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Table of Contents |
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| A Word from the C.E.O. |
| Purpose |
| Confidentiality Statement |
| The Darrell Green YLLC Creed |
| Academic Excellence |
| Moral Excellence |
| Core Values |
| Expectations |
| Summer Program |
| Attendance Policy |
| YLLC Closures |
| Behavior / Incentive System |
| Code of Conduct |
| Disciplinary Proceeding |
| YLLC Grievance Policy |
| Student Handbook Agreement |
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| A WORD FROM THE C.E.O. back to top |
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| Dear Parents/ Guardians and Students: |
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| Whether you are a family that has been with the program from the beginning or this is your first year, the Youth Life Learning Center is pleased to welcome and serve you. On behalf of the Youth Life Foundation, our board of directors and our faculty and staff, thank you for partnering with us as we seek to develop children into leaders who positively influence their families and communities. |
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| We are committed to excellence in every component of our program demonstrated through the high standards and expectations I maintain for my staff, our students and parents. |
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| Please know that we are here to serve you and are grateful that you give us the opportunity to do so. We maintain an open door policy, which means you can visit the YLLC whenever you choose. Additionally, please feel free to contact us directly by phone, email or in person by scheduling an appointment. |
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| We are privileged and blessed to serve your family in this capacity and I’m looking forward to an exciting year. I pray the Lord’s blessings and favor upon you and your family. |
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| Sincerely, |
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| Yolanda Shields |
| Chief Executive Officer |
| Youth Life Learning Centers |
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| YLLC PURPOSE back to top |
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| The primary purpose of the Youth Life Learning Center (YLLC) is to provide for children the four basic building blocks of Provision, Nurturing, Education, and a Moral Compass. The overarching goal is to assist youth so they may become well-adjusted adults, able to contribute to society in a healthy manner. |
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| It is the fundamental belief that the YLLC influence and help parents raise a generation that will change or, most certainly, impact the dynamics of our nation. YLLC students are to be excellent leaders, not given to break under peer pressure nor because of their disadvantaged upbringing. The YLLC is to provide exposure so that children are allowed to see the tremendous possibility resident within themselves and are able to glean a sense of their ability to make a positive difference and contribute to society in a meaningful and increasing way. |
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| The Youth Life Leaning Center exists to train up a generation of leaders who are excellent in work and deed. We prepare youth to aggressively stand for righteousness against the particular challenges facing them and to train them to provide responsible leadership for their peers. |
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| The Lifecenter provides academic remediation and enrichment, homework assistance, character development and Biblical guidance for youth. There is also a focus on career development, service learning and recreational opportunities for students. We strive towards excellence in all program areas and each component of the YLLC is equally important and contributes to the uniqueness of our program. |
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| CONFIDENTIALITY STATEMENT back to top |
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| It is the policy of the Youth Life Foundation and the Youth Life Learning Centers to maintain strict standards of confidentiality. |
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| Any information that you share with us or that we otherwise obtain about you, your child and/or other family members or circumstances will never be shared in a manner that would reveal any personally identifiable information unless the information reveals a child or other person is in a harmful or threatening situation. |
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| As an educational and social service provider we must report any signs of physical, mental or sexual abuse or neglect. |
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| THE DARRELL GREEN YLLC CREED back to top |
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| D - I WILL BE DISCIPLINED IN MY SCHOOLWORK, HOMEWORK AND ACTIVITIES AT THE LEARNING CENTER. |
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| A - I WILL WORK TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY. |
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| R - I WILL SHOW REVERENCE FOR GOD WITH MY WORDS AND ACTIONS. |
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| R - I WILL SHOW RESPECT FOR MYSELF AND OTHERS. |
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| E - I WILL WORK TOWARD EXCELLENCE IN EVERYTHING I DO. |
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| L - I WILL DEMONSTRATE LOVE TO ALL PEOPLE. |
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| L - I AM A LEADER, NOT MERELY A FOLLOWER. |
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| G - I WILL SHOW GRATITUDE TOWARD THOSE WHO HELP ME. |
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| R - I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY ACTIONS AND MY FUTURE. |
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| E - I WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER STUDENTS TO DO THEIR BEST. |
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| E - I AM EMPOWERED TO DETERMINE MY FUTURE. |
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| N - I WILL NEVER SAY I CAN’T BECAUSE THROUGH GOD, I CAN DO ALL THINGS |
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| ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE back to top |
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| Academic instruction at the YLLC is provided in large and small group settings, and in some cases, on an individual basis depending on the student’s needs. The YLLC uses academic and holistic assessments, school teachers’ recommendations, report cards, and parent recommendations to determine each child’s strengths and weaknesses. A plan is then set to strengthen each child’s weaknesses and enhance their strengths. |
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| YLLC Assessments |
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- Academic Achievement is measured by the Brigance Comprehensive Inventory of Basic Skills- Revised (CIBS-R) and measures performance in four areas: reading, mathematics, written language and oral language.
