THE GOAL
The Alternative Learning Center is designed to be an alternative educational structure and experience to address the diverse needs of the students who qualify and who need something different in their educational experience. Most of the students in our program are non-traditional students. They are students who are on a different path than the typical four-year college path (but we have had students go on to universities), students who have experienced hardship in their lives or fallen behind academically and need help getting them back on their feet, or sometimes just a student who needs a different social environment and/or a place they feel a sense of belonging. Interested students apply through the Guidance Office. ALC teachers will talk to guidance, the student's teachers, and the student during our application process. Acceptance to our program is based solely on a point system, which is based on the student's need, effort in their classes, and the interview with the student.
Our program is NOT an easy way out. We hold high standards for our students, and everyone accepted into our program is expected to work to earn their place. Every year we have more applicants than available spots, so we expect students to work hard and appreciate the spot they have in the program.
We have two goals in the ALC:
See every student walk across the graduation stage.
Help our students plan their lives after graduation. We want our students to graduate with hope.
THE ADVANTAGES
Smaller class sizes
Consistency (same teachers and peers 4 periods a day and until they graduate)
No homework (this makes your 3 classes outside of the ALC much more manageable)
Field Trips
Friday Fun Days (every two weeks for those with good attendance)
Project-based learning (allows students to steer their own education)
Family-type environment
ALC GUIDELINES
The success of the New Richmond Alternative Learning Center is directly linked to the attitude and effort of its teachers and students. The following classroom guidelines were put in place to continue the educational and personal success of the ALC and its students.
Our program works on a STEP system. STEPS are given to students for violations of our guidelines. They are designed to give students enough opportunity to turn problems around before removal from the ALC. STEPS can be erased through a contract between the student and the ALC teacher(s). However, earning steps back is difficult and will require a lot of effort from the student. It is best to make up hours missed, so you don’t have to earn back steps.
Step 1 = Natural Consequences
Step 2 = Contact home and meeting between student & ALC instructors
Step 3 = Contact home and meeting between student & ALC instructors
Step 4 = Official letter sent home & meeting between teachers, guidance counselors, and parent/guardian(s)
Step 5 (RED ZONE)
There is a meeting between the student, parent(s), guidance counselors, admin., and ALC instructors
If steps are given for poor attendance, student’s attendance will now be taken on a daily basis rather than Biweekly. This continues until student can earn steps back and get out of the RED ZONE.
Parent will receive a call on the day of any further absence or offense.
If absence is left unexcused, student will receive another step.
Step 6 = Final meeting with everyone to warn of removal from the ALC.
Step 7 = REMOVAL FROM THE ALC
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Each student must maintain 90% ATTENDANCE in every class to remain in the ALC.
Attendance will be evaluated every two weeks (Biweeks).
If attendance falls below 90%, every unexcused hour AFTER THAT must be made up.
That means students can miss each class once, unexcused, every two weeks.
If students miss a class more than once during the Biweek, they must make up those hours to avoid STEPS.
Hours are made up by getting missing and current assignments completed and turned in.
4. If students fail to make up their hours by the end of the next Biweek, they will receive ONE STEP for EACH DAY with an unexcused absence.