|
| |
 |
| Disclaimer:
The text below can be considered biased by some because the author lives in
a country, which have ratified the
UN Conventions on the Rights of a child. |
| This is a WWASP Parent manual. Information which can
identify where I got it from has been removed. |
| PHONE CALLS TO THE SCHOOL ARE LIMITED ONLY TO THE SCHEDULED
TIMES AS OUTLINED IN THE “FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE” SECTION, HOWEVER YOU
MAY SEND EMAIL AT ANY TIME ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE ITEMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN
ADEQUATELY ADDRESSED THROUGH YOUR FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE OR NEED TO BE
ADDRESSED PRIOR TO YOUR NEXT SCHEDULED PHONE CALL.
|
8 |
| PARENT
COMMITMENT |
8 |
| CHARACTER BUILDING
PROGRAM |
11 |
| STRUCTURED
ENVIRONMENT |
11 |
| PREMIER EDUCATIONAL
SYSTEMS |
11 |
| SEMINARS &
WORKSHOPS |
11 |
| PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
COURSES |
12 |
| ACADEMIC CURRICULM |
12 |
| ACADEMICS
PROCEDURES |
12 |
| PHYSICAL
FITNESS |
13 |
| LOCATION |
13 |
| CLOTHING AND PERSONAL
ITEMS |
13 |
| PAPERWORK |
14 |
| FAMILY
REPRESENTATIVE |
14 |
| COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR
CHILD |
14 |
| VISITS |
15 |
| MAIL |
16 |
| PACKAGES |
16 |
| RELIGION |
16 |
| ILLNESS AND INJURIES |
16 |
| MEDICATIONS |
17 |
| MEDICAL INTERVENTION |
17 |
| SUPERVISION |
17 |
| RESIDENT GRIEVANCE POLICY |
18 |
| RESIDENT GRIEVANCE FORM |
19 |
| YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM |
20 |
| COMPLETION |
21 |
| MERITS |
22 |
| BONUS MERITS |
22 |
| STATUS |
23 |
| INTERNALIZATION PHASE |
25 |
| DAILY SCHEDULE COURSE DESCRIPTION |
26 |
| REFLECTIONS |
28 |
| CODE OF CONDUCT |
29 |
| CATEGORY 1 RULE VIOLATIONS |
31 |
| RULE VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES |
33 |
| SELF-CORRECTION FORM |
35 |
| STAFF-CORRECTION FORM |
35 |
| INTERVENTION |
36 |
| PHYSICAL INTERVENTION |
36 |
| ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY |
37 |
| BILLING |
38 |
| APPENDIX “A” |
39 |
| PREMIER STUDENT EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS |
40 |
| PREMIER PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOPS |
44 |
| PREMIER PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOPS |
44 |
| DISCOVERY REGISTRATIONS AND INFORMATION |
46 |
| PREMIER EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS REGISTRATION FORM |
50 |
APPENDIX “B”
|
51 |
| STUDENT COMPLETION
CHECKLIST |
52 |
| ADULT COMPLETION CHECKLIST |
53 |
|
| Dear Parents:
My name is <name removed>. I am the Family Rep Supervisor. The
first few months, we work very hard on getting the Students to follow some
basic rules and structure. Many of the Students not only struggled with
following rules and structure before coming to us, it was the main cause
for their enrollment. None of the Students will ever fully succeed,
progress academically, or learn to function properly in society without
developing the ability to follow basic rules and structure. Rules and
structure exist at every school and college, every job, and in every
segment of society.
We provide the Students with a very structured and regimented
environment. Students are expected to follow orders, use manners, respect
others, stand at attention, and walk single file with their group from one
class or activity to another. As you can imagine, most of the Students
initially do not like or appreciate the structure. But it allows the
Students to begin to develop order in their lives and is the catalyst for
Students to learn to follow rules and structure.
As Students effectively learn to follow the rules and structure, the
rules and structure are systematically and gradually lifted. This
transitional process prepares the Student to return home and succeed. The
whole process is greatly enhanced as Students participate in seminars and
daily character building courses. Students, while learning to operate
within rules and structure, also develop essential skills, insight, and
motivation necessary for their long term success.
Most Students will initially resist the new structure; as a result they
will typically go through several phases. No two situations are ever the
same, but the Students will usually undergo some, if not all, of these
stages:
Denial Phase - This is typified by statements like:
“I can’t believe you did this to me.”
“I don’t belong here.”
“I’m not learning anything; all they do is baby-sit me.”
“The kids here have problems much worse than mine.”
“They have criminals, kooks, and drug addicts here.” |
Guilt Trip Phase - This is typified by statements like:
“If you really loved me, you would bring me home.”
“You don’t know how terrible it is here, or you would get me
out.”
“I’m going to starve, the food is disgusting.”
“No one cares about me; the staff does whatever they want to
me.”
“I’m treated like a prisoner.”
“You can’t believe the staff; they will tell you anything in
order to keep me here.”
“The kids here are a totally bad influence on me; you should hear
what they talk about.” |
Anger Phase - This is typified by statements like:
“If you ever want to see me again, you had better get me out of
here.”
“You’ll wish you had never done this to me.”
“I don’t want to be your child anymore.” |
Negotiation Phase - This is typified by statements like:
“If you bring me home, I promise there won’t be any more
problems.”
“We can work out our problems better at home as a family, we can
all go to therapy together.”
“If I work hard, will you take me home by ….”
“I’m willing to work on my problems, but can’t I do it at a
different school, one that will help me?” |
The agenda in each of these phases is to work on your emotions in hopes
that you will take your child out of the school; this way he or she
doesn’t have to go through the long hard process of making changes. We
can certainly all understand why a Student will try any or all of these
approaches first. This is a tough School; the food isn’t as good as the
“home cooked” meals you have provided them and the accommodations
aren’t nearly as comfortable as your home; yet, these are some of the
very reasons that the School is impacting enough to be effective. We have
found that if the Parents and the School remain strong in their resolve
that the Student must make changes, the Student will finally reach the
Acceptance Phase.
The Acceptance Phase is where the Student finally realizes and
accepts that he/she is here until he/she makes the necessary changes. Then
and only then will the School begin to work for them. Let’s work
together to that end!
Sincerely,
<Information removed>
|
SUPPORT
Results can best be realized when Parents and the School support each
other. Students often try to thwart that support by telling us what
terrible Parents you are, and by telling you what a bad School we are. We
both need to show support for each other, otherwise it gives the Student
an excuse for not working at the School.
The most important thing you can do to create ongoing support is to
maintain your commitment for completion of the School’s Character
Building Program. This encourages the Students to work and focus on
results rather than just putting in time. It also discourages the need for
ongoing dialog of when the Student is coming home, and allows your
communication to be friendly, loving, and encouraging, rather than having
to justify and defend why your child is in the School. As long as your
child believes that being pulled early from the School is open to
discussion, it will continue to be the negative focus in all of your
communication and a barrier to improving family relationships, worse yet,
the Student will not fully engage in the process nor work as hard as they
can. |
PARENT COMMITMENT
The most critical component to your child’s success at <Name of facility>
(hereinafter referred to as “School”) is the parents’ commitment to
completion of the Character Building Program (hereinafter referred to as
“Program”). This Program has been developed through decades of
experience and practical application that has been tested and proven to
produce maximum results for the Students.
The first phase of the Program is designed to prepare and train your
child for participation in the Leadership Phase. The Leadership Phase is
the part of the Program which provides the greatest growth and development
(see “Youth Leadership Program”). After Leadership Phase, the Student
moves into the Internalization Phase where the Student applies what he/she
has learned; growth and positive change become internalized. All three
Phases of this Program are critical. An example of this might be compared
to washing your clothes without allowing them to go through the rinse
cycle. The clothes may appear to be clean, but you would not even think of
wearing them until they had completed every necessary cycle. Several
stages must be reached by both parent and child in order to produce the
results that you are seeking. The following steps must be taken to
maximize not only your child’s success, but the success of the entire
family as well:
| 1. Sign and return immediately (fax or overnight) the Standard
Commitment Letter that can be found on the following page. Until you
do this, your child will not take the progress seriously, and will
not fully engage it in the overall process. Once they really believe
that you are committed, they will begin to look at their own
situation differently. They will spend their time focusing on
working, rather than holding on to their hope that you will be weak
and noncommittal. Please do this immediately. Precious time can be
lost if you don’t. |
| 2. After returning the Standard Commitment Letter to the School,
we recommend that you send a personal letter to your child outlining
again your commitment to completion to the School’s Character
Building Program. Please send your Family Rep a copy of this letter.
Your Family Rep will go over both letters with your child in order
to help them realize the firmness of your commitment. |
| 3. Commit yourself right now to attending the Parent Seminars, and
the Parent/Child Workshops. The Parent Seminars, similar to those
your child will be attending while at the School, prepare both of
you for the Parent/Child Workshops. All Parent/Child Workshops
supply the entire family with a healing experience and the tools
necessary to deal with your child’s eventual return to the home.
The Seminar experience will allow your family to smoothly handle
issues that you thought were impossible to handle before. |
Ask yourself this question, “When was the last time my child started
and successfully completed something worthwhile?” Completion of the
School’s Character Building Program supplies the foundation for a new
and better life.
<Name of Facility>
I am committed to the following:
1. I expect my child to complete all phases of the School’s Character
Building Program. Hopefully this will be done as quickly as possible, but
I am committed to this process, regardless of time frame.
2. If ever temporarily expelled from the School, I will transfer my
child to an appropriate alternative. While this may delay my child’s
return home, it will not deter my commitment to have my child finish
whatever school or Program my child is enrolled in.
Again, I am committed to the completion of the Character Building
Program and would like you to relay this to my child as soon as possible.
_______________________________
Parent Name Printed
______________________________
Parent Name Signature
|
CHARACTER BUILDING PROGRAM OVERVIEW
<Name of facility> is an effective Specialty School for
adolescents ages 12 through 17. These adolescents have excellent potential
but are headed for some serious problems. Typically, these are Students
who are determined to do their “own thing”, regardless of who it hurts
or how it may alter their futures.
Parents often realize that something must be done to change their
child’s present course. A Highly Structured Environment is essential.
Without a controlled environment, the parents’ attempts to intervene are
often thwarted by the influence of a negative peer group.
This School provides a balanced environment that includes a structured
daily schedule, intensive seminars, health and physical fitness Programs,
personal development courses, recreation, and individualized academic
instruction.
STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT
Students at <Name of facility> are required to maintain high
standards. The standards include a dress code, a strong code of conduct,
and challenging courses. As Students learn to meet these standards, it
prepares the Student for on-going success in the future.
The School offers tight supervision around the clock. Each Student
follows a vigorous daily schedule and a firm set of rules that give the
Staff frequent opportunities to challenge the Students’ in appropriate
attitudes and behaviors and help them adopt productive alternatives.
We operate on a merit system that requires each child to earn status
and privileges through a multi-status Program based on performances. Each
new status offers additional privileges, motivating the Student to work
harder. As a child advances in the School, the adolescent is given
additional opportunities to make personal choices. The School becomes a
testing ground to ascertain each child’s level of commitment toward
changing past negative behavior.
PREMIER EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS
Premier Educational Systems, LLC, is a company that contracts with <Name of facility>
to provide Seminars and Workshops, Personal Development Courses, and
Academic Curriculum.
SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS
Premier provides a series of highly effective “educational seminars
and workshops” specifically designed to teach character building. During
these Seminars, Students learn about key character-building qualities such
as: accountability, honesty, integrity, trust, choices, responsibility,
anger, and especially self-esteem. While the Student is completing his or
her series of seminars, the parents are invited to attend Parent Seminars
and Parent Support Meetings held in many locations throughout the United
States. The culmination of the Premier seminars is when parents and
Students are invited to attend three effective Parent/Child Workshops.
These are designed to assist each family in improving communications and
strengthening relationships. (SEE APPENDIX “A” FOR MORE SEMINAR
INFORMATION)
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES
Premier provides daily Character-Building and Personal Development
Course Outlines. These Course Outlines utilize many of the best available
resources such as: professional audio and video tapes, selective reading
material, and progress review sessions. These courses are very effective
helping Students gain new insight, motivation, and direction on a day to
day basis.
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
Premier provides <Name of facility> with a progressive academic
curriculum which is individualized and competency based. This allows
Students to work at their own pace and maximize the learning process.
Students are not held back by others in class, lesson plans, teachers’
schedules, course offerings, or class availability.
ACADEMICS PROCEDURES
During the initial few weeks, the Student is not placed in the regular
academic system. They first must complete a skill-building course that
prepares them for maximum utilization of the academic system. The
skill-building course is designed to improve reading and comprehension,
memory, spelling and vocabulary.
The Student’s transcripts are evaluated upon admission to the School,
and the Student is assisted in designing an ambitious course of study. The
academic Program is a performance-based system. A large selection of
required and elective classes is offered. Students are able to complete
required credits—and even earn advanced credits—in Math, English,
Science, History, Physical Education and many elective classes.
The Student receives credit when he/she demonstrates that the subject
matter has been mastered. (All credits are subject to the terms outlined
in the Enrollment Agreement Section 11) The academic Program at <Name of facility>
has been designed to work successfully for the college-prep Student as
well as the learning-disabled Student.
In order for the Student to earn credit for a class and move on to the
next course of study, each class must be passed at a level of 80% or
better. This means Students must earn A’s or B’s. This requirement
ensures that the Student has truly mastered the material before he or she
receives any credit for the class.
The academic Program is based on a module system. When a Student
enrolls in a class—Algebra, for instance—he/she is provided with a
module (a module is the equivalent of a chapter) for that class. The
Student starts with the first module and then completes the assigned work.
Staff is generally available to assist them. At the end of the module a
test is given, and the Student must pass the test with a score of 80% or
higher. If the test is not passed, the teacher assists the Student in
evaluating the areas of the test that he/she did not pass. The Student is
able to go back and study the specific material he/she has not yet
mastered. The Student can then take another test for that module. When the
module test is passed, the child goes on to the next module. This
requirement that a Student master each module before progressing to the
next module ensures that the Student has the foundation of knowledge
needed for later, more advanced modules.
While the School provides an Independent Study system that can allow
the Student to accelerate their credits and academic competency, the
School does not award credits for time in class, but only for work
completed and competency achieved. The School cannot ensure, nor be
liable, for how quickly the Student will receive credits, or that the
Student will receive credits in any certain subjects, or that the Student
will receive credits on any kind of accelerated basis, or that the Student
will even receive any credits at all. Since the academic courses are part
of an Independent Study Program the teacher/tutors working with the
Students do not need or may not necessarily have U.S. Credential or
Equivalent.
Please make sure all necessary transcripts have been sent to <Name of facility>
so that your child’s educational plan may be created. Be aware that
schools typically will delay forwarding transcripts for reasons such as
outstanding library fines, books not returned, etc. Transcripts are to be
faxed to:
<Information Removed>
PHYSICAL FITNESS
Physical fitness is an important component of a well-rounded, healthy
person. For this reason, daily physical fitness sessions are provided at <Name of facility>.
This may include: walking or running, exercise of weight-lifting, and
participation in sports.
LOCATION
<Name of facility> is located just <information removed> only
a few hours drive from many major cities in the Central United States.
<Information removed>
CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS
Students wear uniforms which minimize the need for any additional
clothing. We also recommend that personal belongings are kept at a
minimum. We specifically caution against the Student having costly or
valuable items. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT SUCH ITEMS BE SENT ONLY IF
INSURED AGAINST LOSS OR DAMAGE UNDER YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY. As stated in
the Enrollment Agreement (See Items #16), we cannot be responsible for
lost, stolen, or damaged items although we make every effort and
precaution to see that this does not occur.
PAPERWORK
We wish to utilize our resources in working closely with the Students,
rather than spending a lot of time and resources in Administrative and
Bureaucratic duties. Therefore, we keep, maintain, and retain only minimal
records and paperwork. The records and paperwork that we keep is in our
sole discretion, of what we deem necessary to keep, maintain or retain.
FAMILY REPRESENTATIVE
One of the key members of our Staff Team is the Family Representative.
The main role of the Family Representative is to make sure your child is
receiving quality care and effective growth opportunities. The Family
Representative is in regular contact with your child and is your contact
person with the School. The Family Representative will contact you to set
a regularly schedule phone call for the purpose of coordination of updates
and progress reports. The norm for these regularly scheduled phones calls
is every two weeks, however your Family Representative will establish the
schedule on an individual basis. Due to scheduled office hours, other
previously scheduled phone calls, scheduled meetings, and other various
commitments working with Students, there may not be much flexibility for
your Family Representative in scheduling your regularly scheduled phone
call. Your family representative works a two week rotating schedule. For
example, a family rep works Monday, Wednesday, and Friday one week and
then the following week they would work Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
One of the three days that your family rep is working is designated as
his/her call and email day. <Name of facility> requires your family rep
to make all their calls and emails on this designated day. However, this
call day switches every other week with the family rep’s rotating
schedule. We appreciate your understanding in this matter. It is very
important to call the Family Representatives at your regular scheduled
time. If parents are unable to call the Family Representative within 5
minutes of the scheduled time, they will need to call at the next
scheduled time. Except in cases of emergency, Family representatives have
prior scheduling commitments that do not allow them to receive or make
calls in between regular scheduled phone calls; however, your Family
Representative may be contacted by email, if needed, between scheduled
phone calls. Any calls from the Family Representative to the parents would
only be for some special purpose, and would be made on a collect basis.
Please be aware that due to staff changes, promotions, and other factors,
your Family Representative may change.
COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR CHILD
You may correspond by mail as often as you desire (but your child will
receive mail only on scheduled mail days). Once a week is plenty, and
suggested by the Family Representative. Phone calls, as stated in the
Enrollment Agreement (see Addendum #5), are a privilege that your child
must earn by attaining Advanced Status. The time for this is individual to
the Students’ progress and is an important and necessary process. Your
child will appreciate the phone calls to you much more when he/she has to
work hard to earn them. Phone calls any earlier in his/her progress would
be destructive and disruptive, as the Student then becomes more
preoccupied with trying to convince you that he/she should be taken out of
the School rather than focusing on progress or necessary changes. Even
when phone calls are permitted, they are short and not too frequent. This
helps keep the cost down for the parents, as all calls, as stated in the
Enrollment Agreement, are on a collect basis. Plus, all phone calls
require a substantial amount of effort and logistics to complete. Again,
it is critical that your child earn the phone privilege, otherwise we are
all short changing this progress. PLEASE DO NOT ASK US TO MAKE AN
EXCEPTION!!! This is totally unfair to the other Students and their
parents. Exceptions affect all Students, you can imagine all of the
Students asking “why does Tom get to make a phone call and I don’t?”
or “don’t my parents want to talk to me on the phone as badly as
Tom’s parents want to talk to him?” This creates such a problem that
we put in the Enrollment Agreement (see Addendum #5) that no phone calls
are allowed before the Student earns Achievement Status. Once the Student
has earned the phone privilege, the Student is not allowed to call anyone
other than his/her parents/guardians.
VISITS
We recommend your first visit is the Parent Child I (PCI) workshop held
at the School. You will be scheduled for a PC I workshop shortly after
your child has been in the school 7 months. Students need to have
completed orientation, discovery and need to have been enrolled for 7
months . Parents must complete Discovery. Upon review and approval of the
School, a PC can be scheduled earlier if the parent has completed Focus
and the student has completed Discovery. It is also important that we set
an example by adhering to the School rules ourselves. For this reason, we
ask that you REFRAIN FROM REQUESTING ANY EXCEPTIONS, as it negatively
affects not only your child’s progress, but the other Students’ in the
School. This was agreed to as part of our accepting the Student in the
School. (See Enrollment Agreement Item #13). Visitors other than parents
must be approved by the parents and Family Representative, who, together,
will determine the structure of the visit. All visits (on grounds, off
grounds, and home visits) are scheduled with the Family Representative.
The initial visit will only be approved if the telephone calls with the
parents have been productive.
Once your child reaches Honor Status, your child is eligible for
overnight visits, within the vicinity of the School. The Family
Representative will confer with the Progress Review Committee to determine
eligibility. Honor Status students who have graduated from PC-2 also begin
to be eligible for home passes.
When your child achieves High Honor Status, home visits are encouraged
and recommended. Home visits are crucial as testing ground for the
Student’s eventual return to the home. Home visits are considered before
the Student is on High Honor Status if they are a PC-2 graduate. Home
visits are determined on an individual basis according to your child’s
progress.
MAIL
All mail sent to the Student may come only from parents. All mail sent
to the Students is opened with a Staff present, so it is monitored for
contraband or inappropriate items. All mail sent out by the Student is
mailed to the parents; the parent can then disperse it as they see fit.
