Phoenix Program
The Phoenix Program has been an expulsion program-serving
students from School District 9-R since 1997. The program's
name is inspired from the mythological bird that consumed
itself by fire only to rise from the ashes to live again.
The Phoenix symbolizes renewal, resilience and opportunity.
By definition the phoenix means unsurpassed excellence
and beauty.
Mission and Purpose
The purpose of the Phoenix Program is to challenge each
student to reflect, evaluate, and analyze his/her connection
to “education” and potential as a life long
learner. This includes connection to self, culture, community,
and the natural world. Students will be challenged to develop
skills and strategies to survive and thrive as contributing
members in the world.
The Phoenix Process
Intake
After the expulsion hearing and prior to starting classes,
there is a mandatory intake meeting with staff, student,
and parent(s). This meeting is a proactive approach to
building a partnership with the student's support
system. In addition to going over program expectations,
it is an important time to address questions and concerns
that the student and family may have.
Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)
The ILP is an important document that will outline learning
goals for each student. Learning history, modalities,
learning style, individual strengths, weaknesses, and
student interests, will help Phoenix staff support the
student in setting personal, social, and academic goals.
The ILP is an opportunity to challenge each student to
take more responsibility for his/her actions and to think
through the possibilities. Authentic consequences will
be in place for any destructive behavior patterns.
The Phoenix Educational Program
The Phoenix curriculum utilizes the cycle of inquiry, exploration,
discovery, reflection, and action to inspire more active
learning and intrinsic motivation to learn. Integrated
and authentic studies, wilderness immersion, cooperative
learning, service learning, and experiential education
are some of the methodologies implemented to meet these
goals. Students will be challenged to build literacy
skills in math, reading, and writing across the entire
curriculum. Social responsibility and connecting with
community is a vital component to our program. Students
earn Social Responsibility (SRT) credit through formal
and informal training in an effort to look at practicing
values to become more socially aware and socially responsible.
Practicing honesty is not only the foundation of SRT
but also a crucial practice towards success in the program.
Phoenix staff expects all students to participate and
contribute to an emotionally and physically safe and
respectful learning environment. The Phoenix staff also
expects a high level of parental involvement to support
the student’s ILP. It is imperative that frequent
and honest communication is maintained on both sides
to develop a healthy partnership in support of the student
at this critical juncture of his/her educational journey.
Community Connections in the Phoenix Curriculum
All Phoenix students are required to spend Fridays committed
to a community placement through service, internship,
or employment. This is an opportunity to integrate meaning
and invaluable experience with their education and life
experience. Phoenix works successfully in partnership
with a variety of school and community organizations
to support each student in reaching his/her ILP goals.
Program Exit and Transition
Exiting the program depends on student readiness and the
terms of expulsion. Students may earn the privilege to
transfer back to their home school or a new school program
earlier than expected. It also may be determined that
it is in the student’s best interest to stay in
the program for a longer period of time. Phoenix staff
will serve as advocates during the transition process
when the student is ready to return to a regular school
setting.
Community Partnership and Advocacy
Students are expelled for many different reasons, under
a variety of circumstances. We want to challenge each individual
to see his/her time at Phoenix as an opportunity to work
towards healthy change. This is not an easy process, especially
if the student is resistant to change. The Phoenix program
has ongoing partnerships with a number of community agencies
and organizations designed to create a stronger advocacy
for each student. This advocacy often goes beyond student
accountability and responsibility. This partnership may
offer much needed service and support to the student and
his/her family as well as form valuable connections to
the community. Some Phoenix partners include La Plata Youth
Services, BOCES, Southwest Youth Corps, School to Work
Alliance Program, Fort Lewis College, Los Amigos, LPC Human
Services, mental health providers, area businesses, and
individuals offering support for our students.
Phoenix Staff
Principal: Scott da Silva
Administrative Assistant: Hanna Rader
Teachers: Hallie Witney
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