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- Discovery Zone is an instrument used to indicate student’s Learning Profile. It includes the following:
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- Learning Styles Test to identify modalities—a student’s preferred sense and manner in which he/she likes to be exposed to new information. Three modalities are identified—Visual, Auditory and Tactile-Kinesthetic
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| Academic and Development Program |
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| O.P.S.: Every student enrolled in the center will have an individualized development plan called an OPS (Objectives, Procedure, and Status). The OPS serves as a working contract between the OPS team that includes the student, parent/ guardian, primary school teacher (invited), and the YLLC Staff. The team will identify the goals you have for your child, the goals your child has for his or herself, and those of the Learning Center; develop a comprehensive plan that will provide the tasks that must be accomplished to meet the goal; and continually assess the program and student to evaluate the progress being made toward the goals. This document is updated every six weeks based on the child’s development. |
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- The Objectives tell us where we are going.
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- The Goals will be academic, vocational, character, family and community in nature.
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- The Procedure tells us how we are going to get there.
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- The Plan includes detailed steps on what the team will do to help your child accomplish those goals.
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- The Status tells us if we have arrived.
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- The Assessment will allow us to see how much progress we have made toward accomplishing our goals and if our plan has been successful. It will also tell us if we need to make any changes to the OPS.
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| Each day your child attends the YLLC, time is set aside to specifically strive to meet goals outlined in the OPS. |
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| Program Schedule |
| Each day at the YLLC looks a little different for the purpose of meeting all the goals outlined in the OPS. |
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| Monday through Thursday: Homework Help is scheduled for a maximum of 1 hour. |
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| Please be advised that students may need additional time to complete their homework at home. Students are expected to complete their homework during the designated time, however, if they are unable to they will continue to work during their snack and activity time in order to complete it. We will spend most of the time they are with us working towards their goals as outlined in their OPS. We believe that if we can help to strengthen them in their areas of weakness, they’ll eventually be able to complete their homework with little to no assistance, which will take them far in their K-12 career and into college. |
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| Monday through Thursday: OPS Rotations are scheduled to focus on students’ character and academic goals, especially in the areas of reading, math, and writing. |
| Friday: Fun Friday—Recreational Activities, Service Learning |
| Projects, and Demonstrations of Knowledge and Ability are scheduled to focus on students’ vocational, community and character goals. |
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| Unpack and Unwind: Monday through Friday the beginning of each day is used to allow students to relax after their school day and refocus for homework and activities at the YLLC. This time and snack time is also utilized to cover World Explorers, Invent Time activities, and Character activities. |
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| Family Goals: These goals are set to help incorporate goals that students have for their immediate family as well as dreams the family has. These areas are focused on during Parent Nights as well as being incorporated into OPS activities during the afternoon. |
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| Community Goals: Service learning is the focus of the Community piece at the YLLC. While the YLLC does host annual community events, the real focus of the community piece is to instill a mindset of giving back and making a difference. |
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| In order to make sure each child has the best plan for his or her needs it is crucial that all testing and assessment information is provided in a timely manner. The following items will need to be provided or attended to throughout the school year: |
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- Brigance CIBS-R Testing = July/August or upon entering the program
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- Holistic Assessments = July/August or upon entering the program
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- Parent Meetings = Two times/Six Weeks
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- School Teacher Meetings = At least once a six weeks
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- Report Cards = Once each nine weeks
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- Reading levels= Taken from Report Card each 9 weeks
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- TCAP Scores = Sent home at the end of the school year
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- IEP’s (Special Education)= Whenever revised
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- Mid-term reports (Middle School only) = Once each 6 weeks
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| MORAL EXCELLENCE back to top |
| The YLLC is committed to assisting parents in developing young men and women who live with integrity, according to moral values, and are prepared to instill these virtues in their own children. This component of the program is achieved through demonstration and instruction of sound traditional values, application of basic principles of right and wrong, and conflict resolution skills aimed at personal character development. We will also use the Character Counts curriculum to teach students positive character qualities and promote a culture of character at the YLLC centered around our core values. |
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| With your permission your child will be assigned an onsite BBBS mentor. Mentoring from a caring adult who provides academic support and models responsible adulthood on a consistent basis reinforces what is taught. The mentor also provides guidance on how to set personal goals, and inspires self motivation. |