Please obtain a return address stamp or stickers, and send them to your
Family Representative. This will help assure that mail is coming only from
and going to parents.
Your child will receive mail on Monday and Friday nights. Parents who
choose to email letters to their child can do so but the emails must be
received by 3:00pm CST Sunday and 3:00pm CST Thursday. The mail will be
logged and accounted for at 3:00 PM on these two days. Any mail that is
received after 3:00 will be distributed on the next available mail day.
PACKAGES
Packages may be sent only on Student’s birthday and Christmas.
Students will often ask their parents to send them packages at other
times. Some of the items requested may not really be needed or even
appropriate. We are always happy to verify the need of any requested item.
Even if your child has a legitimate need for some item, it is usually
better to let us obtain it and then have you reimburse us. Sending a
package takes a long time and runs a very strong risk of being lost,
stolen, or having items spoiled or damaged. We especially ask that parents
do not send snack foods, as this undermines the Status Privileges.
RELIGION
No specific religion is taught or advocated. This is considered a
personal and individual decision, and respected as such.
ILLNESSES AND INJURIES
Many of the activities in which the Student may participate involve
some risk. These risks include, but are not limited to such activities as
transportation, swimming, hiking, etc. There is also some inherent risks
of illness, including but not limited to illnesses that are contagious;
illnesses or health risks that are common to the geographic location,
including mosquito bites, sores, hives, rashes, slow-healing cuts; illness
connected to food services, etc. There is also risk of hurricanes,
earthquakes, and other acts of nature, etc. While the School goes to great
lengths to prevent illnesses and accidents, the School cannot accept any
liability for illnesses or injuries or other damages occurring to the
Student during his enrollment (See Enrollment Agreement Item #17).
MEDICATIONS
All medications are self administered by the Student under the general
supervision of a non-medical Staff member. Because of the difficulty and
logistics involved with medications, it is possible there may be times the
Student may not have access to medications for certain periods of time.
Because all medication is essentially self-administered, problems or
mistakes are possible. For these reasons, the School accepts no liability
(See Enrollment Agreement Item #12) for problems associated with the
disbursement of medication. Parents should also understand that Students
who are on prescription medications need ongoing review by a Physician or
Psychiatrist every 30 to 90 days. The cost of these reviews varies by
physician.
MEDICAL INTERVENTION
The School Staff have to make numerous decisions about when to seek
medical/dental help for Students ranging from small to serious ailments,
injuries, or needs. We try to make our decisions taking into consideration
a balance between added costs to the parent for medical care, and true
medical need of the Student. The Staff, like any parent, can miscalculate
the timing or need of medical intervention. Such miscalculations can
result in the Student not getting medical intervention as soon as would be
recommended or to avoid complications. The School staff makes these
“judgment calls” for and on behalf of the parents. Any such
“judgment calls” are subject to human error, especially since many of
these judgment calls would have to be made by a non-medical staff. For
these reasons, the School or its Staff are not liable for any illness,
complications or damages occurring to the Student because of a
miscalculated “judgment call” made by the Staff in terms of the need
or timing of medical intervention for the Student. Furthermore, the School
makes no representation or accepts no liability for the performance of any
physician, dentist, clinic, or hospital to which the Student is delivered
for medical intervention. (See Enrollment Agreement Item #13). Please be
aware that there is only one RN on Staff at <Name of facility>. She
will be available most weekdays, and usually evenings, and weekends, and
in an emergency. When a Student needs medical attention our first priority
is to get them that attention, which may mean we seek the needed attention
before you are notified.
SUPERVISION
The amount of supervision varies with each Student depending on the
Student’s current status. We provide a high level of supervision but it
is understood that the supervision provided, regardless of status, does
not guarantee that serious or minor accidents, injuries, self harm, harm
from others, fighting, acts of physical aggression, runaways, suicide
attempts, sexual activity/stimulation or use of alcohol, tobacco or other
harmful substances cannot happen. These risks are present in any segment
of society no matter how controlled or protected.
PREFACE TO THE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
Occasionally Students make it difficult for their parents by claiming
that they have been treated unfairly or they feel that certain conditions
exist at the School that are not in their best interest. You may wonder if
your child is manipulating you or if there is a valid concern. The
grievance policy allows Students and yourself to bring these concerns to
the surface and have them properly reviewed by persons inside and outside
the School.
RESIDENT GRIEVANCE POLICY
Philosophy
To insure that all residents receive fair and equitable treatment
within the policies and procedures of <Name of facility>.
Policy
If a Student feels that he/she has been treated unfairly, he/she may
file a grievance by filling out a form and placing it in the
grievance/suggestion box (located in the dining area) or giving it to the
School Director. All grievances are reviewed by a Staff assigned by the
administration. All findings may be appealed.
Levels of Appeal
Special Review Team assigned by Director
Independent Review
Director
Whenever your child has a complaint, encourage them to use the
grievance procedure. This will allow your child’s concerns to be
directed to administrative personnel and we are more than willing to send
you a copy of the grievance and the findings on each level of appeal.
| Resident Grievance Form
Student Name_______________ Family Rep. ____________________
Date_______________
Student’s Family____________________ Date consequence was
issued______/______/_______
I am filing this grievance for a consequence I received. YES NO
If “YES” what was the code and category of the consequence
given? __________________
What staff member gave me the consequence?
___________________________________
To insure that points are awarded back and situations are
investigated properly students need to fill out their grievance
completely and accurately.
Failure to do so will indicate to those who review the
grievances that it is not a priority to you as a student
Answer the following question: 1. How was I treated unfairly or
shown disrespect? (please give specific details)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
I think an appropriate solution would be:
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Date___________ Do not fill in any information below this line
Investigator___________
Does the investigator feel that the consequence should be removed or
altered? NO YES
Investigation notes:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________
Does the student want to appeal the decision of this investigation?
YES NO
Investigator’s Signature__________________________
Student’s Signature_____________________________
|
|
YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
The most beneficial part of the School is when your child
is able to participate in the Youth Leadership Program. This experience is
important for a number of reasons:
- The Student begins viewing themselves as part of the solution rather
than part of the problem.
- The Student has to learn to stand up to and confront their peers,
for most of our Students, this is critical to their long term success.
- The Student learns appreciation for parents and authority figures.
Many of us did not really appreciate our parents until we became
parents ourselves. This experience puts the Student in a parent like
role, which gives them a whole new appreciation for their own parents.
- The Student begins to see and understand the need for rules, limits,
and boundaries.
- The Student gets a better insight into his/her own past negative
behavior and why it didn’t work for them.
- There isn’t a better way to learn to be responsible than by having
responsibility; this experience places a lot of responsibility upon
the Student.
- The Student feels needed and valued.
- The Student learns how to work with others and how to serve and
contribute to the success of others.
- The Student’s self-esteem and outlook is improved.
Students may have the opportunity to participate in the Youth
Leadership Program in the following two positions: Bunk Leaders and
Facility Leaders. Each bunk of two Students is assigned a Bunk Leader who
is responsible for both Students’ general conduct and adherence to the
School standards. Facility Leaders function three days a week as a Staff
assistant or as an assistant to a Dorm Parent.
Again, the Youth Leadership Program is the part of the Program that has
the most amounts of growth opportunities for your child. Like all
opportunities and positions of responsibility, this position has to be
earned by the Student. Then, and only then, will your child have earned
the respect and confidence of the Staff and other Students necessary for
them to succeed in this position. Due to the importance of this part of
the Program in the growth of your child, we feel it is important that your
child eventually has an opportunity to function in both of these
leadership positions. Best results can be realized when this happens.
COMPLETION
The best results can be realized when you are committed to having your
child completes all phases of the Character Building Program.
Criteria for completing the Character Building Program are several
fold:
| A |
The Student successfully completes each of the Seminars. All
phases of the Parent/Child Workshops must be completed. |
| B |
The Student staffs a minimum of four seminars. Staffing the
seminars provides the Student an opportunity to review, reinforce
and assimilate the concepts taught in the seminars. |
| C |
The Student successfully completes all statuses. Each Status is
earned by hard work in character building courses, academics,
seminars, and a physical fitness Program. |
| D |
The Student, to the satisfaction of his/her parents and Family
Representative, resolves any and all issues that would impede a
successful return to the family and home. |
| E |
The Student demonstrates follow-through, and that new habits are
being formed. |
| F |
The Student completes two successful home visits, the first being
shorter in length and later visits more lengthy. |
| G |
The Student has functioned as a youth leader both as a Bunk Leader
and a Facility Leader. The Youth Leadership Program is the part of
the Program that results in the most growth for the Student. The
Student should have functioned as a Facility Leader for at least six
months. |
| H |
The Student has successfully completed all criteria of the
Internalization Phase. |
ALL OF THESE CRITERIA SHOULD BE MET!!! |
MERITS
Merits are awarded mostly by the Student through what we call a
“Self-Directed Program”. Developing Self-Direction or Internal
Direction rather than requiring continued External Direction is the long
term key to your child’s success. Students evaluate their own progress
each day; the amount of merits the Student receives will be primarily
determined by their own evaluation. Staff will review the evaluations and
provide a safety net for those who would exaggerate their evaluation or
exploit the situation. There are some that will do that but they are the
exception rather than the rule. Our experience is that when people
evaluate themselves they tend to be pretty accurate or maybe even
critical, more importantly because it is their evaluation it means more to
them. They begin to see and understand more clearly what they need to do
differently so they can give themselves a higher evaluation. It becomes
them, not the Staff or others, that are responsible for their progress. No
one is holding them back. They begin to feel more empowered and motivated.
Furthermore, once they complete the School, they will continue with the
same Self Directed Program during their transition back to home.
The Student’s merits come from the Student’s self-evaluation on
their Academic Progress, Classroom Citizenship, Overall Receptiveness,
Relationships, Responsibilities, Reflections, and Review Meetings. See
forms for additional information.
The merit system places responsibility for progress and change squarely
upon the Student. It emphasizes ownership, not just mechanics. In this
system, we create an environment, and provide resources, where by the
Student is more keenly focused and aware of their own accountability in
determining their results, thus encouraging the progress of your Student.
BONUS MERITS
LEADER AWARDS
Students earn up to 12 merits for each day they serve as a Bunk Leader
or a “Senior Buddy” for a new Student. Students earn up to 2 merits
for each day they serve as an Assistant Bunk Leader.
SEMINAR AWARDS
Students can earn 50 Merits for successfully completing Orientation
Seminar.
Students earn up to 200 Merits for successfully completing the Discovery
Seminar.
