Programs
PARTICIPATION IN THE CLASSROOM COMMUNITY MODEL
This program empowers students to help conduct community affairs and
make decisions, beginning at the classroom level. Students learn
important life skills, such as managing community discipline and
mediating community conflicts.
Students who exercise a level of control in the classroom are more
invested in their learning. Being part of a community shows students
that they, along with their classmates, are responsible for a fun and
safe school year.
INDIVIDUALIZED ACADEMIC PROGRAMMING (IAP)
Students can design their own educational programming by choosing or
combining teacher-led small-group instruction, online and computer-based
classes, textbook and paper lessons, streaming classes at CMHS, and
returning to CMHS for specific or preferred classes once they have
demonstrated targeted behaviors.
SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
There are numerous options available to provide students with support in
decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, and increasing their
responsibility. Students participate in individualized counseling
sessions, group counseling, and Peace Circles. (For IEP students social
work will be in the IEP as a service.)
Students also learn the components of the Classroom Community Model,
and they will be encouraged to participate in Classroom Community
meetings to help make group
decisions.
VOCATIONAL TRAINING
Students are able to participate in vocational training, both onsite and
off-site. Onsite opportunities include manufacturing training (learning
to operate machinery to make
professional signs, T-shirts, etc.) and Educators Rising, a
community-based movement that prepares future teachers and advocates for
education.
Off-site options are available at both Kankakee Area Career Center
and CMHS, which will offer metalworking and woodworking training.
TRANSITIONING BACK TO HOME SCHOOL
Students may transition back to their home school if they demonstrate
specific academic and behavior achievements. These include consistent
attendance, maintaining a grade average of C or better, and functioning
at the highest level.