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| CORE VALUES back to top |
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| EXPECTATIONS back to top |
| We believe that you have elected to participate in the YLLC because you value the program and you want your child to have the best possible experience. In order for us to be successful we need your full participation. Throughout the year we will have events and we ask that you use the monthly program calendar to plan to attend our family nights, student awards ceremonies, Christmas program and other events that are scheduled. |
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| In order for our students to receive the optimum benefit from this program, there must be active participation from all parties involved. |
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| The role of the YLLC is to come alongside you as a parent and supplement the strong character, academic and spiritual goals that you have for your child. |
| YOU are the Head Coach. YLLC Staff would like to partner with you as Assistant Coaches to help give your child the best possible chance to succeed at whatever they put their hand to. |
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| We will do our part by providing a safe environment that is conducive to learning; we will impart relevant academic knowledge and appropriate assistance; we will adhere to high standards of character; we will have high expectations of character and provide character training. We ask that you do your part by ensuring your student has regular attendance, minimal exposure to television, reinforcing what is learned at school and at the center, and participation in all YLLC events. |
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| We do not seek to replace the parent/guardian in any capacity and therefore your active participation is not only encouraged but required. Every family must volunteer at least 20 hours a year at the YLLC. Volunteer hours must be completed quarterly as follows: |
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1st Quarter: Aug-Oct 5 hours |
| 2nd Quarter: Nov-Jan 5 hours |
| 3rd Quarter: Feb-Apr 5 hours |
| 4th Quarter: May-Jul 5 hours |
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| Please complete and submit the YLLC Parent Volunteer Form at your Parent Interview or the Parent Orientation Meeting. Specific volunteer opportunities will be scheduled throughout the year for you to earn hours. You may also contact the YLLC staff to find out about ongoing volunteer opportunities. Failure to complete your volunteer hours could result in your child(ren)being withdrawn from the program. |
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| SUMMER PROGRAM back to top |
| The YLLC will have a full summer program for a period of four weeks at the close of school in June and/or July. All Nashville sites come together at one location to participate in a full day of academic development and enrichment, character development, recreation, service learning, and Fun Friday activities. Detailed information about the summer program will be distributed in the Spring. |
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| ATTENDANCE POLICY back to top |
| Good attendance is essential to the success of a student’s educational and moral training and therefore, only absences for acceptable reasons and minimal occasions shall be permitted. Students without an acceptable reason listed below shall be subject to the disciplinary proceedings included in this handbook. |
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| Full participation in the YLLC also requires that students be in attendance each day. This is acknowledged in the attendance agreement which states a student will be in attendance 4 out of 5 days each week. Please initial each item and turn in with your other forms. |
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| Guidlines |
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- Students must attend the YLLC at least four days each week. _____(Initials required)
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- Students must come on time, equipped, prepared to learn and participate. _____ (Initials required)
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| Exceptions |
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- Absence due to student illness will require a physician’s note or must be verified to the satisfaction of the Lead Teacher. ______ (Initials required)
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- Absence due to death or illness in the immediate family. ______ (Initials required)
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- Absence due to participation in school-sponsored activities will require a note from parent or must be verified to the satisfaction of the Lead Teacher. ______ (Initials required)
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- Absence due to family emergency will require a note from parent or must be verified to the satisfaction or the Lead Teacher. ______ (Initials required)
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| Tardiness |
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- Students are expected to be in attendance at the YLLC according to the schedule you establish. 3 tardies are equivalent to 1 unexcused absence and subject to the same disciplinary procedures. ______ (Initials required)
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| Absenteeism Procedures |
| It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to notify the Lead Teacher about a student’s absence. A note or phone call from the student’s parent/guardian following the absence, stating the reason for the absence, will be required. ______ (Initials required) |
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| In the event of suspension from school or an absence from school due to illness, attendance at the YLLC is disallowed for the same day(s). A written excuse is still required, otherwise, absence will be considered unexcused. _________ (Initials required) |
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| In the event the student has 8 unexcused absences within the calendar year, 4 unexcused absences during a semester or 12 excused absences, suspension or expulsion from the program may result. _________ (Initials required) |
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| YLLC CLOSURES back to top |
| In the event of inclement weather the YLLC will generally follow your local public school closure policy. In other words, if your local public school is closed or has declared a delayed attendance schedule due to the weather, the YLLC will normally be closed. Please call the YLLC to confirm if the center will be open or closed that day. |
