, games, movies etc.
  • Inappropriate written materials
  • Any gang related or otherwise offensive materials
  • Combustible substances
  • Laser devices  

Safety and Security: 

To ensure a safe school environment all students are searched daily upon arrival. This may include: the use of a metal detection device, removal of outerwear, and inspection of personal belongings. Random searches may also be conducted throughout the school day.

Emergency Procedures:

In cooperation with local and State authorities, all precautions are taken for the safety and protection of students and staff.

Fire and disaster drills are held periodically. It is important for students to move quickly and orderly. Specific exit directions are posted in all the classrooms and hallways.

In the event of severe weather, S.E.A.L. will follow the closing announcements of Glenbard High School District - 87. 

Crisis Prevention and Intervention:

All staff members are trained in Crisis Prevention and Intervention, system of non-violent crisis intervention and de-escalation. While S.E.A.L. does not accept students who are at imminent risk of harming themselves or others, students may occasionally become disruptive or threatening. At such times, students may be referred to additional resources outside of the classroom. Students receive help in crisis intervention, access to their therapist and additional counseling related to solving the behavioral problem or returning to class.

Clinical Therapeutic Services:  

S.E.A.L. provides a therapeutic team approach which supports a collaborative effort between Social Work and Expressive Therapy. This unique modality optimizes the opportunity for progress relating to behavioral successes and ultimately provides the student with positive school experiences. We believe this approach is imperative to successful transitioning to the least restrictive educational environment.

School Social Work/Counseling:

Students meet individually with a Licensed Counselor or Certified Social Worker for an indicated time period, each week, based on the Individual Education Plan (IEP). A Licensed Counselor or Certified Social Worker is assigned to each student to facilitate family involvement and communicate pertinent issues, concerns, and progress. Students will also be given an opportunity to participate in group therapy as well as other focus groups, i.e. substance abuse,  assertiveness training, anger management, etc. 

Other Related Services:

S.E.A.L. provides Speech and Language,  Occupational and/or Physical Therapy as indicated on student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Consultation: 

S.E.A.L. offers consulting services based on student or family needs. These may include; psychiatry, medical, diagnostic assessment, and other necessary professional consultation. 

Computer Policy:

Students are provided computer time for word processing and internet research. Responsible use of computers and the internet is expected. An internet usage form is signed upon entry into the S.E.A.L. program.

 
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