Riverside Academy Alternative Education Options Cambridge-Isanti Schools and Surrounding Communities High School, Junior High & Intervention Programs

Quality Education Meeting Individual Needs Respectful Relationships - Student Support - Academic Relevance

Rebecca Fuller, Director [email protected]

625C Main Street North / Cambridge MN 55008-1269 / 763-552-6262 / Fax 763-552-6269

August 5, 2016 Dear Students & Parents/Guardians, Welcome to the Riverside Academy Program! As many of you know, Oak Land Cooperative Center, ISD#957-51 has dissolved as a separate school district in the State of Minnesota. Cambridge-Isanti Schools have founded the Riverside Academy – High School, Junior High and Intervention Programs. Riverside Academy will provide alternative education options in Cambridge-Isanti Schools and surrounding communities. Excellence will continue in the High School and Junior High alternative programming by keeping most of our site operations. Attached you will find the school calendar and please note the first day of school is September 6, 2016 starting at 8:15 a.m. and ending at 2:45 p.m. Schedules will be available the first day of school. I have also included the Free & Reduced Lunch Form which needs to be completed annually for your family. Please return ASAP. The Riverside Academy Handbook Overview with Operations, Safety, Incentives and Supports are included. Don’t forget the School Supplies!! List is included. Remember that all students will have a Closed Lunch until they earn it by passing 80% of their scheduled classes each term. Twenty-five students have earned an “Open Lunch Pass” from term 12 in the 2015-16 school year. Our Student Handbook is available on our website or in the office. Your student will be expected to follow all Student Handbook Guidelines. Your student’s success is very important and we believe attendance, credits earned and behavior most affects graduation timelines. Your son or daughter has registered to take classes through our program. Students attending in grades 9th – 12th are generally working toward their requirements for a high school diploma. Each student will receive a diploma from their resident school district. Counselors are available at your resident high schools to assist with credit needs and questions. Middle School aged students will be working on identified goals to increase their school success. All students are assigned an Academic Advisor at school to assist them in monitoring their academic progress. Keep informed. Communication to the family is very important to the success of your student. Please visit our website under www.C-ISchools.org finding Riverside Academy to get school information and links. We encourage you and your student to use “Family Access” for individual student academic information. Passwords are available from the assigned Advisor. Social media is used at Riverside Academy for up to date events, celebrations and education so “Like” our Facebook at “RiversideAcademy@cischoolsalc”. The following staff will be returning: Cindy Weiss (Director/Principal Administrative Assistant), Dave Larson (Social Studies), Clay Erickson (English), Jill Carlstrom (Science/Independent Study), Cindy Swartz (Special Education/Work Experience) and Cherise Gow (High School A.B.M.) The following staff will be joining our community: Dari Hogie (Junior High/T.S. Administrative Assistant), Teacher (Math), and Teacher (Health & PE). The following quote is what we believe at Riverside Academy, “If we did all we are capable of doing we would literally astonish ourselves.” Thomas Edison. We want you to continue filling your mind with knowledge as it fills to capacity. We look forward to this year and to your success. Please call with any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Rebecca Fuller Riverside Academy Director Attendance Hotline 763-552-6251

QUALITY EDUCATION MEETING INDIVIDUAL NEEDS Respectful Relationships

Student Support

Academic Relevance

Riverside Academy High School & Junior High Handbook Highlights DAY SCHOOL PROGRAM High School (10th – 12th gr.) site located at the Educational Center, enter at door 3. Junior High (6th – 9th gr.) site located across from the Educational Center.

Operations 1. Students could attend this program Monday through Friday from 8:15 AM to 2:45 PM. 2. Seat-based schedules, Independent Study schedules and a hybrid of both will be available. Advisors will be reviewing student schedules and will make changes if needed. Students not progressing at an acceptable rate may lose schedule options. 3. Students who are excessively absent, tardy or struggle with behavior will be referred to our “Student Support Team”. Student/family will meet with the Director and/or advisor to explore other educational options. Loss of schedule, adjusted schedule, GED and/or Student Contract Agreement are possible choices. 4. Student progress will result in students earning credits each term. There are 3 terms per trimester. 5. All students seeking graduation plans through the High School site will be assigned an advisor and be required to present a senior portfolio when requirements are less than two credits. Partial credit will be earned in electives or English. 6. Credits and Grading. The school year is divided into four trimesters (summer, fall, winter, and spring). Each trimester is divided into three terms. Students are able to earn partial credit toward graduation each term. (See 2016-17 School Calendar for trimester and term dates.) Students will receive a grade for completion of each partial credit at the end of the term. A grade of “Not Passing” is recorded at the end of a term when a student has not completed the required course work or was absent more than 25% of the term. All students needing additional time to complete course work are permitted to request from the teacher up to a one week extension. The Grading Scale used will be as follows: Grade Percentages

Criteria Utilized

Traditional Equivalent

P+

= 90% to 100%

Pass at High Standard Credit Awarded

4.0

P

= 80% to 89%

Pass at Standard Credit Awarded

3.0

P-

= 70% to 79%

Pass at Acceptable Standard Credit Awarded

2.0

CIP

= 69% or Below

Credit In Progress, Student can repeat course until a passing grade is attained.

