The Phoenix Program

The Phoenix Program has been an expulsion program-serving students from school district 9-R since 1997. The program’s name is inspired from the mythological bird that consumed itself by fire only to rise from the ashes to live again. The Phoenix symbolizes renewal, resilience and opportunity. By definition the Phoenix means unsurpassed excellence and beauty.

Purpose

The purpose of the Phoenix Program is to challenge each student to reflect, evaluate, and analyze his/her connection to “education” and potential as a life long learner. This includes connection to self, culture, community, and the natural world. Students will be challenged to develop skills and strategies to survive and thrive as contributing members in the world.

The Phoenix Process

Intake

After the expulsion hearing and prior to starting classes, there is a mandatory intake meeting with staff, student, and parent(s). This meeting is a proactive approach to building a partnership with the student’s support system and to offer the student an informed choice to attend. In addition to going over program expectations, it is an important time to address questions and concerns that the student and family may have.

The Phoenix Educational Program

The Phoenix program wants to ensure that students receive continuous educational services from their home school for the term of their expulsion. The Phoenix curriculum utilizes the cycle of inquiry, exploration, discovery, reflection, and action to inspire more active learning and intrinsic motivation to learn. Integrated and authentic studies, cooperative learning, service learning, and experiential education are some of the methodologies implemented to meet these goals. Students will be challenged to build literacy skills in math, reading, and writing across the entire curriculum. Social responsibility and connecting with community is a vital component to our program. Phoenix staff expects all students to participate and contribute to an emotionally and physically safe and respectful learning environment. The Phoenix staff also expects a high level of parental involvement to support the student’s ILP.

Individualized Learning Plan (ILP)

The ILP is an important document that will outline learning goals for each student. Learning history, ongoing coursework, modalities, learning style, individual strengths, weaknesses, and student interests will help Phoenix staff support the student in setting personal, social, and academic goals. The ILP is an opportunity to challenge each student to take more responsibility for his/her education and choices and to think through the possibilities. Authentic consequences will be in place for any destructive behavior patterns.

Community Connections in the Phoenix Curriculum

All Phoenix students are required to spend Fridays committed to a community placement through service, internship, or employment. This is an opportunity to integrate meaning and invaluable experience with their education and life experience. Phoenix works successfully in partnership with a variety of school and community organizations to support each student in reaching his/her ILP goals. (Other choices exist for Friday’s credit with parental support and approval)

Program Exit and Transition

Several weeks prior to a student’s return to their home school, a transition meeting will be scheduled with Phoenix staff, student family, advocates, and appropriate staff from their home school. The purpose of the meeting is to outline goals, objectives and recommendations that support individual student success with their re-entry to their home school environment and ongoing educational pursuits.

Community Partnership and Advocacy

Students are expelled for many different reasons, under a variety of circumstances. We want to challenge each individual to see his/her time at Phoenix as an opportunity to work towards healthy change. This is not an easy process, especially if the student is resistant to change. The Phoenix program has ongoing partnerships with a number of community agencies and organizations designed to create a stronger advocacy for each student. This advocacy often goes beyond student accountability and responsibility. This partnership may offer much needed service and support to the student and his/her family as well as form valuable connections to the community. Some Phoenix partners include La Plata Youth Services, Adult Education, BOCES, Southwest Conservation Corps, School to Work Alliance Program, Fort Lewis College, Del Alma, LPC Human Services, mental health providers, area businesses, and individuals offering support for our students.

Contact Information

970-382-0564 ext. 4
970-247-5411 ext 1105

Staff Listing

Director: Alain Henry
Phoenix Teacher: Hallie Whitney
Administrative Assistant: Diane Burress