SAVE is a program that removes disruptive, non-motivated and/or unsuccessful students from the regular education setting and enrolls them in a short-term alternative placement.  The goal of this program is to have the students return to a regular school setting as soon as possible.

   SAVE is for students in grades 6 – 8^th (and transitioning 9^th graders) who have been unsuccessful in the regular setting.  We will work to modify students’ behavior by using alternative teaching methods, smaller teacher to student ratios, personal attention to goal setting and progress, counseling and continual transitioning throughout their program enrollment. 

  The educational component of the SAVE program will be delivered by certified teachers reflecting the standards based curriculum of the middle school.   The counseling component will be delivered by both middle school guidance counselors at least one hour each week.  The alternative education teachers will also be responsible for instruction dealing with effective communication skills, such as anger management, conflict resolution, problem solving skills and empathy for others. 

  Student Action Plans are developed during  the  student’s orientation phase.  This individualized plan focuses on goals that are developed by the student and the SAVE team.  The plan focuses on both behavior and academics.  The level system of the SAVE program has the student work through various stages of personal responsibility.  Students are evaluated each period using the R.O.A.R. rubrics. (Responsibility, Organization, Academics and Respect). Points are used for tracking progress, and students can use the earned points towards a reward menu in Levels 1-3. 

  When students are ready to begin transitioning to the regular education setting, they transition initially to core subject classes- one or two at a time- with the rest of the day in the alternative program where they can be given support and have the necessary skills reinforced.  Transitioning is then extended to half or full days, maintaining the ability to garner all necessary credits to move with their grade cohort to the next grade level. 

  A level system is used to clearly define the purpose/focus of the level, and to outline the specific responsibilities of the students for attaining each level.  All students enter the program on the Orientation level.  This level necessitates a high degree of supervision so that the students learn the overall expectations and outcomes of the program.  As students move throughout the levels, more privileges are earned while  demonstrating  personal responsibility for their success.  Students may also move “down” levels, if their behavior or lack of  progress warrants the move. 

 

Once a month, the following people gather together to discuss students, concerns, issues, and accolades of our SAVE program:

Dr. Hudacs, Superintendent

Dr. Bliss, Asst. Superintendent

Sally Metz, Director Of Special Education

James Close, Principal, Smith

Suzanne Herr, Principal, Swift

Paul Gladfelter, Asst. Principal

Mary Blevins, Smith Guidance Counselor

Jennifer Pearson, Swift Guidance Counselor

Marc Ricommini, School Psychologist

Avery Hill, School Social Worker

High School Asst. Principal

High School Guidance Counselor

Jeff McCardell, Alt. Ed. Teacher

Diana Williams, Alt. Ed. Teacher

SERVICE LEARNING

Students in the S.A.V.E. program have the opportunity to participate in many service learning projects.  Improving the environment, assisting multi-disability elementary students in physical education class, and brightening the days for senior citizens are a few examples of these projects.

S.T.R.E.A.M.  (Solanco Teaching Respect for the Environment using Alternative Methods) Students from our program along with other Smith students participate in S.T.R.E.A.M (Smith Teaching Respect for the Environment through Alternative Methods). Students visit a stream and investigate the plant and aquatic plant life, analyze water chemistry, explore the wetlands and conduct chemical and biological surveys. During the afternoon, the students plant a riparian buffer to enhance the qualities of the stream. The students and staff  work with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and SEPCOM which is a local landscaping business. 

 

GYM BUDDIES

Every Wednesday during the school year, students from the SAVE program volunteer their time to assist students in the multi-disabilities classroom in an elementary setting.

CROSSROADS PROGRAM

 Every Friday, students from the SAVE program attend the Solanco Area Senior Citizen, where they plan and implement activities with this older generation. 

TRANSPORTATION VIDEO MADE BY THE SAVE PROGRAM

This video was produced by the students of the SAVE program. It is shown to all incoming Kindergarten students.   Click below to watch it!  COMING SOON!!!!

Watch a video on Metabolism, in conjunction with the 7th grade science curriculum

PSSA PREPARATION!  KNOW YOUR STUFF!