Failed

Safety 1. Leaving the Building Reminder. a. All students must sign out before leaving the building. When you leave the building you are unable to return without prior permission. b. Students may receive a 1 day OSS/ISS for skipping classes, leaving without permission and/or not signing out before they leave the building. 2. The Riverside Academy Programs needs to be a “safe, learning environment”. Actions that do not allow a safe, learning environment are not acceptable during the school day: gossip, drama, irresponsible electronic use,

disruptions, noise level, harassment (including cyber bullying), chemical use, language, sexual or chemical use discussions. In addition, Riverside Academy continues to be a violence and/or disrespectful behavior free zone! 3. Electronic Devices (cell phones, IPad, IPod, Computers, etc.) are permitted during scheduled classes with teacher permission and compliance with classroom expectations. Our school encourages students to bring their own electronic devices for academic use only during class time. Noncompliance with staff directive may result in loss of electronic device privilege and an out-of-school suspension. The Riverside Academy is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged electronic devices. 4. Transportation Reminder. Students using resident district bus transportation must abide by district rules. If a student is truant/skips school during the day, they will not be permitted to ride the bus at the close of the day.

Incentives (Positive Behavior Interventions) 1. ATTENDANCE Recognition Award: All students maintaining 80% attendance in their scheduled classes for a trimester will be recognized. Honor Award: Student receiving the highest attendance percentage for a trimester will be given an awarded. 2. CREDITS Personal Day Off (PDO): All students acquiring at least 4 “P+”s in full time seat-based classes and no CIPs at the completion of a term will earn a personal day off. Parent/guardian must give permission 24 hours prior to the requested day. Earned Open Lunch: All students can earn “Open Lunch” after each successful term. A successful term is passing 80% of all scheduled classes on the last day of each term. WINNER-WINNER: Students earning all credits by the Wednesday following each term will be given an extended lunch during advisory. 3. RIVERSIDE PRIDE WOW Coupon: Random acts of kindness will be recognized by staff members by rewarding students with a coupon to enter into a prize drawing. STAR Students: Five students are chosen, at the end of each trimester, by staff members that have a significant “growth mindset” towards school goals. 4. POSITIVE SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Post Note Home: Throughout the year the staff will be sending notes home to share a positive school behavior. Social Media: Student and staff celebrations will be posted on Facebook.

Supports 1. Teenage Pregnant & Parent Program (TAPP) TAPP I & II will be on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. 2. Chemical Health Specialist (CHS) will be available to students needing support in chemical abuse situations. A referral could be made by staff, students, county workers or parent. Support groups will be available. All students entering program following a chemical treatment placement will be required to meet with CHS Counselor. 3. School-Linked Mental Health Worker will be available to referred students regardless of insurance status. Students and/or families can meet with children’s therapeutic service workers on school sight or as requested. Request information in school office. 4. School Social Worker will be available Monday – Friday as needed. 5. School Resource Officer (SRO) will assist in prevention education and specific law-related educational topics for students, families and staff. Supporting a safe and secure educational environment is the primary focus. 6. Community Share will happen on Wednesday afternoon. Donations from Cub Foods and Family Pathways will be available for all students and families participating in any Riverside Academy Program. 7. Building Volunteers and Community Support will support students in attaining their identified goals by supporting students inside and outside of school. 8. Student Support Team (SST) will assist staff in recommending academic, behavior or program interventions.

AFTERNOON PROGRAM(S) 1. The Riverside Academy will continue to maintain an Afternoon Program that offers some students needing flexible scheduling the ability to go to school in the late afternoon and students attending the Cambridge-Isanti High School and surrounding High Schools, the ability to make-up credits. The instruction is an Independent Study (I.S.) format and requires students to take ownership of their educational program and become self-directed learners. 2. The afternoon program can be combined with the Day School Independent Study classes starting at 1:45 p.m. and ending at 2:45 p.m. Students seeking a graduation plan may chose to combine programs to earn credits at an increased rate, have flexible scheduling and create a self-paced educational program.

Program Expectations 1. Operations: A state requirement for “teacher contact time” is 1 hour for every 4 hours of I.S. homework. Independent Study work completed and turned in may not be counted if there is insufficient teacher contact time. 2. Academic Progress: o Credits will be accumulated in .33, .66 or 1 credit portions. 23 hours of quality work = .33 credit. Total hours less than 23 will not be transferred between trimesters. Teachers will explain work completion and attendance needed for students to earn credits in course. 70 hours of quality completed work = 1 credit.