Students earn up to 400 Merits for successfully completing the Focus
Seminar.
Students can earn up to 100 Merits when they successfully staff any
seminar with commendation.
ACADEMIC AWARDS
Students earn 100 Merits for each academic course they complete.
|
STATUS
| Level |
Name, benefits |
Communication with parents |
| Regular: |
Students start out as Regular Status; Students at
this status participate in the regular schedule or activities but
must be with a Staff member at all times. |
Letters only |
| Achievement: |
Students can advance to Achievement Status when they
have accumulated 200 Merits. Students can purchase snacks from the
School Store Friday and Saturday during the Educational Video and
Sunday. |
Letters only |
| Advanced: |
Students can advance to Advanced Status when they
have accumulated 1000 Merits, and have successfully completed the
Orientation and Discovery Seminars and have been approved by the
Staff and Student Council. They must be “voted up” by the
Advancement Committee (compiled of Students and Staff). Advanced
Status Students have all of the Achievement Status privileges, plus
they may attend two “special” on grounds activities per month.
During Regular to Achievement Status, the Student is preparing
and moving into “success mode”. The Service to High Honor Status
will take more time, as that is where leadership is developed and
internalization occurs. Student Service Status or higher are
evaluated as all other statuses however they have an additional
evaluation for Leadership. The Students are evaluated on: example to
other Students; influence on other Students; assistance to Staff;
and upholding standards. Students may receive a rating in each area
of: Exemplary, Good, Some Improvement Needed, Unsatisfactory or
Staff Correction. Each rating has a point value; Exemplary= 3, Good=
2, Some Improvement Needed= 1, Unsatisfactory= 0, Staff Correction=
-3 points. |
Advanced Status Students can start calling home as
arranged with the Family Representative. The Student will be allowed
one home phone call per month. |
| Service: |
Students can advance to Service Status when they have
accumulated 2400 Merits and have successfully completed the Focus
Seminar and have been approved by the Staff and the Student Council.
Service Status Students start over with 0 points and must earn 1600
Merits or more to move to Honor Status. Service Status Students have
all the privileges of lower statuses, plus two additional
“special” on grounds activities per month. Service Status
Students may set their own schedule with the exception of Wake Up,
Meals, Group, Three Fitness Classes, first and last Academic Periods
and Shut Down times. Service Status Students have the opportunity as
well as the responsibility of participating in the Youth Leadership
Program. This requires the Service Status Student to function as a
Staff Assistant or Junior Staff for 3 days a week. Students must
always let Staff know what they are doing. |
Service Status Students are eligible for family day
visits.
The Student will be allowed two home phone calls per month. |
| Honor: |
Students can advance to Honor Status when they have
accumulated 1600 Merits and have staffed at least one of the
following seminars: Orientation, Discovery, or Focus. Honor Status
Students start over with 0 Merits and must earn 1600 Merits or more
to move to High Honor Status. Honor Status Students have all the
privileges of lower statuses as well as responsibility of
functioning 3 days a week as a Staff Assistant. Honor Status
Students have two off-grounds activities each month. |
Honor Status Students are eligible for overnight
visits. The Student will be allowed three home phone calls per
month. |
| High Honor: |
A Student can advance to High Honor Status when they
have accumulated 1600 Merits and have staffed two of the following
seminars: Orientation, Discovery, or Focus. Students may apply for
Parent/Child III when they have accumulated 1000 Merits, but are not
eligible to attend the Parent/Child III Workshop until they have
received 600 Merits, for a total of 1600 Merits. Once a student has
completed his or her life contract, and the student’s parents have
reviewed the final version and returned it to the facility, the
student will receive 400 Merits for the completion of his or her
contract. High Honor Status Students have all the privileges of
lower statuses , as well as the responsibility of functioning three
days a week as a Staff Assistant. High Honor Status Students have
two additional off-grounds activities each month. |
High Honor Status Students are eligible for home
visits. The Student will be allowed four home phone calls per month. |
Situational Probation: The Staff, with the approval of the
Director, may place a Student at Advanced to High Honor Status, on
probation in situations where the Staff feels the Student isn’t making
an honest effort to maintain the standards expected for their particular
status. Probation serves as a notice to the Students that they are
slipping in their progress or need to make some changes. The Student may
even lose some or all of their privileges until they are taken off
probation whenever the Staff and Director approve the Student for
reinstatement.
|
INTERNALIZATION PHASE
When the following requirements have been met, you and your child will
be invited to attend a Parent/Child II Workshop.
1. Parents completed Parent Child I Workshop
2. Student has obtained Honor Status, NO EXCEPTIONS
3. Student has completed all Student Seminars and Workshops
4. Student has a School recommendation
Typically this requires that the Student be near completion of the
Program, be on the upper statuses for some period of time, and be
demonstrating a working attitude. Near completion means that your child is
within 4-6 months of returning home. This is a critical workshop in which
you and your child will begin the process of reintegrating the family.
Parent/Child II is an opportunity to spend three days with your child
without any distractions to work on past issues, strengthen family
relationships, start the home contracting process, and begin to build a
new family dynamic centered on your family purpose and values.
Once you and your child have completed Parent/Child II, your child will
enter an Internalization Program at <Name of facility>. This Internalization
period is a minimum of four months. During the period, you will have
greater access to your child to continue this process begun in
Parent/Child II. The focus will be to work on the development of a life
contract, resolve any final issues, complete educational requirements for
school and set the foundation for return of your child into the family. An
essential part of the Internalization Phase is the home visit. This allows
for gradual reintegration of the family. The first home visit should be
scheduled approximately one month into the Internalization Phase based on
the child’s results after returning from PC-II. A minimum of two home
visits are recommended.
Living Arrangements
The Students live in a supervised, yet less restrictive environment. In
this new setting, the Students leave their comfort zone and begin a new
way of life.
School
The Students will continue their academic Program by attending school
every day.
Review Meetings
The Students will have one Progress Review Meeting per day. The group
session will focus on issues relative to the child returning home.
Students who could benefit from AA or NA meetings will attend regular
meetings under Staff supervision.
Activities
The Students may participate in a variety of community recreation,
fitness or service activities. All activities will be supervised by adult
supervision and approved by the School.
The benefits that the Internalization phase offers are invaluable.
Internalization also allows for a “clearing” up of all Academic
Credits, so that the Student at the time he/she leaves the School will
have an updated transcript that can be forwarded to his/her future school
or college.
It also qualifies the Student and his/her family to be eligible to
attend all Follow Up Workshops after the child has returned home. This
provides an ongoing benefit and help to the Student and family.
The School is persistent in its efforts to succeed with every child.
However, occasionally, there are Students we are resistive in such a
manner that they become a risk to the Staff, themselves, the School, the
environment, or to the other Students. In these few cases, when the
Director determines that a Student has reached that point, the Sponsors
agree and understand that the School will no longer be able to work with
that Student. The School will, however, work with the parents to recommend
options and alternative placement on an expeditious basis.
|
DAILY SCHEDULE COURSE DESCRIPTION
| TAPE CHARACTER BUILDING (AUDIO): |
Students listen quietly to a 30 minute cassette tape of
Motivational and Self Improvement Experts such as Zig Ziggler, Dr.
Bradshaw, Stephen Covey, Anthony Robbins, etc. |
| READING-CHARACTER BUILDING: |
Group reading of booklets on topics such as honesty, gratitude,
hope, letting go, accepting criticism, reaching out to others,
drinking, smoking, drugs, teen pregnancy, etc. Each person reads a
page and then passes the booklet onto the next Student. The Staff
may ask questions about the material read to quiz the Students
attentiveness. The Director may also have the group read a specific
personal growth book; in such cases the Director assigns the group
to read a certain amount of pages each day. |
| VIDEO CHARACTER BUILDING: |
Educational and motivational videos that teach character and skill
building. Some of these videos specifically address addictions and
the process to overcome them. |
| INSPECTION: |
Students are inspected for proper grooming, dress, hygiene, and
proper care of their bed, clothing, belongings, and room |
| PHYSICAL EDUCATION: |
Physical Education is the involvement in constructive physical
activities and sports such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, etc. |
| LEISURE ED: |
The first 20 minutes the Students play cards, board games or other
games as assigned by the Staff. The last 40 minutes the Students may
play any approved games of their choice, or they may do art and
crafts projects, etc. |
| WORK PROJECT: |
Work Projects to improve and maintain the grounds or facilities. |
| EDUCATIONAL VIDEO: |
Science of History Videos by National Geographic, Public Broadcast
System, and Specials by ABC or CBS news. |
| MOVIES: |
Classic or specially selected movies that promote a positive
message. |
| PREP-TIME: |
Students prepare for bed and shutdown |
| MUSIC: |
Students sing popular but meaningful songs through the use of a
Karaoke machine. |
| CLASS: |
Jr. High and High School Curriculum completed through an
Independent Study Course designed to maximize learning and the
earning of credits. Directed by a teacher/tutor. |
| FITNESS: |
30 minutes of walking, jogging, calisthenics, or other set
exercises. |
| LANGUAGE: |
A class to learn a foreign language. |
| PROGRESS REVIEW: |
Students progress is reviewed in a peer group process facilitated
by the Staff. Students share what they have learned, and give and
get feedback on their problems, progress and solutions. |
| BREAK: |
Supervised outdoor free time where Students can read, write
letters, talk, play cards, enjoy the sun. |
| SPELLING: |
Students learn the spelling and definitions of several key
words used in our vocabulary. |
REFLECTIONS
Reflections is designed to assist Students in their personal growth,
insight, and development. The School has resource materials, including
professional courses on audio and video tapes, which are a part of
Reflections. The Students earn a portion of their Merits by outlining what
they have learned from these video and audio tapes courses. Some of the
courses that may be used are as follows:
| MOTIVATIONAL TAPES: |
Tony Robbins’ Personal Power, Building Power Relationships,
Positive Attitude Training, Zig Ziggler Goals, The Power of Purpose,
The Road Less Traveled, Essence of Success, Science of
Self-Discipline, Thinking Big, How to Win Friends and Influence
People, Infinite Self, Attaining Inner Peace, Psychology of
Achievement, Lead the Field. |
| CHARACTER BUILDING VIDEOS: |
Addictive Behavior-Selling Lies, Trouble With Tobacco, Stolen
Lives, Alternative To Violence, Dropout, Price Tag of Sex, How to
Succeed in the Work Place, Empowered Worker, Depression and
Addiction, The Power of Choice, You Can Choose (Series), Teens Guide
to Improving Self-Esteem, Decision Making For Kids, Twelve Steps,
Dealing With Problems, Inhalants, I Want to Fit In. |
| EDUCATIONAL TAPES/VIDEOS: |
(note: the School has a 180-day Program of educational
videos-science and history) National Geographic Series, Lewis &
Clark, Scientific Problem Solving, A & E Presidents Series,
Mother Theresa, Organic Chemistry, Great Minds of Medicine,
Invention Series, Natures Fury, Julius Caesar, Einstein, Nova
Series, This Great Century Series, Gifts from the Earth, Untamed
Africa, The Entrepreneurs Series. |
Attached to their Reflection Outline is their completed Daily
Information Sheet, which will contain the following information:
- What feelings/emotions did I experience today and how did I choose
to respond?
