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:
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.