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| The YLLC recognizes and is closed for all Federal holidays and is also closed during Winter/Christmas break. The YLLC is also closed on days when there is no school for any other reason. Please consult your YLLC calendar for specific dates. |
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| BEHAVIOR/ INCENTIVE SYSTEM back to top |
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| Fishing for Points / Money in the Bank: One of the goals of the Youth Life Learning Center is to nurture the child. To do this correctly we must train and equip them in character development. If we train the child to make positive choices in life he/she will be successful as an adult. The Youth Life Learning Center uses an incentive based behavior system to help accomplish this goal. |
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| We use two behavior systems at the YLLC, the Fishing For Points System (K-4th) and Money In the Bank (6th-12th). Students receive points (in the form of a fish or YLLC dollars) for positive demonstration of Behavior, Homework, Cleaning, Planner and Journal. Students may receive Bonus points for showing extraordinary behavior. Staff is in charge of making sure points are distributed and tallied appropriately. |
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| Students are expected to receive one Planner, Behavior, Homework and Cleaning fish a day. Students are required to have a certain number of points to participate in Fun Friday activities. Students with the most points for each six week period will receive an extra prize on Fun Friday and will also be chosen as Super Leaders. Their pictures will be placed in a prominent place in the center. |
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| At the end of the year, each student’s points are tallied to see if they are eligible for the Mystery Trip. Eligibility doesn’t guarantee consent for the Mystery Trip. Other factors involve student behaviors outside of the YLLC, i.e. school suspension, criminal arrests, detention, etc. Final decisions will be made by YLLC staff. |
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| CODE OF CONDUCT back to top |
| The YLLC believes in empowering our participants to live responsibly with strong character values. Part of doing so requires that we must demonstrate that we are all responsible for our actions and the choices we make. It is important for us to acknowledge that choices are long lasting and life-changing and there is a consequence for every choice we make and therefore we must all make good choices. For that reason the YLLC Code of Conduct is strictly adhered to and will be enforced. |
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| Students must be obedient, respectful and teachable at all times. Misconduct under this code, for which the students are subject to discipline, is defined as follows: |
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| a. Physical or verbal abuse of any person, including but not limited to sexual assault and abuse on Learning Center premises or at Learning Center sponsored events or functions. |
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| b. Conduct which threatens or endangers the health or safety of any person on YLLC premises or at YLLC sponsored events or functions. |
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| c. Theft of Learning Center property or other property on Lifecenter premises. |
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| d. Willful, or reckless damage to YLLC premises or property, or other property on YLLC premises. |
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| e. Dishonesty or knowingly furnishing false information. |
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| f. Intentional obstruction or disruption of teaching, research, administration, disciplinary proceedings, or other YLLC activities. |
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| g. Failure to comply with YLLC policy or with directions of YLLC staff authorized and acting in performance of their duties. |
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| h. Keeping, using, possessing, selling or distributing of any firearms, fireworks, explosives, illegal drug paraphernalia, or dangerous weapons on YLLC premises or at YLLC sponsored functions. |
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| i. Harassment or intimidation of peers, visitors or staff. |
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| j. Abusive language, including profanity, coarse jesting or other harmful language. |
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| k. Excessive tardiness or absenteeism (see Attendance Policy). |
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| l. Disrespectful attitude toward self, visitors, staff and other students. |
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| The following actions are expressly prohibited and will result in suspension or expulsion: |
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| 1. To prop open outside doors or exit ways without the permission of a staff member. |
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| 2. To use any marked fire exit, except during a fire alarm. |
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| 3. To enter or exit the YLLC through a window when no emergency is present. |
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| 4. To activate any fire alarms when no fire is present, or to falsely report any fire or other emergency. |
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| 5. To use any broiler oven, electric coffee maker, popcorn popper, microwave oven, hotplate, open burner, or electric water device without the expressed consent of a YLLC staff member. |
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| 6. To tamper with fire equipment or to carry or remove fire extinguishers from their mounts or storage boxes except in case of a fire or to set any fire within the YLLC. |
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| 7. To mark or deface any surface, (e.g., door, wall, carpet, desk, table). |
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| 8. To mark, deface, steal, harbor or damage any property belonging to the YLLC or YLLC staff, property at events or functions sponsored by the YLLC. |
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| 9. To engage in any disorderly conduct, or to interfere with the rights of other students in their academic pursuits. |
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| 11. To discard trash in any vehicle, or to drop or throw any object from the window of any vehicle used for transportation purposes to and from YLLC sponsored events or functions. |
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| 12. To extend arms, hands, head or any object out of a window during normal operation of any vehicle used to transport. |
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| 13. To refuse to follow a directive from a YLLC staff member when acting in performance of his or her duties. |