- What Rule Violations did I have today? List each Category 1-Self
Correction/Staff Correction; List each Category 2 and above.
- What was my physical health condition today and did I take all of my
medication?
- What course material did I accomplish during Academics today?
- Any other information you would like to pass on to your Family
Representative?
These sheets are turned in daily, and given to the Student’s Family
Representative. The information contained in daily Reflections is valuable
information for the Staff as they coach your Student through their journey
of change.
|
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Students must follow a firm set of rules:
 | Students are to maintain appropriate manners. This includes
refraining from rude behaviors, swearing, being loud and boisterous.
It also includes please, thank you, and excuse me. |
 | Students are always to be responsive to guidance and direction from
the Youth Supervisors, Teachers, and other Staff. Students should not
through actions, words, gestures, or facial expressions, communicate a
lack of cooperation or a lack of respect. |
 | Students may discuss with Staff (in private) concerns about Staff
directions or interactions. The Students may also request a conference
with the Staff member and their supervisor to work out any problems. |
 | Students are always to be kind to each other. Students should not
degrade other Students by unkind words, actions, or gestures. Students
may request a conference with the Student and Staff member to work out
any problems or potential problems. |
 | Students are not to talk about drinking, drugs, or sex. |
 | Students are not to tell about “war stories” or brag about
inappropriate experiences. |
 | Students are to talk respectfully about parents, authority figures,
and other Staff. |
 | Students are not to make negative statements about the School, the
Staff, the country, or other Students. |
 | Students should not interrupt a conversation when someone else is
talking. |
 | Students should not involve themselves in other people’s business. |
 | Students should never interfere with the Staff’s correction of
another Student. |
 | Students are to be on time, whether it’s to class or an activity
or completing a job or personal responsibilities. These are all to be
done in a timely manner. |
 | Students are to follow the classroom structure. |
 | Students are to dress and groom conservatively (without extremes). |
 | Students are to take proper care of their bodies including regular
exercise, eating a balanced diet, etc. |
 | Students should not tattoo, injure, stress or mark their bodies. |
 | Students are to complete jobs and assignments in a timely and
cheerful manner. |
 | Students are to be respectful of property, whether it belongs to
them, others, or the School. |
 | Students are not to borrow belongings of others without permission. |
 | Students are not to manipulate or use others for their own benefit.
This includes lying, cheating, deceiving or playing people off of each
other. Students should not ask a Staff for a more favorable answer
when one Staff member has already told them “no”. Students should
not say “so and so Staff let me do this or that”. |
 | Students should make an honest effort to participate in each of the
daily activities and to cooperate with the School. |
Any violations of these behavior standards should result in at least a
Category 1 Rule Violation. Staff should apply consequences as outlined in
the Rule Violation and Consequence Sheet.
If a Student refuses to follow through on any consequences, they should
be given a Refusal (Category 4).
All rule violations are placed in categories ranging from 1-5 with 1
being the most minor violation and 5 being the most major. Each category
has a predetermined set of consequences consisting of a combination of
immediate consequences along with follow-up consequences. All rule
violations are coded by number for easy reference. Category 1 Rule
Violations are numbered starting with 101. All Category 2 Violations are
numbered starting with 201. All Category 3 Rule Violations are numbered
starting with 301. All Category 4 Rule Violations are numbered starting
with 401. The fist number in the code signifies to what Category of Rule
Violation is being referred to. In the case of Category 1 Violations, each
general violation is numbered, while the specific incident is signified by
a letter. On the next page is a detailed outline of each Category 1 Rule
Violation with the corresponding code number and specific letters.
|
CATEGORY 1 RULE VIOLATIONS
| 101 |
Rude Act |
a. Intentionally passing gas |
| b. Burping out loud |
| c. Spitting |
| d. Swearing |
| e. Blurting out |
| 102 |
Rude Manners |
a. Interrupting |
| b. Loud or boisterous |
| c. Crowding |
| d. Interfering |
| e. Not saying “Please,” “Excuse Me,” or
“Thank You” |
| f. Eating with mouth open |
| g. Reaching |
| 103 |
Rude Comment |
a. Crude or grotesque remark |
| b. Rude comments about the Program |
| c. Rude comments about parents |
| d. Rude comments about another student |
| e. Rude comments about authority figures |
| 104 |
Inappropriate Comment |
a. Talking about drugs
b. Talking about drinking
c. Talking about sex |
| 105 |
Unsatisfactory Effort |
a. School
b. Job Assignments
c. Fitness
d. Personal Growth Course
e. Group Activities
f. Line Structure
g. Water bottle neglect |
| 106 |
Unsatisfactory Attitude |
a. Gestures
b. Facial Expressions
c. Words
d. Whining
e. Temper Tantrum |
| 107 |
Late |
a. Late to Class
b. Late to Activity
c. Late completing assignments |
| 108 |
Unsatisfactory Inspection |
a. Bed
b. Belongings
c. Room
d. Grooming/Hygiene |
| 109 |
Manipulation |
a. Lying or exaggerating
b. Saying another staff “lets me do it”
c. Trying to get permission from
one staff when one already said “no” |
| 110 |
Horse Play |
a. Wrestling
b. Tackling
c. Shadow boxing
d. Pushing/shoving
e. Water fights
f. Throwing objects
g. Play Karate |
| 111 |
Dress Code Violatio |
|
RULE VIOLATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES
If a student does not have the merit points to use for the demerits,
the student will go to Study Hall automatically.
| CATEGORY OF RULE VIOLATION |
REGULAR CONSEQUENCES |
SELF CORRECTION |
CATEGORY 1:
101 Rude Act
102 Rude Manners
103 Rude Comments
104 Inappropriate Comments
105 Unsatisfactory Effort
106 Unsatisfactory Attitude
107 Late
108 Unsatisfactory Inspection
109 Manipulation ..
110 Horseplay
111 Dress Code Violation |
25 Demerits |
5 Demerits |
CATEGORY 2:
201 Disrespect to A Peer 10 Study Hall Points
202 Disrespect to Staff
203 Disrespect to Property (banging against walls etc.)
204 Disrupting School
205 Dishonesty- by omission/cover-up
206 Not Following Directions
207 Breaking Confidentiality
208 Gossip/Rumor Spreading
209 Out of Area
210 Unauthorized Communication With Other Student
211 Violating Rules that are unique to the facility
212 Trend
213 Neglect
214 Did not Pass track Week 1
215 Unnecessary Items on the facility
216 Off Task example: Talking off task will fulfilling assignment |
50 Demerits |
25 Demerits |
CATEGORY 3:
301 Major Rude Act 20 Study Hall Points
302 Major Horse Play
303 Shutdown Violation
304 Petty Theft
305 Violation of Visit
306 Major Mischief
307 Defacing (Restitution.)
308 Blatant Rule Violation
309 Negative Attitude - Major
310 Runaway Talk
311 Major Dishonesty
312 Academic Deficiency
313 Physical Intimidation (Bullying)
314 Major Disrespect
315 Illegal Items
316 Lending/Borrowing
317 Sexual Misconduct
318 Facility Misconduct
319-A Did not pass track (week 2)
319-B Did not pass track (week 3)
320 Major out of area
Facility Misconduct and not passing track three weeks in a row
both result in drop of one status |
80 Demerits |
50 Demerits |
Category 4:
401 Insubordination
402 School/Activity Removal
403 Study Hall Removal Loss of 3 Statuses with minimum merits Loss
of 2 Statuses with
404 Refusal 50 Study Hall Points Minimum merits
405 Theft 30 Study Hall Points
406 Vandalism (Restitution)
407 Fighting
408 Tattooing/Piercing/Disfiguring
409 Cheating in School
410 Shave Head
411 Layering
412 Runaway Plans |
|
|
CATEGORY 5:
501 Tobacco Move to Regular Status with Zero Merits Move to Regular
Status with Zero Merits
502 Alcohol/Drugs 80 Study Hall Points Zero Merits
503 Disruptive Removal 60 Study Hall Points
504 Serious Misconduct
505 Run Away
506 Out of Control
507 Self Inflicted Injury |
|
|
If a student does not have the merit points to use for the demerits,
the student will go to Study Hall automatically
|
Self Correction Form
Student
Name:__________________________________Family:______________ Room:_____
Date:________ Time:____________ Code_____________________
How am I taking responsibility for the
following rule violation?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
How is this a pattern for me? Where has this shown up in my life in the
past?
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
In the future I will take the following action(s) to correct my rule
violation:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Student_Signature______________________________________ Date___/___/___
Staff
Name____________________________________________ Date___/___/___

Staff Correction
Student Name:________________________________ Family:______________
Room:___
Date:________________ Time:____________
Rule Violation:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Code_________
Staff Signature___________________________
|
INTERVENTION
A Student is placed on Intervention status anytime they are having a
hard time coping with the normal structure of the School. Intervention is
a place where Students with their bunk leader or other peer leader and
assigned Staff can talk things over and sort through things away from the
normal pressures of the School or their peers.
A Student can be placed on Intervention status at their own request or
at the request of Staff.
Procedure:
1. The Student and their bunk leader or other peer leaders go with an
assigned Staff to an Intervention office. The Staff member and a bunk
leader or upper level Student is
assigned to provide the Student safety, supervision, and care for basic
needs, as well as offering insight and advice to the Student.
2. Student’s Family Representative should be notified and
instructions followed. If the Family Representative can’t be contacted,
an administrative person should be
contacted.
3. Discussions with the Student include giving advice and sharing
lessons and insight from the Staff and Student Leader’s experience, as
well as discussing the Student’s
choices and the effects of each choice. If a Student chooses not to talk
while in Intervention, the Staff should respect their choice. Discussions
should not be
confrontational, but calming in nature.
4. All discussions should be suspended should bathroom needs or meals
arise. The Student should remain under the direct supervision of the Staff
and peer leader while
these needs are accomplished.
