Course/Program Types at the Winter Centers

Course Types

There are 9 types of educational course types through the Winter Center Housing

on-site installations and resource centers:

 

            ESL

GED

General Education

Older Learners/Older Workers

Employment Placement/Internship

Restorative/Mentored

Work/Study

Vocational

Virtual/OnLine

 

These programs are divided into 3 types of classes.  A combination of classes from all 3 divisions will allow students variety and personalized control and ensure need-based academic tailoring and structure.

 

Class Divisions

Classes are divided into 3 types:

 

Core Classes – Placement in the level and type of classes is determined by your pre-test scores.  These required classes run in 12 week blocks with post-testing occurring the last day of attendance in the cycle.  It is possible that your progress will allow for ‘early testing’ and movement into a higher level class at anytime in the 12 week cycle.

  Selective Classes – Placement and course type is determined by your lead adviser in conjunction with recommendations from instructors and other members of Winter Center staff.  These sessions run on a 6 week cycle.

Elective Classes – Students may choose from the courses offered during an available block(s) of time.  These sessions will run for 6 weeks with varying frequency(s) of 1 to 5 times per week, depending on the class. Availability limitations may apply and some courses may require pre-requisite, educational minimums or instructor pre-approval.

 

 

All classes offer will fall into these divisions with the exception of: Individualized or small group tutoring, study hall and detention periods.

Winter Center Participant Rules and Expectations

 

Attendance Policy-General Statement

Students are expected to be prompt and regular in their attendance. The staff of

the Winter Center places great emphasis on punctuality and attendance as it prepares

Participants for employment and higher education opportunities

 

Students will be asked to sign up for a specific instructional time period.  Once your

availability is listed for the month, you will be assigned a specific class schedule.

 

If you need to change your time(s) because of family or job responsibilities,

please contact  your teacher and changes can be made; space permitting.

 

I  Attendance Specifics:

#101 Tardiness

Students under the age of 15 and employment program participants should not be tardy! Most tardies are avoidable and inexcusable and will be considered acts of Misconduct. Occasionally a tardy cannot be avoided. In order to provide some flexibility, the following tardy rule will apply:

 

  1. Unless otherwise approved by Winter Center staff, two tardies of ten (10) minutes or less for a thirty day period of local Winter Center will be permitted. Tardies in excess of 10 minutes will be bar a student from class and require attendance of a study hall or leaving the premises. The two allowable tardies will not accumulate from one thirty day period to the next.
  2. Students who are on a bus which arrives late at Winter Center will not be counted as tardy.

#102 Pre-Approved Absences

  1. For students to be excused for activities required by a caseworker, parole officer or parent, a representative from Winter Center will call and verify the activity. Students should then complete an Approved Leave Slip. This slip will be logged and kept in the student folder. All hours missed due to such absences may be made up.

 

  1. No charge absences may be granted by the Winter Center Housing Program Director for either of two reasons

 

(A)     Death in the immediate family – husband, wife, child, stepchild, brother, sister, parent, parent-in-law, grandchild, grandparent or any person in the dwelling unit.

 

(B)   Hospitalization of the student or their dependant(s).

 

Proof of the above circumstances are required and submitted to the Resource Center Coordinator or the Winter Center Housing Director.

 

  1. In circumstances of inclement weather, Winter Center will close when the local school district is closed.

For students in the G.E.D. or High School concordance classes or who are court-referred:

103 Leaving Class Rooms or Premises During Class Time


  1. Students will not leave their classroom or the building without permission of their instructor. Students who wish to leave the class early may receive permission from any Winter Center staff member.  Leaving the classroom or premises without permission constitutes truancy.

#104 Truancy

 

  1. A student is truant any time after they have reported to class and then leaves class without permission of the person in charge. This could be for part or all of a class period and would be deemed misconduct.   

 

A student who is truant runs the risk of suspension or removal from the program.


#105 Withdrawal or Expulsion

 

8.    Any absent student who fails to contact their local Winter Center to notify a staff member of the situation and circumstance specifics will be considered to have voluntarily withdrawn on the third consecutive day of absence.  All applicable parties will be notified.

 

9.    The student who exhibits poor classroom performance and/or continued accumulation of absences or tardies may be subject to expulsion from the program.  All applicable parties will be notified.

