MASH Parent/Student Handbook 2006-2007

It is the mission of Middleton Alternative Senior High (MASH) to create a supportive community, which empowers students and provides a foundation for life-long learning.

In pursuit of this mission, we will:

• Foster a safe, caring environment, which accepts and encourages diversity.
• Nurture personal and academic growth through increased self-awareness, individual responsibility and healthy risk-taking.
• Maintain a challenging learning environment that actively engages students.
• Support students in the development of post high school goals based on their needs and lifelong interests.
• Strengthen school, community, and family partnerships.

Because we strongly believe that achievement of this mission will lead to the greatest amount of success for all members of the MASH community, each member has an individual responsibility to work to achieve this mission. Students will find that when they make the choice to become a part of this community, that this responsibility is taken very seriously. Because there are a limited number of spaces available in MASH, students who choose to attend MASH are expected to continue to work to uphold this mission.

One of the things we value most highly at MASH is a spirit of open and honest communication. For that reason we want to communicate some of our basic expectations to you from the beginning. We expect that you will take the time to fully understand these expectations and that you will become an active member of the MASH community who reinforces these expectations.

Non-Harassment Policy:

This is perhaps our most important policy. As a member of the MASH community, it is expected that you behave in a manner that communicates a sense of respect and acceptance toward all students and staff. Behavior of a harassing nature will not be tolerated. It is expected that every student and staff member play an active role in making sure that this remains a harassment free school. This means that every individual has the right to learn in a safe, non-threatening environment and the responsibility to monitor their personal behavior to assure that their behavior does not interfere with others' ability to do their best. Failure to meet this expectation may result in a student being placed on a contract and may lead to removal from MASH.

Grading Policy:

Because our number one goal is to help students achieve academic success, we have set high standards for work quality and completion. MASH classes will be graded on an A, B, C, or no credit (F) basis. In order to receive a passing grade in a MASH class, a student must complete all work assigned and the work must be accepted by the teacher as "C" or better work. Any work that is not considered "C" work will be returned to the students for correction and re-evaluation.

Progress reports will be completed on each student at the end of each three-week period. If there are areas of concern at this time, the student's Life Skills teachers will meet with the student to develop a plan of improvement. A failing grade in any class at the end of a quarter will result in the student being placed on a contract for improvement. This contract, which will be drawn up by the Life Skills teacher, will include expectations for improvement and possible rewards and consequences, which may include removal from MASH.

Attendance Policy:

The MASH attendance policy is based on two major premises. Regular attendance is a critical contributor to academic success and the ability to monitor one's own attendance is a critical factor in success beyond high school. For that reason, our attendance policy has both consequences for poor attendance and rewards for good attendance. We firmly believe that the greatest reward students will find in regular attendance is the knowledge they will gain, and the increased success they will experience in their classes. While we wish this motivation were enough, we recognize that we can all use a little encouragement to make the decisions that will serve them the best.

If attendance in the program becomes a problem, their Life Skills teacher will place a student on a probationary contract. Failure to meet the expectations of this contract may result in being removed from the regular MASH program and placed in the opportunity program until the end of the grading period. A student who is placed in the opportunity program will be expected to complete work independently with the support of the opportunity program teacher. When a student is placed in the opportunity program, a re-entry contract will be established. The decision about returning to the MASH program at the end of the grading period will be based on this contract.

If an individual teacher determines that poor attendance is causing a student to miss out on a significant portion of the learning experience in his/her class, that teacher may set up a contract with a student for that class. If expectations of the contract are not met, the student may be removed from the class and may lose credit or be expected to complete an alternative credit independently.

Please see the following Attendance Rubric:

Middleton Alternative Senior High
Attendance Rubric 2006-07

Acceptable Reasons for Absences:

• Medical Appointments/Illnesses
• College Visits (Juniors and Seniors)
• Planned Vacations*
• School Field Trip*
• Family Emergencies: Funerals, Accidents, Etc.

* Requires a pre-planned absence form to be filled out and signed ahead of time

Unacceptable Reasons for Absences:

• Skipping
• Personal Laziness
• Not going because you are already late
• Making up crisises
• Attending a school sporting event as a spectator

Other MASH Policies:

Alcohol and Other Drug Policy:

It is the firm belief of the MASH staff that alcohol and drug use can negatively impact the entire school community. A student who is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while in school cannot learn effectively. We also believe that the most effective way to deal with situations that arise is to be up front about our concerns. For this reason, if a staff member suspects that a student is under the influence the student will be referred to the principal and the A.O.D.A. coordinator. In this situation the student's parent or guardian will be contacted, the student's possessions may be searched, the police may be contacted, and the student may be sent home for the remainder of the day.