5. Before returning the Student to study hall or any other assigned
activity, the Student is required to write a 1,000 word essay on what
their goals are for the rest of the day.
|
PHYSICAL INTERVENTION
<Name of facility> is designed to minimize the need for the physical
restraint of a Student; in fact, most Students will go through School
without ever needing to have physical intervention. However, we do work
with highly oppositional Students who can, at times, be volatile,
confrontational, resistive and aggressive, making the need for physical
intervention sometimes unavoidable. Staff is only authorized to restrain a
Student as a last resort when a Student needs to be restrained in order to
protect themselves or others.
|
| ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
<Name of facility> has a zero tolerance policy against acts of
violence and physical aggression as well as other dangers severely
disruptive or extremely defiant behavior exhibited by any Student. These
behaviors are not tolerated at <Name of facility> for the following
reasons.
| 1. Endangers Students, Staff and the School |
| 2. Distracts and significantly impedes the progress of others |
| 3. Destructive to the general environment and positive peer
culture |
| 4. Consumes Staff time and attention, cheating the other Students |
| 5. Allows negative role modes for new or
impressionable Students |
| 6. Influences other Students to similarly misbehave or act out |
Therefore, any Student exhibiting these types of behaviors will be
immediately expelled from <Name of facility>. Students who have been
zero toleranced are asked to leave the school immediately. <Name of facility>
may recommend Tranquility Bay, a treatment center, or to an alternative
location**** chosen by the parents. Transportation to a new facility is
the parents responsibility.
Specifically, the following behaviors will result in an immediate
transfer to an appropriate alternative:
| 1. Students who are physically aggressive or seriously threaten
other Students, Staff, or property |
| 2. Students who have to be physically restrained for their own
safety or the safety of others |
3. Students that require Staff one to one intervention for longer
than 8 hours or have numerous episodes requiring Staff one to one
intervention over a period of three
days or more. |
| 4. Students who leave or are intently determined to leave the
facility without permission |
****<Name of facility> recommends that parents with teens who have
been zero toleranced contact Parent Support Services to seek out further
options and locations that may be suitable for their teen. Each zero
tolerance is unique and Parent Support Services will work with you to find
an additional resource for your family as quickly as possible. |
| BILLING
To insure the best possible service to you in all aspects of our
School, we want to clarify our billing procedures.
Approximately three weeks before your assigned billing due date, you
will receive your monthly bill. We will also send a helpful reminder
letter about a week later to assist you in keeping your account current
and to prevent you from accruing the costly penalty fees that were
explained in your Enrollment Agreement.
If for some reason we have not received your remittance payment within
three days after your due date, we will overnight a letter to you. We will
also enclose a return envelope to use for your payment. A charge of $40.00
dollars will be billed to your account to cover the cost of the overnight
service. This will be far less expensive than the significant daily
penalties (See the Cash-In Advance Addendum #1 in Enrollment Agreement),
that will occur if the payment is not received within five days of the due
date.
If we haven’t received your payment by the fifth day past the due
date, you will automatically be disqualified for the cash-in advance
discount. At that time, your monthly fees will revert to $90 per day as
explained in item #5 in the Enrollment Agreement. At that point, we will
no longer be able to continue our services, and arrangements will have to
be made to bring your child home.
In addition to monthly tuition, the parents agree to pay for the
following expenses incurred by the child (See Enrollment Agreement Item
#6). Such expenses will be billed to the parents monthly as they occur:
| 1. Medical, dental, orthodontic, optical, urinalysis, medication,
lab work, etc. |
| 2. Transportation to or from the School for any reason |
| 3. Clothing |
| 4. Hair cuts, etc |
| 5. Postage |
| 6. All phone calls from the Student or the School |
| 7. Supervision and Transportation costs for special needs or
activities that are separate from the regular Programs of the School
(i.e. doctor & dental appointments, travel to and from airports) |
| 8. All Students on medication prescribed by a psychiatrist require
additional ongoing Doctor’s review, which results in a cost to the
parents of $75.00 per review. |
| 9. The School services do not include any formal individual
counseling sessions. individual counseling sessions, while usually
not needed or recommended, may be obtained for $100.00 per hour. |
| 10. Other expenses related to the well being or needs of the
Student not otherwise provided. |
|
APPENDIX “A”
PREMIER SEMINAR INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION:
All Students and parents participate in a series of highly effective
seminars. These seminars were developed specifically for the School.
The Premier Seminars are focused on enhancing self-esteem, honesty,
accountability, integrity, trust, agreements, leadership, communication,
and responsible decision-making. The Premier Seminar series also
strengthens a person’s ability to overcome anger, peer pressure, guilt,
shame, and self-limited beliefs.
As Students and parents participate in the Premier Seminars, they are
immersed in a combination of educational and experiential activities which
allow the Students an opportunity to evaluate the negative results of
their past choices and begin making effective new choices. After
completion of the various seminars, you will notice certain differences in
your child. You may hear your child speak of the changes these seminars
have created in their life. Typically, your child will become more open,
accountable, and responsible for their lives.
PREMIER STUDENT EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS:
TEEN EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS:
| Teen Orientation |
This is a two-day mini-seminar to introduce your child
to the overall purpose and flow, on not only the seminars, but the
School/Program. These two days are spent introducing key concepts
such as accountability, agreements, and the types of issues that
created your teen being in the school or Program. The intention is
to have your teen start seeing value in creating change. All teens
enter the Program in resistance. The sooner two messages are
internalized, the sooner your teen will begin to really work for
change. Message number 1 is that you are not coming to rescue them.
The only way home is to create lasting change. Message number 2 is
that creating change is only done by doing the work. Many teens
think sitting and “DOING TIME” is all that is needed to return
home. Orientation is the first wake up call for your teen. There are
no points given for Orientation. All Students should complete
Orientation the first time. If your teen does not, this means they
are in VERY active resistance. Teens will be in an Orientation
within 4-6 weeks of entering the Program. After completion of
Orientation, your teen will enter an Orientation Support Group for
the next month. This will assist them in preparing for Discovery |
| Teen Discovery |
Discovery is the first “real” seminar in the
process. It is a three-day seminar addressing such issues as
accountability, integrity, choice, trust, anger and honesty. Your
child will attend the seminar generally about 7-9 weeks after
entering the Program. Your child must have a recommendation from
your Family Rep (FR), Orientation Support Group leader, and his/her
family/group. There is a workbook your Student will be using after
completion of Orientation. If significant work has not been
completed or your Student continues to be in active resistance, your
teen may not be recommended to the Discovery.
This seminar requires the teens to deal with the issues that
brought them to the Program. The Orientation and Support Group will
have assisted in preparing the teen for Discovery. The standard for
completion of Discovery will require teens to be dealing with
issues, participate, and be direct and honest. Teens may complete
this seminar the first try, but some do not. Before moving to other
seminars, your child must complete Discovery. It is important that
you understand and support the Choose Out concept. Once your teen
graduates Discovery, they will become part of the Discovery Support
Communities for the next month.
This Support Group will assist in reinforcing the principles of
Discovery and prepare the Student to utilize the Focus seminar to
its fullest. As part of the Self Directed Program, your teen will do
an evaluation of their participation in Discovery, and he/she may
earn up to 200 points. There is a formal rating sheet your teen will
use for this evaluation. |
| Teen Focus |
This three-day seminar centers on critical life
experiences and self-limiting beliefs that have created a low
self-esteem and inappropriate behavior. Your child will attend the
Teen Focus after successful completion of the Discovery seminar.
Generally the Focus is 6-8 weeks after Discovery graduation. The aim
of the Focus seminar is for your child to begin to make new choices
regarding their behavior. This requires the risk of releasing their
old image and self-limited beliefs. The standard for participation
is much higher in Focus than in Discovery.
Many teens do not graduate Focus on their first attendance. This
is not surprising. Your teen should be very near or ready to move
into the Leadership Phase of the Program upon graduation from Focus.
It is critical they work the Focus seminar so that their time in the
Leadership (upper statuses) is productive. During Focus, your teen
will be introduced to the concept of values. Homework is assigned
concerning values. This homework is used in the Principles seminar.
Attendance at the Focus seminar depends on the teen’s work
within the School/Program. Your teen must be recommended to Focus by
your Family Rep, the Support community leader and your teen’s
family/group. Our recommendation is that a Student should be
Advanced Status to be considered for Focus. As in Discovery, your
teen will evaluate their participation in the Focus seminar. The
maximum number of points that may be earned from Focus is 400
points. |
| Teen Principles |
Upon completion of Focus your teen will be invited to
a Principles seminar. This one day seminar is generally 6-7 weeks
after Focus. Requirement for completion of Principles is completion
of their Values homework presented the last day of Focus. The main
reason students choose out of Principles is students do not do their
homework. Given the power of Focus, we do not envision many Students
not completing Principles.
In Principles, your child will have the opportunity to begin to
develop a conscious value system. It is not the intent of Principles
to teach specific values to your teen, just the concept. It is a
family matter as to what are the values of the home. During the
adult seminars, you will formalize a value frame for your family.
This is a time for the teen to begin to look at the values which
work in life and choose values that align with the family value
system. Most teens already know the values of the home. Principles
will focus them on living a values-based life. This is a critical
element which will be used daily in the Program’s Leadership
Phase. |
| Keys to Success (1 day workshop) |
These are a series of workshops geared for those teens
in the Leadership Program. The focus is to develop skills that
assist the child in enhancing family and peer relationships.
Additionally, your teen will be given the opportunity to measure the
degree at which they are honoring their values. A Values Results
check is done during each Keys workshop. No points are given for
Keys workshops. Each Student must complete 3 workshops during their
time in the Leadership Program in order to be eligible for Program
graduation.