 

10.  Students who remain in a program for 420 hrs or 60 days (which ever comes first) will be required to meet with their advisor to assess program effectiveness and ‘fit’ and determine if alternative training or withdrawal/ expulsion from the program is warranted.  All applicable parties will be notified.

 

#120 Attendance Procedure

Based on the before stated policies the attendance procedure outlined below will be followed:

 

1. If a student is not in class when expected and fails to notify staff, we will attempt to contact them in any and all ways possible.  This will continue for the three consecutive days of expected attendance. If the student fails to return by the end of the third scheduled day, they will be subject to withdrawal from the program.

 The parents/guardians of students under 18 (living at home) will be notified as will Case Workers or Parole Officers, as applicable.

 

2. * After nine/sixteen clock hours of absences and/or tardies per calendar month, the student will be notified and required to meet with a member of the Family Literacy Sr. Leadership team. The parents/guardians of students under 18 (living at home) will be notified as will Case Workers or Parole Officers as applicable.

* Part-time students will follow a nine hour description. Full- time students will refer to the sixteen hour description.

 

 

3.  Special arrangements, including making up missed work, will be made for students who have been absent for an extended period due to illness.

 

4.  It is the responsibility of the student, or the parent or guardian of a minor student, to notify the Family Literacy/Employment that they will not be in attendance or will be tardy.

 

5.  A daily attendance check will be made by the staff and calls made accordingly.

These rules apply to all students or participants in any Winter Center program:

# 125 Break Period

An official break period may be allowed in the morning and afternoon in each classroom. The break period may be suspended at any time. Instructors may also offer ‘discretionary’ breaks.  The break room and lobby are open for breaks. Smoking is prohibited except in designated areas.  Smoking in non-designated areas can result in a suspension of smoking privileges or short-term expulsion.

 

Students must not block doorways, hallways or walkways at any time.

Violators of these policies will be directed to the Winter Center Director or a Resource Coordinator upon first occasion and may be subject to suspension upon two violations within a thirty day period.


# 126 Food and/or Snacks

Students may bring treats to share, bring in prepared food for meals or enjoy snack-foods as long as they have instructor or coordinator permission.

No food or drinks are allowed in the computer labs without written approval!

 

 

II    Personal Appearance:

#202 Grooming

Grooming should be attended to and neatness is encouraged. Attention should be given to personal hygiene and cleanliness by individual program participants.

 

#203 Dress

Men and women students will be expected to wear properly fitting apparel suitable to a casual or business-casual environment. The object of a dress code is to encourage students to dress tastefully. A general statement of our dress code may be defined with three words: Neat, Clean, and Appropriate.

  

#203A The following guidelines will be observed with regard to wearing apparel:

 

1.  Hats, caps, other head covers and sunglasses will not be worn in the class room without permission of the instructor.

 

2.  Clothing that shows or promotes alcoholic beverages or controlled substances is not acceptable in the building.

 

3.  Clothing, or belt buckles with obscene or suggestive writing or graphics is not acceptable the building.

 

4.  Cut-offs, halters/midriffs, half-shirts, tube tops, fishnet tops, spaghetti-strap tops and intentionally torn clothing are not appropriate for classes. Tops and/or shirts must cover the midriff area.

 

5.    Baggy clothing is acceptable, but pants must be worn ‘waist level’.

 

6.    Short skirts must follow the ‘finger-tip’ rule.

 

Instructors will expect appropriate dress and will address violations immediately.

Health, medical, or religious exceptions to the ‘dress code’ require pre-approval.

 

III    Student Conduct

Students should be proud of the facilities and the programs in which they

are enrolled. Learning is more effective in smooth operating and well organized surroundings.

 

#303 Please do not bring your children or children you supervise to the facility, unless they are participating in Winter Center programs.

 

#305 Profane, obscene or abusive language will absolutely not be tolerated and will constitute both misconduct and misbehavior.

 

#307 Involvement in gangs or gang-related activity, including the display of

gang symbols or paraphernalia is not allowed.

 

Student conduct will be under observation at all times, not only by the staff, but by visiting representatives of business and the community. Misconduct becomes a part of the student's record and sets habits that follow an individual into the world of work. Therefore, students will be expected to conduct themselves as mature and respectful individuals at all times. Action on the part of any student which leads to discredit of themselves, their class mates, or Winter Center and it’s staff will be considered misconduct.*

All cases of misconduct or misbehavior will be handled individually and in light of the effect the behavior has on (1) other students, (2) the student(s) involved, (3) the Winter Center facility, and (4) the Winter Center staff.