Students whose alcohol and/or other drug use seems to be negatively affecting their ability to function in school may be referred to the A.O.D.A. coordinator. The A.O.D.A. coordinator's role will be to help the student determine if they may need to seek outside support and to help the student find this support if needed. If a student is unwilling to take action to improve the situation and school performance continues to suffer, the student may be placed on a contract and ultimately may be removed from the program.

Any student found to be selling or distributing alcohol or other drugs on school property will be referred to the superintendent of schools for expulsion procedures per Middleton/Cross Plains Area School District Policy.

No Fighting Policy:

Fighting will not be tolerated at MASH. Students who are in conflict with other students are expected to seek the assistance of an adult to help them resolve the conflict. Any fighting on the MASH premises or during a MASH activity elsewhere may result in immediate removal from the program.

No Smoking Policy:

Smoking is not allowed on school grounds. Smoking cessation programs will be offered to students interested in quitting smoking. In order to maintain a positive, healthy school image, all students are asked to refrain from smoking in areas around the building, and all students are reminded to be respectful of private property.

Gang Policy:

In order to maintain a safe environment, MASH will subscribe to a policy of zero tolerance with regards to gang activity. This includes the drawing of any gang symbols and the use of any gang signs. Activity associated with gang identification will not be tolerated regardless of whether or not the student is believed to be affiliated with a gang.

Guest/Pet Policy:

No guest or pets will be allowed to visit the program unless it is cleared by all staff members 24 hours in advance.

• Please refer to the high school code of conduct which may be found in your student planner for behavioral expectations and consequences. This code applies at both MASH and MHS.

The Contract System

Base Contract:

Upon entry into M.A.S.H., each student will sign a base contract which outlines basic expectations for all students. The student's signature on this contract indicates that the student understands the expectations and is willing to abide by them.

Probationary Contract:

If a student's behavior, attendance or work completion are causing the student or other students to have difficulty achieving their fullest potential, the student may be asked to sign a probationary contract. This contract, designed by the Life Skills teacher, will indicate specific areas of concern and expected improvements. This contract will be between the Life Skills teacher and the student, and a copy will be sent to the parents/guardian and to the principal.

Final Contract:

A student who does not meet the expectations of a probationary contract or who commits an act of a very serious nature may be placed on a final contract. Parents/guardians would be invited to be part of a meeting to discuss this contract, as would the principal. Again, specific areas of concern will be identified, along with expectations for improvement. Failure to meet the expectations of a final contract will result in removal from MASH.

Re-Admission

A student who has been removed from MASH may apply for re-admission at the beginning of the next semester, providing there is space available. The student will be asked to re-interview with the staff. The re-admission decision will be made based on improvements that have been made in behavior, attendance, and work completion since the student was removed from the program.

We look forward to a successful and exciting year at MASH. We hope that having clear expectations and creating an atmosphere of respect for all will help to contribute to this success. Thank you in advance for taking personal responsibility for your behavior and your achievement and for helping everyone at MASH achieves their best.

Who Do I Call?

Attendance:

To report a student's absence you may call the MASH attendance line at 829-9971 or the MASH main office at 829-9640/2. If you are clearing an absence beyond 48 hours after the absence, please call the MASH principal directly at 829-9641.

Life Skills:

Your child's Life Skills teacher is your main point of contact for issues related to attendance, work completion, behavior, and post secondary planning. If he/she can't help you with your question, he/she will direct you to the area where an answer can be found. A list of all Life Skills teachers, their phone numbers, and e-mail addresses are listed below. You may also feel free to contact your child's classroom teachers and MHS Guidance Counselor directly with questions.

Administrator:

Jill Gurtner is the MASH Principal and is responsible for all students attending MASH. You may contact her directly at 829-9641.

Social Worker:

Cheryl Hoff is the MASH Social Worker and also supports all MASH students. You may contact her directly at 829-9645.

Still not sure where to turn?

Janel Kruchten, the MASH Secretary is at school daily from 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. and can assist you in finding the right person to talk to. She can be reached at 829-9440 or 829-9642.

• MCPASD Administrative Policies and Procedures searchable database
• MASH staff and teacher list with contact information
• MASH's Advisory Board