S.O.A.R Academy

East Bladen High School Alternative Academy

Eagle S.O.A.R (Scholarship/Successful.  Organized.  Achievement. Respect) Academy

Mission Statement

The Mission of the East Bladen S.O.A.R Academy is to instill in students who are unreceptive to traditional classroom settings, the academic, social, and behavior skills essential for responsible and productive citizens in our 21^st Century global society.

What is the Alternative Academy?

The academy is a program designed to help the staff better meet students where "they are".  It is an alternative educational program on the site of the regular high school for students that demonstrate severe and persistent behavior problems that impact their ability to be successful in the traditional classroom and setting.

What are the objectives?

a)      Provide troubled student an opportunity for intensified academic services and success in a structure, positive, and personal learning environment.

b)      Provide structured behavioral activities with students regularly to address issues that necessary in order to achieve success.

c)      Prepare students to master a relevant, rigorous, and relationship dependent curriculum.

d)     Ensure that students graduate ready to work and/or continue their education by providing access to career awareness education.

e)      Provide students returning to the school system from juvenile justice agencies a smoother transition back into the traditional setting.

f)       Instill coping skills, strategies, and techniques into students so that they can self-regular behavior.

Who benefits?

The S.O.A.R Academy is intended for students whose conduct patterns create continuous problems for themselves, classmates, and staff.  The student can pose a threat to the learning environment by exhibiting behavior that negatively impacts learning.  Potential candidates include unmanageable students from within the school, but also students who are long-term suspended from other schools as well as those returning to the school system from various juvenile justice agencies.

How does it work?

A student referred from the home school will be referred by the home school administration (principal/assistant principal) to the superintendent/assistant superintendent.  The referral will consist of the cumulative behavior documentation, latest discipline referral, and a recommendation letter.  After receipt of the letter, the student and parent will meet with the superintendent/assistant superintendent or his/her designee to discuss the recommendation.  A final determination will be made by the superintendent/assistant superintendent.

All current alternative school policies regarding referrals will apply to the Alternative Academy (see Code of Conduct).  The high school principal will have executive authority over the academy's programs and activities. The principal will supervise qualified and certified teachers to provide coursework for the academy.

All federal, state, local, and board requirements for public high schools and middle schools will be followed by the Alternative Academy, including but not limited to,

• curriculum
• instructional calendar
• transportation
• textbooks and instructional materials
• physical education
• provision for lunch
• provision of health services
• including counseling compliance with laws and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities
• compliance with federal laws governing privacy of student records
• compliance with state laws governing the health and safety of minors
• Discipline, unless otherwise prohibited.

The Academy is in session every day. 

Class sizes are generally small, but will be determined based o referrals to the academy.

All students participating in the academy will be required to ride the supervised transportation provided by Bladen County Schools.  Upon arrival, students will be checked in using electronic metal detectors and are subject to search throughout the school day at the direction of school officials.  Students will be dismissed at one time and escorted to their assigned bus by staff.  Participants w will be unformed: solid polo shirts and khaki pants.  Shirts will be tucked in, a belt required, and pants will be work at or above the waist, no exceptions.  Other rule and regulations stipulated in the Bladen County Schools Code of Conduct will be followed.

The school cafeteria staff will provide and deliver nutritious meals in a timely manner to the assigned area.   Students must be present the entire school day with no checking in or out.

A contract shall be signed by the student, parent, and teacher, agreeing with the Alternative Academy policies.  Parents are expected to attend progress report sessions every three weeks.