(see matrix on the next page)

* We are interested in creating a favorable public image of the Winter Center’s education program as this will help participants gain employment or further educational opportunities once training is completed.

#310 Willful Destruction of Local Winter Center Property

Winter Center’s education department are constructed and equipped to provide technical training to youths and adults seeking GED and occupational preparation. It is therefore important that the facilities, tools and equipment be available for students use at all times. If equipment is lost, damaged or destroyed, it places a hardship on all program participants until such time that tools or equipment can be repaired or replaced.

Any student who shall willingly destroy or damage any buildings, equipment or tools belonging to Winter Center will be referred to the Winter Center Housing Program Director. In most cases the student will be required to either pay for or repair damages, or purchase the damaged property as part of their responsibility for such action, which may include suspension or dismissal.

 

#313 Weapons

1. There will be no tolerance for using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling explosives, firearms, knives or any other object that is used as a weapon or threatened to be used as a weapon.

#314 Drugs and Alcohol

1. There will be no tolerance for using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling alcoholic beverages on Winter Center property.  Students who are under the influence are not permitted to attend classes or Winter Center   functions and can be treated as though they had alcohol in their possession.

 
2.  There will be no tolerance for using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling illegal drugs or controlled substances, look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia other than as prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches for the use intended by the physician and as used consistent with the prescribed use by the person for whom the drug was prescribed.  Students who are under the influence are not permitted to attend classes or Winter Center   functions and can be treated as though they had drugs in their possession.

#317 Telephones & Electronic Devices

  1. The Winter Center is available for personal calls, with instructor permission.  Please try to limit time on the phone to five (5) minutes or less per call.
  2. Cell phones and pagers are to be turned off or set to vibrate during class times.
  3. Musical headsets (radios, CD/DVD Players, etc.), and earpieces, laser lights, scanners and electronic games may only be used during designated break times and lunch.
  4. Winter Center is not responsible for the theft of pagers, cell phones, other electronic devices, and other items.

 

1st Violation -Warning and confiscation until the end of the class.

2nd Violation -Suspension of privileges of on-premise use for a thirty day period; the device will be barred from the premises.

#330 Computer Ethics

The primary purpose of using computers and the Internet at Winter Centers is to support education, research and skills practice. In order that students have the benefit of these resources, certain standards of use are expected.

Transmission of any material in violation of any U.S./state regulation  regarding computer/ internet use is prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to copyright material, threatening or obscene material, or material protected by secret trade. The use of Winter Center computers and the internet is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a loss of the privilege and possible disciplinary action including expulsion.

Student use of computer systems/networks and Internet access must follow accepted rules of usage. These rules include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  1. Food or drink at or in the proximity of computers, printers, etc. is   prohibited.

 

  1. Use good taste in what you view and what sites you visit.

 

  1. Be polite. Do not abuse others in any message. Use appropriate language. No swearing or vulgar language of any kind.

 

  1. Do not reveal your personal address or phone number or those of fellow students or colleagues. Any message relating to illegal activity may be reported to the authorities.

 

  1. All printing or downloading must be under the supervision of an instructor or staff person. All information is to be considered copyrighted and treated as such.

 

  1. All student computer/Internet usage will fall under the supervision of an instructor or staff member.

 

  1. Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined as any malicious attempt to harm or destroy another user, the Internet, or any computer, Winter Center   or network. This also includes the uploading or creation of computer viruses.

 

 

#340 Library

The library is intended to provide magazines, books, pamphlets and other instructional materials which are required for class work. These materials are the property of the local Winter Center and are not to be marked, damaged or taken from the premises without permission. Any damage to the instructional materials, such as books, magazines or pamphlets can result in a temporary or permanent suspension of library privileges.  In cases of severe damage or vandalism restitution will be paid for by the student/participant responsible.


#355 Unacceptable Behavior

1.    There will be no tolerance for disobeying directives from staff members or

Winter Center officials and/or rules and regulations governing student/

participant  conduct.

 

2.    There is no excuse for the use of violence, force, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear or other comparable conduct toward anyone or urging other students to engage in such conduct.

 

3.    Causing or attempting to cause damage to, or stealing or attempting to

steal another person’s personal property will not be tolerated.

