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Learning Alternative Branch (LAB) School

Sarah Emery, Superintendent of LAB School
semery@roe20.org

Corona Closure

March 16, 2020

 

Dear Parent/Guardian,

Governor JB Pritzker has closed all schools throughout the state of Illinois from March 17, 2020 through March 30, 2020, due to the coronavirus.  At this time, schools in Illinois are scheduled to resume March 31, but this is subject to change depending on the ongoing pandemic. We will keep you informed, as we receive guidance.

The teachers have provided the included materials as an educational opportunity for your child to stay on top of academics.  It will be reviewed upon return to school.  Should you have questions regarding this, feel free to contact your child’s teacher via email.  Teachers will be checking their email daily.  Teacher emails are as follows:

Ms. Renshaw, Junior High teacher                                       brenshaw@roe20.org

Mrs. Bridges,  High School math/electives                         cbridges@roe20.org

Mrs. Knight, High School English/electives                         sknight@roe20.org

Mrs. Nipper, High School Science/History/electives         anipper@roe20.org

 

Other staff available via email:

          Ms. Baumgart, Principal                                                     csbaumgart@roe20.org

Mr. Norris, Student Services director                                   dnorris@roe20.org

Mrs. Basinger, Counselor                                                       ebasinger@roe20.org

 

Please check with your sending school district for nutritional opportunities available for students in your area.

 

If you would like to download the Remind app, you can enter the code @roe20lab to join announcements for the LAB School.   As new information is available, notifications will be sent through Remind.

 

Please stay safe during this difficult time.

 

Sincerely, 

Cindy Baumgart, Principal



Learning Alternative Branch School
305 S Powell Street
     Norris City, IL 62869
       Phone (618) 387-0107
  Fax (618) 387-0109

______________________________________________


Staff

Cindy Baumgart, Optional Education Director csbaumgart@roe20.org

David Norris, Supplemental Services Director
dnorris@roe20.org

Ellen Basinger
Carla Bridges
Gary Graves
Stephanie Knight
Amy Nipper
Bailey Renshaw
Carol Taylor











Mission Statement

The purpose of the ROE #20 Alternative Programs is to provide an educational alternative to students with diverse learning, emotional and cultural needs. This is essential for them to obtain the knowledge and skills to be successful in the learning environment, the work place and in life.

The staff accepts the responsibility to assist all students so they may attain their maximum educational potential through goals set by the pupil, his/her parents, the home school district, community resources and the Alternative School staff.

 

Overview

 

The Learning Alternative Program is a coordinated effort among area schools and the Regional Office of Education. The program was developed to serve students who need an alternative educational environment to complete jr. high, high school or to prepare for the GED. Through individual and small group instruction, pupils have the opportunity to reach their goals and have successful outcomes. Students earning high school/jr. high credits must be referred by their home school district. The LAB School staff works with students to help set goals and to progress toward jr. high and high school diplomas or GED certificates.


Educational Objectives

The following objectives have been established for all students enrolled in the Learning Alternative Branch Programs provided by the Regional Office of Education #20:

• To master the basic communication skills through application of reading, speaking, listening and reasoning activities

• To become aware of the various opportunities of the world of work and to develop workplace skills and attitudes

• To develop good character and moral integrity through school, community and work activities

• To recognize the rights and cultural differences of others and act with courtesy and respect

• To demonstrate good citizenship in the school, and in local and world communities.

 

General Information

Students may be placed in the Learning Alternative Branch Program (LAB) upon recommendation of the home school principal, with approval of the district superintendent and the LAB director. The LAB will operate as a transitional program, in hopes the student may return to the home school district to complete his/her education or to complete GED requirements

At the LAB, students attend classes from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. each day.

Required classes for students to graduate from high school are offered in the alternative program. In order to receive one full credit, a student must complete 118 hours of classroom time, finish all work assigned and achieve passing grades.

 

 

 

Types of Programs

 

TRUANT ALTERNATIVE OPTIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Designed for students who are at risk of school failure because of truancy or because of the need for alternative instruction for academic success

REGIONAL SAFE SCHOOLS PROGRAM (RSSP)
Designed for students who have multiple long-term suspension, or students who are eligible for expulsion or in lieu of expulsion. Local districts administratively transfer students to the Regional Safe Schools Program

 

 Referral Process

School districts refer students eligible for the Alternative Education Program or Regional Safe Schools Program through a referral process. The following must be submitted to the Learning Alternative Branch or Regional Office.

NOTE: Additional requirements for students that hold a Special Education IEP

1.  Completed Referral Form from local school administration.
2.  Transcript of student’s grades, achievement tests scores and attendance records.
3.  Student’s health records.
4.  Student’s Social Security number.
5.  Documentation of pass/fail Constitution Tests.

After the referral documents are received at the Learning Alternative Branch or Regional Office, the referral is reviewed and a meeting is scheduled with the student, the parent and the home school administrator to determine if the student is a candidate for the Truant Alternative Optional Education Program or Regional Safe Schools Program. An Individualized Optional Education Plan is written before the student is enrolled in either program.

The Regional Office of Education Learning Alternative Branch (LAB) Schools are funded through grants from the Illinois State Board of Education.