The Keys workshops focus on skills such as communication,
addiction recognition, peer relationships, leadership, and anger
management. Your child will attend Keys workshops upon achieving
Service status in the Program. There are seven different Keys
modules your child may attend. During the time spent as an Upper
Status, the teen may attend a Keys workshop whenever a Premier
trainer is on-site. By the time your child enters the Keys seminars
they should be consistently working the Program. |
Support Communities
After completion of each seminar (Orientation, Discovery, Focus) your
teen will be joining a month-long Support group. This support group
includes a workbook to assist the teen in practicing the concepts obtained
in the seminars. To be eligible for the next seminar your teen must gain
the support of their support group coordinator, FR, and other senior adult
staff who work with your Student. If your teen fails to do their work
during the month, they may not be supported into the next seminar. The
seminars are only valuable if the Students are willing to work in them. If
your son or daughter is not supported into the next seminar they will
instead attend a BreakPoint seminar. Please do not ask the facility to put
your teen into seminars if they are not recommended. It is important that
you hold your teen accountable. The reason for not being recommended is
due to their resistance in working the Program. Support your teen by
letting him/her know you expect them to work their Program, not give
excuses
Choosing Out of a Seminar
Once your teen enters a seminar, they must continue to work the seminar
material. If the facilitator, in working with your teen, does not
experience them working the seminar, the facilitator may declare that the
teen has “chosen out” of the seminar. The term Choose Out is
important. Your teen will be given MANY opportunities in the seminar. The
facilitator will give them coaching and warnings if they do not observe
the teen working in the seminar. Your teen is never chosen out for only
ONE item. While you may hear from your teen the “trainer kicked me out
because I did not finish my homework,” this is not accurate. Hold your
teen accountable for their choices in the seminar. Ask them about the
group purpose and their choices in the seminar. Ask what other warnings,
coaching or feedback they were given during the seminar. A Choose Out
Sheet will be created for each Student as they leave the seminar so the FR
and the parents have a better understanding of the behavior being
exhibited by your teen. If a Student chooses out of a seminar, they will
attend the BreakPoint seminar.
BreakPoint
BreakPoint is a one-day seminar designed to assist teens in looking at
their resistance to moving forward in the Program. There are four separate
BreakPoint modules. So if a Student is in BreakPoint more than four times,
he/she will start repeating the material. If your Student is in BreakPoint
more than four times, it is critical that you confront your Student’s
lack of commitment to the change process. Most Students in BreakPoint are
there precisely because they are in resistance to their Program. Sometimes
a Student may miss a seminar due to illness or doctor visit. When this
happens, we recommend the facility put the Student into BreakPoint even
though they may not be in resistance. Those Students will gain valuable
experience by participating in the BreakPoint process.
PARENT EDUCATIONAL ELEMENTS:
Technically, the Parent seminars are an optional element in the total
program. Realistically, they are indispensable. The total program involves
ALL of the family. The parent seminars are YOUR program. They focus on
YOU, as the parent, as well as giving you insight into the program in
which your teen is involved. The adult seminars give parents new tools
necessary to create a new family dynamic. It is essential for you to be
involved fully in the program. While you cannot do your teen’s program,
your willingness to work and change sends a definite message to him/her.
You will want to attend ALL the seminars and workshops. The parent
seminars are offered in various locations around the country. Locations
and dates are available on the Premier Educational Systems web site.
Parent attendance is strongly urged within 3-6 weeks after enrolling your
child in the program.
NOTE:
You do NOT need to attend any parent seminar to visit your child. You
may visit your child once they reach the proper level or status for a
visit, as determined by the school.
IMPORTANT-PLEASE READ:
We would like you to understand that these are experiential seminars
rather than the traditional lecture type. The seminars include group
interaction, self-disclosure, individual and group feedback. You will be
asked to take an intensive, close self-examination of your beliefs,
attitudes and behaviors. At times the seminar will seem confrontational
and emotional; at other times, joyful, exciting and loving. Participants
have felt like leaving, especially the first day and a half. It is
imperative for you to realize this and commit to stay for the entire
training. This is not the type of training in which you may come late or
leave early. You must attend all days of the seminar and be there the
entire time. We want you to totally focus on the seminar during these
days. No phones, beepers or other types of communication devices are
allowed in the training.
You will have breaks throughout the seminar. These are short, and many
times you will have items to work on relating to the seminar. We recommend
arriving the night before the seminar begins. If you are flying, we do not
recommend scheduling a flight out on Sunday before 8:30p.m. The seminar
will be over before this time, but most people want to stay and visit with
newfound friends afterwards. Once we receive your seminar registration,
and email will be sent to you with additional information. (If you do not
have email, a packet will be mailed to you.)
| Parent Discovery (3 days) |
Shortly after your child enters the program, a
representative will invite you to participate in a Parent Discovery
Seminar. Similar to the Discovery seminar attended by the teens this
seminar forms the basis for the parent and child to work together in
additional Premier seminars. Discovery is really in the name. This
is a place to discover not only the fundamental concepts of the
seminars but also to learn things about oneself that will assist in
making positive and purposeful life changes. Please note:
Parent-Child seminars are not open to the family unless the parents
have completed the Parent Discovery. |
| Parent Focus (4 days) |
This is the second seminar available for the parents.
This seminar is NOT required to attend the P-C workshops. Similar to
the Teen Focus attended by your child, Parent Focus builds upon the
foundation established in the Parent Discovery seminar, and creates
additional tools to ensure success for the family. Key concepts
introduced in Discovery are expanded in Focus. Skills for
integration of these concepts into your life are presented.
Additional elements on personal and parenting choices are added to
make it the prime seminar in the creation of a new family dynamic
for your home. The standards of participation are higher than in
Discovery. Parents should come ready to work. Review of Discovery
material is recommended, as well as completion of a life story. This
story will assist you in dealing with personal and family issues. |
| Keys to Success (two-day workshops) |
After completion of Focus, you may attend a series of
workshops focus on specific personal and parental skills. There are
several modules which you may attend during your time in the
program. Topics include such items as Working with Addiction,
Communication, Marriage and Relationships, Dealing with Anger and
Angry People, Abundance and Prosperity, and Family Unity. These key
workshops are the Internalization Phase for the parents. Creation of
new family dynamics requires implementation, practice and energy.
Without these workshops, parents will find themselves misaligned
with program teachings and the lessons your son or daughter is
learning. |
Staffing
Staffing is a key element in the leadership phase of the program.
Leadership is developing the necessary skills and attitudes to handle peer
relationships. Peer relationships are always a major challenge for teens
and often for us as adults. Staffing is an optional element for the
parents, but we, at Premier, consider staffing as important as the
seminars. This is often a great means to reconnect with the principles of
the seminars. You will be able to staff once you have completed Focus. If
you desire to staff at your child’s facility, you must staff an adult
seminar first.
| Parent-Child Workshops (3 Workshops) |
The Parent-Child series of workshops is offered to you
as a family at various stages of your program. Your facility/school
will invite you to the workshops based on the results your child has
created in the program. There are three Parent-Child Workshops,
designed to assist families in a successful integration of the child
back into the home. The first Parent-Child Workshop is held at the
facility/school, while the others are held on either the East or
West Coast. You and your teen will travel to the appropriate site.
There is a fourth, optional workshop designed for families once the
child has graduated PC III and has returned home. To attend any of
these Parent-Child seminars the parents must first complete the
Parent Discovery seminar. |
| Parent-Child I (2 Days) |
When your child graduates Discovery, if the parents
are Discovery graduates and the program recommends, the parents will
be sent an invitation to attend PC I. This weekend is designed to
address outstanding issues within the family from pre-program days.
What you have learned in prior seminars is critical to this weekend.
It is highly recommended this be your first visit to your child
unless your child has already earned a visit based on his/her
status. The family will develop a plan to continue the work with the
child and facility once the workshop is complete. PC-I is required
to attend other PC seminars. At PC I, parents will be given a 7-week
workbook which centers on the development of a Value Frame for the
Family. It is vital that the workbook be completed before PC II. |
Requirements for PC I attendance:
1) Parents must be Discovery graduates (Focus graduate highly
recommended)
2) Student must be a Discovery graduate
3) Must have program recommendation
Parent-Child II (3 days)
When the following requirements have been met, you and your child will
be invited to attend a PC II seminar:
1) Family has completed Parent-Child I
2) Student must be Honor Status or Level 5
3) Student must have achieved this status 3 weeks prior to the seminar and
must maintain this status
4) Student must have staffed at least one 3-day or 2-day Premier seminar,
with commendation
5) Must have program recommendation
Highly recommended: Student and parents should have completed at least
3 Keys workshops.
This is a critical seminar in which you and your child will begin the
process of reintegration of the family. This is an opportunity to spend
three days working with your child without any distractions. You will
focus on current issues, strengthen family ties, start the home
internalization process, and begin to build a new family dynamic. A major
outcome of the seminar is the development of a Family Plan focusing on the
issues remaining to be addressed for successful return home.
Internalization Phase
Upon successful completion of the PC II seminar, your child will enter
the Internalization phase of the program. This is the final stage of the
program and typically your child should be within 6 months of returning
home. The Internalization Phase is a minimum of 4 months and may be
extended as long as necessary to achieve success. If desired or
recommended, your family may return to PC I for additional strengthening
and work. During the Internalization period, you will have greater access
to your child to continue the process begun in PC II. Work begun in PC II
on the Life Contract will be continued, as will resolution of issues on
the Family Plan. An essential part of the internalization phase is the
home visit.
PC III (2 days)
PC III is the graduation seminar for your family. All family members
who are Discovery or Youth Seminar graduated are invited to attend PC III.
Families will be invited to attend the PC III seminar after meeting the
following criteria:
1) Family must have completed Parent-Child II
2) Students have achieved High Honor or Level 6 status
3) Student must have achieved 1600 points beyond High Honor or Level 6
status
4) Student must have completed the Life Contract
5) Must have Program recommendation
Post-Program Workshops (3 hours)
Once your family has completed PC III and your child has returned home,
a series of post-Program support group meetings will be held to assist you
in monitoring the life contract, working out issues, and continuing to
focus on creating a new family interaction. The meetings usually are three
hours in duration, but may vary depending upon the number of families
attending. These workshops are held in the same areas as the Premier
seminars for adults. It is vital during the first six months after
graduation for your family to attend these workshops.
Family Coaching Resource
Once your family graduates the program, you will be offered an
opportunity to enroll in the Family Coaching Resource (FCR). This is a
support program to assist you in applying all the principles and tools you
and your family learned during the program. The program is the place to
learn, but the real work begins once you are reunited as a family. The FCR
allows a specially trained family coach to work with your family on your
home contract, values-based living and creating a new family dynamic. The
FCR will assist in creating success at home. The FCR is an optional
program, with a fee required. You will learn more about the FCR at PC II.