 

#356 Other Prohibited Student Conduct:

Engaging in any activity that constitutes interference with Winter Center’s

purposes or an educational function or that is disruptive is not acceptable.

Disciplinary action shall be taken against any student found guilty of acts of

disobedience or misconduct, including acts of gross disobedience or misconduct. 

Prohibited behaviors include, but are not limited to the following summation of Acts of Misconduct.  In addition, the severity of these acts will be indicated by an assigned level.

Disciplinary consequences may apply when violations occur:

1.           On, or within sight of, Winter Center grounds.

2.           Off Winter Center grounds at an Education sponsored activity or event.

3.           Anywhere, if the conduct may reasonably be considered to be a threat or an attempted intimidation of a staff member or interference with Winter Center’s purposes or educational function.

4.           The student’s conduct is reasonably related to and negatively impacts

some legitimate Winter Center interest.

 

#377 Summary of Acts of Misconduct

LEVEL I

1.       Misconduct in or around a vehicle parked on Winter Center property.

2.       Classroom disturbances

3.       Dishonesty

4.       Littering

5.       Loitering

6.       Misrepresentation

7.       Tardiness

8.       Truancy

9.       Disobeying directives from staff members or Winter Center officials and/or

          Winter Center’s rules and regulations governing student conduct.

 

LEVEL II

1.       Especially serious, unmodified, multiple or repeated Level I Acts of

          Misconduct. may cause the infraction to be treated as Level II, III or IV.

 

2.       Disrespect/Insubordination—Open or persistent defiance of staff

          and/or Winter Center’s rules and regulations. Included are: verbal abuse,

          use of obscenities or recognizable derogatory gestures

 

3.       Failure to abide by corrective action for misconduct.

 

4.       Failure to follow directions of Winter Center staff members.

 

5.       Forgery or the use of forged documents.

 

6.       Gambling.

 

7.       Refusal to identify self when questioned by staff.

 

8.       Stealing or theft (minor)—covers small, inexpensive items.  The

          unauthorized taking of larger, more expensive items would cause the

          infraction to fall under Level IV of this policy.

 

9.       Verbal abuse: Name calling, profanity, obscenity, racial slurs or other

          derogatory statements or gestures.

 

LEVEL III

1.       Especially serious, unmodified, multiple or repeated Levels I and II

          Acts of Misconduct.  Especially serious, unmodified, multiple or repeated

          violations of Levels I and II Acts of Misconduct may cause the infraction to

          be treated as Level III or IV Acts of Misconduct.

 

2.       Threats to others—a threat to apply force or threat to do physical

          injury to another student or staff member

 

3.       Trespassing on Winter Center property—this applies to one or more of the

          following acts:

a)     Entering upon or in property without justification or without implied or actual permission

b)    Entering or remaining upon or in Winter Center property without justification after being notified or requested to abstain from entering or after being told to leave.

c)     Entering an teacher’s office without permission or area of the building which is restricted in use and so posted.

4.       Vandalism—defacement or destruction of any Winter Center building

          or fixture including the willful writing, making marks, drawing characters,

          etc. on walls, furniture or fixtures.

 

5.       Other acts of misconduct which seriously are disruptive and/or which

          create a safety hazard to students, staff and/or Winter Center property

          may be considered Level III.

 

6.       Violation of the constitutional rights of another person.

 

7.       Using force, violence, noise, coercion, threats, intimidation, fear or

          other comparable conduct toward anyone or urging other students to

          engage in such conduct.

 
8.      Involvement in gangs or gang-related activities, including the display of

 gang symbols or paraphernalia.

 

9.       Engaging in any activity that constitutes an interference with the Winter

          Center’s purposes or education function or is generally disruptive.

 

10.    Causing or attempting to cause damage to Winter Center property

         or  another person’s personal property. 

 

LEVEL IV

1.   Especially serious, unmodified, multiple or repeated Level I, II or III

      Acts of Misconduct.

 

2.   Bomb threats—the conveyance of threats or false information regarding

bombs or the placement of any device which could reasonably cause harm to self or others.

 

3.   Extortion—the use of force or negative consequences or the threatened

use of force or negative consequences to obtain another person’s money, property or with the intent to compel someone to do something he or she otherwise would not otherwise do.

