Zillah School District

Zillah High School-(ZAP) Zillah Alternative Program

Mr. Justin Irion,

Alternative Program Coordinator

 

        

Mrs. Bev Sevigny                          Mrs. Paula Uasike

Program Assistants

ZAP is now open to serve students wishing to complete a Washington State High School Diploma.  Call 829-3080 for further information

 

 

Introduction: 

Welcome to the Zillah Alternative school website!! We are glad that you are here! The Zillah Alternative Program has been established to provide students with an alternative setting to continue their education.

 

Target Group Served: 

Zillah School District students grades 9-12 who have not made satisfactory progress towards graduation in a traditional high school setting, and/or who have a special situation dealing with health, family, or economic factors that required continuing their education without a regards to seat time.  Due to space and staffing limitations, only resident district students may be considered for initial placement.

 

Philosophy: 

It is the Philosophy of the Zillah Alternative Program that all students will be empowered with the skills necessary to attain success in a post secondary environment. Zillah Alternative Program believes that cooperation with all stakeholders in the community and school setting is imperative to the success of the program. The staff feels a great responsibility to prepare students for their post-graduation experiences.

 

Mission Statement:

The mission of Zillah Alternative Program is to empower alternative education students with the skills to achieve success in post secondary life. This includes the development of a school environment that sets rigorous standards for achievement and stresses student accountability as our core belief.

 

Program Objectives and Goals:

Create a successful alternative learning environment for students not achieving in the regular school setting.

Provide structured support to students in areas such as: time management, appropriate school/ work behaviors, etc.

Create clear, obtainable expectations for students that allow them to learn and succeed.

Hold students accountable to the learning contract so that they are able to achieve a high school diploma.

Increase the level of family involvement.

Create effective lines of communication between parents and the Alternative School so that the family is aware of the expectations placed on the student.  

Include family activities as part of the Alternative School setting.

Provide students with life-skills training.

Implement the placement and monitoring of students in part-time work experience and paid positions.

Provide students with the skills to succeed in the work work

Help students develop skills that allow them to cope with diverse situations.

Educate students in substance abuse issues.

Provide students with experiences that allow them to become more aware with their community and surroundings.

Work cooperatively with the community and local businesses to build collaborative, positive relationships.

Communicate with local businesses about the vocational students at ZAP.

Understand the needs of the business community so that ZAP students are prepared for the workforce.

ZAP students and staff will look for positive interactions within the community and work to portray a positive image.

 

Paths: 

Note: ZAP students are expected to meet all requirements set forth by the State of Washington in the “alternative learning experience requirements” (WAC 392-121-182) to achieve a High School Diploma.

 

The possible paths for students in the alternative setting are:

Referrals:  Referrals can come from the student, their parents, staff, or administration for various reasons that indicate the current placement is not or will not be successful for the student. After the students’ records are reviewed, further assessments and interviews may be necessary.  The building principal reviews all information and makes final decisions pertaining to placement.

 

Placement: If placement is accepted, an orientation with student, parent and principal takes place. At this orientation, rules, behavior and expectations of the program are conducted prior to developing a learning plan.  The alternative school teacher works with principal, counselors and other professionals to develop a learning plan. Once the plan is developed it is reviewed with student and parent.  Student, parent, teacher and principal all sign off in agreement of the learning plan.  The learning plan will be reviewed within the first 20 days of placement and adjusted as needed.  A written copy of the 20-day evaluation is reviewed with the student and parent.  Copies are forwarded to the principal.  A semester written evaluation is made by the instructor and shared with all parties.  Contracts are renewed and modified each semester.

 

Administration: The ZHS principal oversees the ZAP program.  This includes discipline and attendance issues.

 

Counseling: Counseling time is available for ZAP students as individuals and in small groups.  The crisis counselor will be meet regularly with students (weekly) in one of these settings. If outside counseling is needed, the crisis counselor will make the appropriate referrals and monitor progress. The guidance counselor is available by appointment for graduation progress and future schooling issues.

 

Health: The school nurse is available as needed to address health issues and concerns.  Outside health needs may be address with assistance of the school nurse and/or case manager.

 

Other needs: These can be identified and referred to the ZSD case manager.

 

Special Requirements:

1.      Dress Code: All students will be required to dress as expected for attendance at any ZSD site.  Guidelines for ZAP students can be found in the ZHS handbook under Student Grooming and Dress. ZAP students will be required to dress accordingly when attending field trips or other off-site activities. This may require specific dress expectations. Students will be informed well in advance of these requirements. Students that do not meet the expectations of the dress code will not be allowed to attend either school or special events.

 

2.      No regular school activities: In order to be eligible for athletics and activities (including dances) at ZHS a student must be passing 5 courses (with at least 4 letter graded) and must be in regular attendance.  Because of the alternative setting and scheduling of courses and actual attendance, and many courses being graded as credit/no credit, ZAP students are not be able to meet these eligibility requirements and therefore cannot participate in ZHS activities.  There may be special ZAP activities each semester for ZAP students who are successfully completing their alternative learning plans to participate in.

 

3.      No Visitors: Absolutely no visitors are allowed at the ZAP facilities.  If others are interested in attending, they should contact the principal for information and possible tour.

 

4.      Attendance: Students must follow their attendance clause in their individual learning plan. This will vary with each student as each have different plans.  All students are to be on time, just as in the world of work.  Students are required to meet the attendance requirements set forth in their learning agreement. If a student is tardy past 5 minutes, it is an unexcused absence.  If an emergency arises, call the school and/or instructor. Failure to follow the attendance clause will result in the implementation of the discipline code.

 

5.      Friday School:  Friday school will be required for all students through the twentieth day of school. Students who are not meeting satisfactory progress towards graduation at that point will be required to attend school on Friday. Students that are not meeting adequate progress towards graduation at any time will be required to attend Friday school.

 

6. Broken Contract: Students who break their contracts and fail to follow the program as presented, will not be permitted to attend the Zillah Alternative Program.