CAASP Member Schools and Programs Web Pages
Wallingford Alternative Program www.wallingford.k12.ct.us
ALTA Southington www.southingtonschools.org
Killingly ALPS http://www.killinglyschools.org
Mission Statements
PALS - Putnam Alternative Learning System
A Program of Putnam High School
The Putnam Alternative Learning System (PALS) is a program of Putnam High School and has as its mission:
· To offer a learning environment where students, who have lacked success in the regular high school setting, can be academically successful.
· To be a safety net for students at-risk of dropping out of high school.
· To offer high school level instruction in varied courses that correspond to the graduation requirements of Putnam High School.
· To provide vocational education, real work experiences, and promote a positive work ethic so the graduates of the program will be competent in the world of work.
· To act as a support system both in the classroom and in the work environment.
· To facilitate improvements in students' critical thinking skills such as: reasoning, problem solving, public speaking, listening, reading, writing, and observing.
· To promote positive self-esteem in the students' work and private lives through encouragement and positive role modeling.
IMPORTANT POINTS TO PRESENT TO POTENTIAL CANDIDATES
· Discussion of current contract with emphasis on strict attendance policy and behavioral expectations.
· Discussion of entry contract and 10 hours of community service.
· Students will be able to accumulate credits in all required areas for graduation.
· Students often make-up for core courses they have failed through PALS elective courses.
· PALS is not a transition program - students generally find that they will not return to the high school.
· Ensure student has read and understands the PHS Student Handbook and has completed and signed the tear-out page.
· Like a driver's license, PALS is a privilege not a right.
· PALS is a chance for a new beginning.
SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION AND GRADUATION
· PALS students complete an entry contract.
· PALS students accumulate credits with the successful completion of courses for each quarter of the school year. Credits are awarded based on Carnegie Units (the same manner as Putnam High School students).
· Assessments of completion of course work include portfolios and rubrics.
· PALS students receive credit for work experience. The PALS teacher checks employment periodically and students are required to complete written and other assignments that are job related.
· PALS students are required to accumulate the same total number of credits and distribution of credits as Putnam High School students.
GENERAL CONTRACT AND BEHAVIORAL CONTRACT
The PALS Contract has been a part of the program for the last twelve years. The contract is designed to act as a guideline for the program. Among other items, the PALS Contract describes: hours of operation, acceptable attendance, and expected behaviors. It does not supercede the rules and policies set forth in the Putnam High School Student Handbook.
If a PALS student has violated any part of the PALS Contract or if behaviors become disruptive, a student will be required to sign a Supplemental Contract. The purpose of the Supplemental Contract is to act as a “wake-up call” for the student in hopes the violations of the general contract and/or disruptive behaviors will cease. There is a completion date of the contract, usually 6 or 8 weeks. Generally, if the Supplemental Contract is not followed and successfully completed, the student will be dismissed from the PALS Program and will be given a schedule at the high school.
A copy of the contract for the 2006-7 school year and a sample behavioral contract are attached.
IN THE EVENT A STUDENT IS DISMISSED FROM OR LEAVES PALS
· If the student is dismissed from PALS because he/she has violated a supplemental contract, the student has forfeited the right to attend the program and will not be re-admitted.
· In severe cases if a student’s behaviors cause on-going classroom disruptions, the Student Assistance Team can make the determination that the student has forfeited the right to attend the program and will not be re-admitted.
· In the event a student reaches 15 absences in a semester, the Student Assistance Team can make the determination that the student has forfeited the right to attend the program and will be re-admitted only after following the normal entry procedure including completing 10 hours of community service.
·
In the event a student decides to leave PALS to return to high
school classes and then decides to apply for PALS again, the student may ask for
re-admittance and will begin the entry procedure including completing 10 hours
of community service.
Entry Contract for New PALS Students
I, ____________________________, understand that in order to be considered part of the PALS Program, I must abide by every item listed below. I understand this contract does not supercede the rules and policies set forth in the Putnam High School Student Handbook. If I have not received the Student Handbook one will be provided and I agree to sign the tear-out page stating I have read and understand the handbook.
1. I understand that I am considered a probationary PALS student for the first six weeks after entry to the PALS Program.
Probationary period begins: ____________________
Probationary period ends: ____________________
2. Prior to entering the PALS Program or during the probationary period, I will complete ten (10) hours of community service. The PALS director will assign the community service. Failure to complete the community service will mean my removal from the PALS Program.
3. If I am not currently employed working ten (10) hours per week, I will consult with the PALS director and interview for employment. If employment cannot be found during the probationary period, I will begin doing community service for ten hours per week and will continue to seek employment.
4. I understand that being in the PALS program is my privilege, not my right, and will therefore make every effort to follow PALS rules to avoid removal from the program.
5. I understand I am allowed ______ absences during the probationary period.
6. Other: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________ _____________________________
Student's Signature Date Signed
__________________________________________ _____________________________
PALS Director's Signature Date Signed
PALS – Putnam Alternative Learning System
Parent Agreement
As the parent of a PALS student:
2. I have read and understand the Putnam High School Student Handbook and have signed the appropriate space on the tear-out sheet. It does not supercede the rules and policies set forth in the Putnam High School Student Handbook.
4. I understand that this agreement and any other PALS Contract does not supercede the rules and policies set forth in the Putnam High School Student Handbook.
5. I agree that I have an important role in the education of my son/daughter.
6. I understand Putnam High School has an “open door” policy and that I can and should contact the principal and/or assistant principal if I have questions or complaints about the PALS Program or the high school. The phone number for the principal and/or assistant principal is: 860-963-6905.
7. I understand Rick Rumsey has an “open door” policy and that I can and should contact him if I have questions or complaints about the PALS Program or the high school. The phone number for the PALS classroom is: 860-963-9641.
8. I understand my son/daughter is required to sign and fulfill the “Entry Contract for New PALS Students” and understand there is a 10-hour community service commitment for entry into the program.
______________________________________ ___________
Parent’s Signature Date
______________________________________ ___________
PALS Director’s Signature Date