 

4.    Fighting, assault, battery.

 

5.    Using, possessing, distributing, purchasing or selling illegal drugs or

controlled substances, look-alike drugs and drug paraphernalia other than as

prescribed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches for

the use intended by the physician and as used consistent with the prescribed use by the person for whom the drug was prescribed.  Students who are under the influence are not permitted to attend Winter Center   or Winter Center   functions and are treated as though they had drugs in their possession.

 

6.    Possession or sale of stolen property.

 

7.    Setting false fire alarms.

 

8.    Stealing or theft—taking the property of others with or without the

threat of violence.  (Refers to items of greater value than those described in

stealing under Level III Acts of Misconduct.)

 

9.     Acts of violence against Winter Center personnel or others.

 

10.   Possession of weapons and use of weapons or other objects to produce

  bodily harm.

 

11.   Setting fires.

 

12.   Using, possessing, distributing, selling or purchasing alcoholic

beverages. Students who are under the influence are not permitted to

attend any Winter Center or be involved in Winter Center functions and are

treated as thought they had alcohol in their possession.

 

13. Using, possessing, distributing, selling or purchasing explosives,

firearms, knives or any other object that is used as a weapon or the use of

which as a weapon is threatened.

 

#380 Winter Center Disciplinary Actions

Within each Level of Misconduct is a range of dispositions possible.  The staff

member handling the case will select the appropriate action to be taken.

 

                        Corrective disciplinary measures may include:

 

1.    Reprimand

2.    Personal counseling

3.    Withholding of privileges

4.    Seizure of contraband

5.    Suspension from classes and all Winter Center-sponsored events for up

to 10 days, provided that appropriate procedures are followed.

6.  Notification of authorities whenever the conduct involves illegal activity

and/or drugs (controlled substances), look-alike drugs, alcohol or weapons.

7.  Removal from the classroom.

8.  Restitution

 

Before any punishment is imposed in any disciplinary setting, the student shall

be given the opportunity to deny or explain his or her conduct.  This information will be used to determine the scope and approach of any disciplinary action.

 

#381 Delegation of Authority

Each instructor, and any other Winter Center personnel when students or participants are under his/her charge, is authorized to impose any disciplinary measure, which is appropriate and in accordance with the policies and rules on student discipline.  Instructors, other certified employees and other persons (whether or not certified) providing a related service for or with respect to a student, may use reasonable force as needed to maintain safety for other students, Winter Center personnel or persons, or for the purpose of self-defense or defense of property.  Instructors may remove students from a classroom for disruptive behavior. Additionally, law enforcement authorities will be notified in deemed necessary.

 

 

#401 Harassment

 

The Winter Center is committed to providing a positive and productive learning and working environment, free from discrimination, including harassment, on the basis of race, color or national origin. Discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, color or national origin ("racial harassment' or “sexual harassment”) shall not be tolerated in the local Winter Center. Harassment of employees or students by administrative, certified and support personnel, students, vendors, and any others having business or other contact with the local Winter Center is strictly prohibited.

Racial harassment is unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin under Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination.

All forms of harassment are prohibited at Winter Center, on Winter Center   property, and at all Winter Center-sponsored activities, programs, or whether or not the harassment occurs on Winter Center   grounds.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any student, employee or third party (visitor, vendor, etc.) to harass any student, employee or other individual associated with the Winter Center  . It shall further be a violation for any individual to discourage a student from filing a complaint, or for an employee to fail to investigate or refer for investigation, any complaint lodged under the provisions of this policy.

 

Harassment is motivated conduct which:

 

1. Affords a student different treatment, solely on the basis of gender, race, color or national origin, in a manner which interferes with or limits the ability of the student to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or programs of the local Winter Center ;

 

2. Is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose of effect of creating a hostile academic environment; or

 

3. Is sufficiently severe, pervasive or persistent so as to have the purpose or effect of interfering with a student's academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or programs of the local Winter Center.

 

Harassment may result from verbal or physical conduct or written graphic materials. Winter Center encourages all victims of harassment and persons with knowledge of such harassment to report the harassment immediately. All harassment complaints will be promptly investigated and prompt corrective action taken to end the harassment.

 

Any student, who believes he or she has been subject to harassment or has witnessed an act of alleged harassment, should discuss the alleged harassment with Winter Center’s Human Resource representative, the Winter Center Housing Director or Winter Center Program Coordinator of, or any other staff member with whom they feel comfortable.