The vision for ONTOP students is that they will be safe, respectful and productive members of society. We will empower these students to overcome behavioral and social obstacles, and reach their personal potential academically and socially within school, the work force and in the community. To accomplish the school vision and learning expectations, we hold these for students, parents, the community and staff. 

Students will:

• make a commitment to attend school daily and be available for learning
• develop and use social skills that show respect for themselves, peers, family, and the community
• approach a task with confidence and bring it to completion, with minimal assistance from an adult
• demonstrate safe and healthy behaviors by making positive choices that will lead to success in academic and social settings
• demonstrate use of appropriate conflict resolution skills
• acquire the skills necessary to transition into and succeed in their home schools or
• develop a plan for future employment and/or education prior to leaving ONTOP
• exhibit civil behavior by showing respect and acceptance as they interact with people of all cultures and ethnic groups

 

Parents and Community will: 

• provide positive support for our students at school and in the community
• support and abide by ONTOP’s rules especially those regarding physical aggression, weapons, illegal drugs and cell phones 
• attend home conferences and reschedule those they cannot attend 
• encourage students to attend, and stay in school, for their scheduled day 
• accompany a student for re-entry meetings or find an adult who can do this, if the student does choose to leave school 
• communicate with school staff in a respectful and civil manner

 

School Personnel will: 

• provide a safe and healthy environment to meet the needs of the students
• support policies that assure equitable treatment for all  members of our program 
• provide appropriate support for diverse instructional methods 
• communicate to the parents and the community the many positive attributes and accomplishments of our students
• communicate with students, parents and team members in a respectful and civil manner

 

ONTOP serves students in 8th to 12th grades, in groups of five to eight students, working with two staff members.  ONTOP classes are small so that learning can be individualized. School doors open at 8:30 a.m and the day begins with breakfast in advisory groups. Classes begin at 8:45 AM (first period is advisory class) and the ONTOP school day ends at 2:10 p.m. Students spend the day with their advisory group, seeing a variety of teachers and paraeducators. 

 

Each student at ONTOP has a staff person who is his or her advocate.  The advocate works with the student on school goals and will keep in touch with parents (and others) as to how things are going at school.  The advocate is one of many people the student can talk with about problems encountered in school and is someone to rely on to help look at these problems and explore what can be done about them.  The advocate may be someone other than the student’s special education case manager, however sometimes the advocate and case manager are one in the same.