SCHOOL SUPPLY LIST The school supply list provided is a general school supplies list. Lockers are not provided, so supplies should be carried with students at all times in a backpack or bag. Thank you for being prepared to learn!! Scientific Calculator

5 Folders

5 Notebooks

Numerous Pens

Backpack/Bag to Carry Supplies

Numerous Pencils Headphones

IF YOUR FAMILY IS ABLE A DONATION WOULD HELP OF: Colored Pencils/Markers

Kleenex

Notebooks Pencils

Reusable backpacks

ACADEMIC ACHIEVERS WELCOME TO THE 2016-17 SCHOOL YEAR AND TO STUDENTS STARTING THE YEAR WITH OPEN LUNCH Congratulations to the Following Students on your Academic Achievement, 80% of all Scheduled Classes for Term 12, 2015-16 School Year

Haley Alden

Chase Askevold

Cole Brown

Vanessa Azuolatis

Paige Doll

Hunter Fuhol

Alexa Eberle

Mathias Henly

Samantha Hindermann

Kailen Lindgren Emily Lydon Taren O’Brien

Garrett Ekval

Taylor Kassa

Samantha Montague

Heather Phillips

Cassidy Rehm

Ashley Behrendt

Harley Hemmer

Dylan Jensen

Jaysen Sonterre

Nick Phillips Brady Torell

Allison Volenski Aurea Wek

Passing

RIVERSIDE ACADEMY 2016-17 STUDENT CALENDAR SEPTEMBER

S

M

T

W

OCTOBER

4 11 18 25 S

5 12 19 26 M

6 13 20 27 T

2 9 16 23

3 10 17 24

30

31

S

M

6

7

13 20 27 S

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

7 14 21 28 W

T 1 8 15 22 29 T

F 2 9 16 23 30 F

S 3 10 17 24

4 11 18 25

5 12 19 26

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

S 1 8 15 22 29

T

W

T

F

S

1

2

3

4

5

8

9

10

11

12

14

15

16

17

18

19

21 28 M

22 29 T

23 30 W

24

25

26

F 2 9

September 5 September 6

No School Labor Day Holiday First Day of Fall Trimester

September 29 September 30 October 13 October 19 October 20 - 21

Term 4 Ends (18 days) No School - 1/2 day Inservice-1/2 day teach work day P/T Conferences 4-8 pm Picture Day No School - Professional Conventions

October 28

Term 5 Ends (18 days)

November 24 - 25

No School Thanksgiving Holiday

S 3 10

December 1 December 2

End of Trimester 1 (22 days for term - 58 for tri) No School - 1/2 day Inservice-1/2 day teach work day

4

5

6

7

T 1 8

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

Dec. 23 - Jan. 2

No School - Winter Holiday

19 26 M 2 9 16 23 30 M

20 27 T 3 10 17 24 31 T

21 28 W 4 11 18 25

22 29 T 5 12 19 26

23 30 F 6 13 20 27

24 31 S 7 14 21 28

January 2 January 6 January 16 January 17 January 26

No School - Winter Holiday Term 7 Ends (18 days) No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day No School - Teacher Prof. Dev. Day P/T Conferences 4-8 pm

FEBRUARY

18 25 S 1 8 15 22 29 S

6 13 20 27 M

7 14 21 28 T

T 2 9 16 23

F 3 10 17 24

S 4 11 18 25

February 3 February 17 February 20

Term 8 Ends (18 days) No School - 1/2 day Inservice-1/2 day teach work day No School -Presidential Holiday

MARCH

5 12 19 26 S

W 1 8 15 22

6 13 20 27 M

7 14 21 28 T

T 2 9 16 23 30 T

F 3 10 17 24 31 F

S 4 11 18 25

March 9 March 10 March 13-17

End of Trimester 2 (22 days for term - 58 for tri) No School - Teacher Inservice No School - Spring Holiday

APRIL

5 12 19 26 S

W 1 8 15 22 29 W

JANUARY

MAY

JUNE

2

3

4

5

6

7

S 1 8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

April 13

Term 10 Ends (19 days)

16 23 30

17 24

18 25

19 26

20 27

21 28

22 29

April 14 April 17 April 27

No School No School - Teacher Professional Dev. Day P/T Conferences

S 7 14

M 1 8 15

T 2 9 16

W 3 10 17

T 4 11 18

F 5 12 19

S 6 13 20

May 12

Term 11 Ends (19 days)

21 28 S

22 29 M

23 30 T

24 31 W

25

26

27

5

6

7

F 2 9

S 3 10

Memorial Day Holiday Riverside Academy Graduation Celebration Night End of Trimester 3 (18 Days for term - 56 for tri)

4

T 1 8

May 29 May 31 June 8

Days of Instruction/Student Days 172 1

= School not in session for students