EmpowerEd. Academy Contract and Expectations

EmpowerEd. Academy Contract and Expectations 

Vision: 
The EmpowerEd. Academy provides a safe place for students seeking an alternative path to a diploma where they can make connections and improve confidence in order to increase their opportunities for success in the world beyond the classroom.

Schedule:
The EmpowerEd. Academy meets for a minimum of three hours daily.  The morning session will be academics from 8:30 -11:50 AM; the afternoon portion of the program is from 12 -3:00 PM and will be a time for students to either go to work, take 3rd or 4th hour electives, volunteer, attend therapy sessions, participate in enrichment activities, or make progress on missing work. Students will be required to provide evidence of completing a total of 15 hours of time per week in the afternoon portion.

Work/Volunteer/Electives/Therapy/Enrichment/Make Up Time:
You will be expected to have a job or volunteer during your time in the EmpowerEd. Academy. If you do not have a job, you are expected to volunteer, take electives in the HS, participate in enrichment activities, or attend in the afternoon to make up for missing work or class time.  You can also get time credit for attending therapy outside of school. You are required to invest 15 hours per week in any combination of these categories. Teachers will communicate with employers as to work updates.

Participation and Attendance:
There is a clear connection between attendance and academic achievement; thus, attendance is mandatory.  You are still a student at Waunakee Community High School and must abide by the same attendance standards (see Waunakee Community School Board Policy 430). This includes being in class on time and staying for the entire class period, as well as providing a Doctor’s note for medical absences. A failure to do so may result in truancy. For seniors, 90% attendance is required to participate in the high school graduation ceremony. Your graduation will be determined by scoring a minimum of 70% on EACH Competency Unit.

Competencies:
During the program, students will work towards successfully achieving mastery in the 12 focus areas as well as the 5 Year Long Projects (See Competency Academics list). Progress will be measured using the Planning Reflection Rubric and communicated to the team on a quarterly basis.  Basic writing is an integral part of the program and growth is expected.  Below you will find the EmpowerEd. Academy Expectations for the school year. 

Lunch:
Students are expected to eat at home.  If they want to get lunch at the high school, they must walk over to the school and bring it back given it would be part of their scheduled break time. All EmpowerEd. Academy students can get lunch from 11:50-12:30. 

Progress Report Checklist:
Every 6 weeks students will meet with their assistant principal, social worker, counselor, and teachers to discuss progress and expectations.  This is a nice way to check in, gauge progress, and discuss ways we can better support student needs.

Behavior Guidelines:
*Please read and follow the student guidelines mentioned in the Waunakee High School Student Handbook.  We expect you to be respectful to your peers in the classroom.  Since we will be going out in the community frequently, there will be a greater expectation of good behavior.  Since the people we meet may be future employers, we want to set a good example while we interact with them.  

Program Entrance Checklist- Student MUST COMPLETE before entrance into the EmpowerEd. Academy:
Reading Inventory
Meeting with TLC Staff, Counselor and Associate Principal

Non-Negotiables (Things that may get you removed from the program):
Excused or unexcused absences that fall below 90% attendance.
Failure to actively progress towards completion of the program requirements. This includes not participating in group activities, not completing the assigned competencies, not participating in volunteer/mentoring work, not participating in SEL activities (without prior approval from staff).
Chronic inappropriate behavior and language.
Being disrespectful to people and property.
Substance use: including tobacco, alcohol, or other drug use on school premises, as well as coming to school under the influence of drugs or alcohol. School premises also include any field trips we take.

Student Removal from the EmpowerEd. Academy:
If a student is removed from the program, they may be placed back into the HS or into the GEDO2 Program.

Expulsion: 

If a student brings drugs or alcohol to school, the student will be expelled.
 

2024-2025 EmpowerEd. Admission Steps

**Students will only be admitted at the beginning of the Semester (September and January)**

1. At end of the first or third quarter, a student can be referred as a candidate for the EmpowerEd. Program

2. Attendance: Students must be able to commit to 90% attendance once enrolled in the EmPowerEd. Program

3. Informational Meeting with Student and Parents/Guardians
   
   Review Contract and Expectations

   1. Expulsion 

   2. Removal Procedures

   3. Attendance Procedures

   4. Work Completion Expectations

   5. Phone Policy: Students will not use phones during discussion and work time. Phone breaks will be built into the day

   6. Schedule: Academics 8:30-11:50. Work/Life Experiences/Additional Academic Supports 12:00-3:00

4. Complete Reading Inventory

5. MANDATORY Parent/Guardian and Student Entrance Meeting with Alt Ed Staff

6. Student is placed in the EmpowerEd. Program at the beginning of the next semester

*The EmpowerEd. Program uses a 3-year rotating course plan.