Medical Requirements
The seminar hours are long. Generally, each day will be 12 hours in
length with meals and bathroom breaks. We encourage people to bring water
and snacks. The seminars at times may be emotional. Persons with certain
medical conditions are asked not to attend the seminar. If you have any of
the following medical conditions please contact the Premier Educational
Systems office for further information:
1) Pregnancy
2) Any surgical procedure within the last two months
3) Heart conditions
4) Currently in some type of therapeutic care
The seminars and workshops are designed to assist your child as they
move through various levels in the Program. Participation in each of these
seminars is vital to the overall success of your child. Every child is
unique and therefore, there is no set time schedule for completing any one
segment of the Program. It is critical you as parents understand the
process and allow your child enough time to complete all of these
necessary steps. As a parent, it is important for you to begin the process
of healing for yourself and the family by attending the parent seminars.
|
| DISCOVERY REGISTRATIONS AND INFORMATION
Dear Parents:
One of the most powerful parts of the School is the Premier Seminars.
These seminars are aimed at enhancing self-esteem and promoting
responsible, accountable decision making. In these seminars the Students
have an opportunity to evaluate the choices they have made and to develop
character.
In conjunction with the Student seminars, we offer an adult component
for our parents. The adult Program consists of the following parts:
• Adult Discovery (1st Step)
• Adult Focus (2nd Step)
• Keys to Success (3rd Step)
• Parent Child I
• Parent Child II (towards the end of your child’s Program)
• Parent Child III (exit Program upon completion)
The adult Discovery and Focus are essentially the same seminars in
which your teens participate. These seminars focus on personal growth for
the individual participants. The Keys seminar Program is to assist parents
in the application of the tools developed in previous seminars. The Keys
Program is modeled after the elements of the teen Principles and Keys
seminar. The Parent Child workshops are for the family unit to begin to
address integration issues as your teen nears the completion of the
Program. Your attendance in these seminars is a critical step for your
family to begin the healing and changing process.
´This letter is to invite you to attend an upcoming Discovery
training. The dates, times, and locations of the training should have been
given to you at the time of your parent orientation. There is no charge
for the Discovery training for parents, grandparents, or step-parents who
have children at Midwest Academy. To reserve your space in a training, you
must complete the REGISTRATION FORM and return it to the Premier Office.
Seminar space is limited, so please return your registration as soon as
possible. Additional information and future dates are available on our
website.
<Information removed>
All information concerning schedules, hotels, dates, and locations are
posted on the website. If you need additional forms for any reason, a copy
of the form may be printed from our website. For those not having web
access, please contact your Family Rep or the Premier Office. The best
means to contact the office for information is via the email address:
<Information removed>
If you do not have email or Internet access, you may call the Premier
Information system to obtain schedules, general information and
registration material
<Information removed>
If you need to talk directly to the office, you may call our hot-line
number
<Information removed>
Your assistance in keeping the volume of calls down by use of the
information system will allow us to better serve you when a call is
required.
You are responsible for making the necessary hotel reservations. When
making your reservation, please inform the hotel you are with the Premier
Education Seminar. We have blocked off a number of rooms at a special rate
for our parents. The room block is held until three weeks before the
training. MAKE YOUR RESERVATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN OUR
CORPORATE RATE. Do not wait for confirmation from the Premier office to
reserve your room. Once the release date is passed the hotel may not honor
the rate.
DO NOT MAKE FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL YOU HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED INTO THE
SEMINAR. YOU WILL RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION LETTER FROM THE PREMIER
OFFICE!!!!!
IMPORTANT PLEASE READ
We would like you to understand this is an experiential seminar rather
than a traditional lecture type. The seminar includes group interaction,
self-disclosure, individual and group feedback. You will be asked to take
an intensive, close self-examination of your beliefs, attitudes and
behaviors. At times, the seminar will seem confrontational and emotional,
at other times, joyful and loving. Participants have felt like leaving,
especially the first day and a half. It is imperative you realize this and
commit to staying for the entire training. This is not the type of
training in which you may come late or leave early. You must attend all
days of the seminar and be there for the entire time. We recommend you
totally focus on the seminar during these days. No phones, beepers or
other types of communication devices are allowed in the training. These
distract both you and other participants.
You will have breaks throughout the seminar. These are short and many
times you will have items to work on relating to the seminar. We recommend
arriving the night before the seminar begins. If you are flying, we do not
recommend scheduling a flight on Sunday before 8:30 p.m. The seminar will
be over before this time, but most people want to stay and visit with new
found friends after the seminar. Once we receive your registration, a
packet will be sent to you with additional information for the training.
General information is posted on the website.
<Information removed>
We are certain your participation in the Premier Seminars will provide
you and your teen greater bonding, insight, and understanding of each
other. Your participation in all parts of the adult Program is a
foundation for the rebuilding of the family relationship you desire and
deserve. We strongly recommend your IMMEDIATE attendance at the next
Discovery. DO NOT WAIT TO ATTEND! Your full participation in the Program
will assist you in dealing with the emotional stress of the present and
any which may arise in the future.
Sincerely,
PREMIER OFFICE
INTERNET ACCESS
Premier provides a variety of support for parents on our website. If
you do not have web access, we strongly recommend obtaining both web and
email support. Updates to schedules, hotels, and other seminar information
are posted on a weekly basis. The web page address is:
<Information removed>
The following types of information are available on the website:
• Special announcements
• Premier schedules for adult seminars
• Regional Enrollment Policy
• Premier Online Registration
• Premier schedules for Youth (sibling) Camps
• Premier registration forms
• Premier staffing forms
• Hotel information
• Seminar information for Premier Education.
• Handouts for each seminar
Premier Schedules
Information regarding upcoming seminars, dates, locations, and
transportation information are posted on the website. Schedules are
generally posted 8 weeks in advance of the seminar.
Regional Enrollment Policy
There are seven regional training sites in the US. They are: Seattle,
WA—San Francisco, CA—San Diego, CA—Chicago, IL—Dallas,
TX—Atlanta, GA—Newark, NJ.
On the website as you start to register, you will be asked for your
state of residence. Based on the region of the country in which you live,
you will be assigned to the appropriate regional training center. Please
do not request exception to this policy. The regional policy ensures we
have space for all parents to attend the seminars.
Premier Online Registration
There is an online registration system parents may use if they have web
access. This system greatly reduces time for confirmation and information
concerning seminars. You must have a valid email address to use this
system. You may register for Discovery, Focus, Visions, and Parent Child
using this system.
Youth Camps
Resource offers a summer camp Program for siblings of teens in a
Premier school. This 7 day event includes the material in the Discovery
and Focus seminars as well as high and low ropes course. Siblings are
invited to attend Parent Child III if they are graduates of the Youth
Camps. Schedules and location information are posted to our website.
Summer camp registration cannot be done using the online system. We need
specific signatures on file from the parents. You may print all the forms
necessary for registration from the website.
Forms
If you need forms for either registration or staffing, you may print
these from the website. We encourage staffing once you have completed
Keys. This mirrors what is available to your teen in the Program. Teens
staff seminars once they have reached level 4.
Hotel Information
You may obtain information regarding hotels used for our seminars on
our website. This information includes address, telephone contact, driving
instructions, maps, and cut off dates for hotel discount rate.
Seminar Information
On our website is a description of each of the seminars for Premier’s
parents. This is located under the button called Seminar—information. We
invite you to read these descriptions before enrolling into a seminar.
Seminar Handouts
Each seminar you attend has a set of handouts to be used for study once
you have completed the seminar. These handouts may be printed from the
website once you have graduated. The facilitator will provide the password
to enable you access to the handouts.
Premier Educational Seminars
Registration Form – Fee Paid*
PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION
Note
Due to medical counseling and the active nature of the seminars, if you
are pregnant, have high blood pressure, under current Cardiac Care, had
any recent major surgery or are currently involved in a personal intensive
therapeutic setting, you may not attend the seminars at this time. For
further information, contact our office. Participants must be at least 18
years old to attend the Adult seminars, and if younger than 21 or a
sibling of a program teen must have an interview with a Premier office
staff.
Are
No
Are you a sibling? Yes
No you
Over 21? Yes
Full Name:
Address:
City: State: Zip:
Home Phone: Work Phone:
Fax Number:
E-Mail:
Program Child’s Name:
Relationship to Child:
Child’s Facility:
Seminar: Location: Date:
You must attend seminars in your area. Please sign up for your
corresponding location.
• Seattle, WA North West (AK, WA, OR, MT, ID, WY)
• San Jose, CA Northern and Central CA (CA, NV, UT, AZ)
• San Diego, CA Southern CA (HI, CA, AZ, UT, NV)
• Dallas, TX South Central (TX, NM, CO, NE, KS, LA, OK, AR)
• Chicago, IL Mid West (ND, SD, MN, IA, MO, WI, IL, IN, OH, KY, MI)
• Newark, NJ North East (NJ, RI, CT, MA, DC, ME, MD, DE, WV, NY, VT, NH,
PA, VA)
• Atlanta, GA South (TN, MS, AL, GA, SC, NC, FL)
* TUITION AGREEMENT:
Your Premier-affiliated School or Program pays the seminar tuition for
parents, grandparents, stepparents and persons financially responsible on
the enrollment agreement. Once registered, you must notify our office if
for any reason you cannot attend. Notification must be given within ten
days of the seminar start date. If you fail to give notification, a $100
processing fee will be required to register for another seminar. This is a
non-refundable, non-transferable processing fee.
Do NOT make flight or hotel reservations until you have received
confirmation from our office.
I have read the above information and agree to the conditions:
Signature Date
Please send completed and signed registration forms to:
<Information removed>
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APPENDIX “B”
CHECKLISTS
STUDENT COMPLETION CHECKLIST FOR CHARACTER BUILDING PROGRAM
Below is a tool for Students, parents, and Family Representatives to
assist in tracking the Student’s accomplishments as they climb the
“staircase” to completion of the school.
These steps may not always follow in this order; but at times in life,
you’ll find that you need to back step to realize what you’ve passed
up, which can help you move forward.
Each of these steps is important for you to make sure you have a firm
footing to go home.
New Journey Home_____/_____/_____
Parent/Child III_____/_____/_____
Second Home Pass_____/_____/_____
Finish Home Contract_____/_____/_____
High Honor Status_____/_____/_____
Staff three day seminar_____/_____/_____
First Home Pass_____/_____/_____
Internalization_____/_____/_____
Parent/Child II_____/_____/_____
Honor Status_____/_____/_____
Staff Three seminar Day_____/_____/_____
Keys to Success_____/_____/_____
Principles_____/_____/_____
Service Status (Jr. Staff)_____/_____/_____
Focus_____/_____/_____
Advanced Status_____/_____/_____
Parent/Child I_____/_____/_____
Discovery_____/_____/_____
Orientation_____/_____/_____
Achievement Status_____/_____/_____
Entry Date_____/_____/_____
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