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| 14. To harass, haze or verbally abuse any student, visitor or staff member. |
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| 15. To physically assault or to cause harm to any person on YLLC premises or during a YLLC sponsored event or function. |
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| 16. The use of , cell phones, video games or any other electronic device that is not educational in nature without expressed permission from YLLC Staff. |
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| DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING back to top |
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| All disciplinary action shall be taken in accordance with the nature and severity of the breach and may involve mediation before a Youth Life Learning Center advisory board. Disciplinary Proceedings for any breach of conduct shall take into account: |
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| First, the rights of those students whose educational opportunity may be disrupted or diminished because of the breach, and |
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| Second, the appropriate action to meet the needs and rights of the student who is responsible for the misconduct. |
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| 1. Admonition and Correction |
| Any misconduct exhibited by a student will result in a verbal admonition and reminder to pursue and possess excellence in character and conduct. |
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| 2. Loss of Privileges |
| Failure to respond appropriately to admonition and correction will result in a loss of privileges including, but not limited to, daily free time, Fun Friday activities, field trips, special events and even participation in regular whole group learning activities. |
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| 3. Parental Contact/Conference |
| Failure to respond appropriately to prior disciplinary action may result in parental contact and/or parent and student conference with the YLLC staff to determine and implement a constructive plan of action. |
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| 4. Suspension |
| Failure to respond appropriately to prior disciplinary action will result in temporary dismissal from the YLLC, including all activities for a period of time not less than two (2) days and not to exceed one (1) year. Suspension for a period of one (1) semester or more will involve mediation before the YLLC staff both at the time of dismissal and prior to reinstatement. |
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| 5. Expulsion |
| Failure to respond appropriately to prior disciplinary action will result in permanent dismissal from the YLLC including all activities. Expulsion with or without possibility of return shall be at the discretion of the YLLC staff. Any possibility of return will involve mediation before the board not less than one (1) year from the date of expulsion. |
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| YLLC GRIEVANCE POLICY back to top |
| The following steps will be taken to address grievances at YLLC: |
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| Student or Parent to Teacher/Staff Member/Volunteer: If a Parent or Student has a concern about a Teacher/Staff Member, that parent or student may make an appointment to meet with the Teacher/Staff member and present the concern. The CEO should be made aware when there is a concern and if contacted first, should refer the Parent or Student directly to the Teacher. If, after discussing the concern with the Teacher/Staff Member, the situation is not resolved, the Parent or Student may request a meeting with the Teacher/Staff Member/Volunteer and CEO, present together. If the matter remains unresolved, the Parent or Student may request a meeting with the YLLC Board President. |
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| If a Parent or Student has a concern about the CEO, the Parent or Student should make an appointment to meet with the CEO and present the concern. If, after discussing the concern with the CEO, the matter is unresolved; either party can request mediation by the President of the YLLC Board. |
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| Student to Student: If a student has a concern about a fellow student, he should address his concern to his teacher. The Teacher should facilitate a face to face meeting with the students involved to work out the concerns. The Teacher should also document the concern and make the CEO aware of the concern that was brought to their attention. If necessary, the Teacher and the CEO should meet and discuss the appropriate course of action to address the concern. The Teacher should contact the parents of both students and make them aware of the situation and any planned course of action. A meeting with the students, Teacher(s), parents and CEO could be called if the matter isn't being resolved. If, after these steps are taken, the student refuses to comply with the course of action, the issue will be treated as a behavioral issue and the discipline policy will be invoked to further resolve the matter. |
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| Teacher/Staff/Volunteer to Parent*: If a Teacher/Staff member has a concern about a parent that Teacher/Staff member should make an appointment to meet with the Parent and present the concern. The CEO should be made aware when there is a concern and if contacted first, should refer the Teacher/Staff member directly to the Parent. If, after discussing the concern with the Parent, the situation is not resolved, the Teacher/Staff/Volunteer member may request a meeting with the Parent and CEO, present together. If the matter remains unresolved, the Teacher/Staff member may request a meeting with the YLLC Board President. |
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| STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT back to top |
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| I, ___________________________, having read and fully understood the Youth Life Learning Center Handbook, agree to instruct my child(ren) to abide by all the contents therein; encourage and ensure that my child(ren) pursue excellence in academic achievement, character, and conduct; and support the staff in the preservation of the YLLC as a community committed to educational and moral excellence. I also understand that the YLLC is a learning center and not an aftercare or child care provider. |
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| ________________________________ ___/___/___ |
| Parent / Guardian Signature Date |
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| ________________________________ ___/___/___ |
| Student Signature Date |
