Student Services
Photo by Eugenia
WELCOME BACK
Dr. Brandon Caffey
Director of Student Services
309.557.4027 (office)
309. 706.5745 (cell)
Dear colleagues,
I hope this communication finds you refreshed and ready for an exciting school year. As we embark on this journey together, I wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest greetings and express my gratitude for your unwavering dedication to our students and community.
As I assume this new role of Director of Student Services, I am certain that this year promises to be filled with new challenges and opportunities. I am also confident that together, we will continue to uphold our standards of academic achievement and student success. Our collective leadership will undoubtedly inspire our students and staff to reach their full potential and strive for greatness.
As we reconnect and prepare for the year ahead, please know that I am here to support you in any way I can. Together with the entire administrative team, we will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth and productive start to the school year.
Thank you once again for your commitment to our school community. I look forward to our continued partnership and to celebrating our collective achievements throughout the coming year.
“Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all”.- Aristole
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES: AUGUST
2024-2025 Guidance for the Discipline of Students
Administrators, please be advised that there has been a change made to the guiding document for student discipline concerning suspensions and expulsions.
The documentt now includes an “IfThen-Also” sheet that will help you better understand whom to call or notify when considering using exclusionary practices (Out-of-School Suspension) for general education students as well as students with IEPs and 504 plans.
The document can be found on the administrative dashboard but is also linked here for your review
Regional Alternative School Changes
As many of you are aware, the Regional Alternative School is under new leadership.
Bryan Kendall, former principal, has assumed the position of director and Kara Quick is the new principal.
The referral form and process is virtually the same as it has been in the past, however, I will now serve as the district liaison for Unit 5. Please send all referrals to my attention, not the Director of Secondary Education. For the benefit of our new principals and assistant principals, we currently have 45 Unit 5 students enrolled at the Regional Alternative School. You can review the linked spreadsheet of our currently enrolled students and their status here.
The Connection between Attendance, Discipline, and Educational Equity
The connection between attendance, discipline, and educational equity is multifaceted and crucial in understanding and addressing disparities in educational outcomes. Here are some key points that highlight this connection:
1.Attendance and Academic Achievement: Regular attendance is strongly correlated with academic success. Students who attend classes regularly are more likely to stay on track with their studies, participate actively in learning activities, and perform better on assessments. Conversely, chronic absenteeism often leads to academic underachievement and gaps in learning.
2. Impact on Discipline: Attendance patterns can influence student behavior and discipline issues within schools. Students who are frequently absent may feel disconnected from the school community, leading to disengagement and potentially disruptive behavior. Addressing attendance issues proactively can contribute to a more positive school climate and reduce instances of disciplinary problems.
3. Equity Considerations: Educational equity involves ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or circumstances, have access to the resources, opportunities, and supports they need to succeed academically. Attendance plays a critical role in equity because disparities in attendance rates often mirror broader societal inequities. Factors such as socioeconomic status, transportation challenges, health issues, and family responsibilities can significantly impact a student's ability to attend school regularly.
4. Root Causes and Interventions: Addressing attendance and discipline issues through an equity lens requires understanding and addressing the root causes of absenteeism and behavior problems. This might involve providing additional supports such as transportation assistance, mental health services, family outreach programs, or culturally responsive teaching practices that create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.
5. Data and Accountability:
Tracking attendance and disciplinary data disaggregated by demographic factors (e.g., race, socioeconomic status, English proficiency) helps identify disparities and target interventions effectively. Schools and districts can use this data to implement targeted strategies to improve attendance, reduce disciplinary incidents, and promote equity in educational outcomes.
In summary, the connection between attendance, discipline, and educational equity underscores the importance of addressing attendance issues as part of broader efforts to promote equity and improve outcomes for all students.
By fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment that values attendance and addresses underlying barriers, educators can contribute to more equitable educational experiences and outcomes.