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About Highlands Academy
Welcome to Highlands Academy, a specialized program dedicated to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for students. Our approach is centered on a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) and a token economy, which motivates positive behavior, emotional regulation, and academic success.
Program Overview
TIERS Program
The TIERS Program utilizes research-supported techniques, including:
- Positive Behavioral Supports: Teaching strategies designed to promote self-awareness and self-control.
- Social-Emotional Learning Curriculum: Focused on developing positive interpersonal and social skills.
- Points/Level System: A structured method for tracking student progress and behavior.
By collaborating closely with families, we aim to instill positive coping strategies and foster a sense of responsibility.
Safe and Nurturing Environment
Highlands Academy provides a safe space for students, with opportunities to transition into general education programming when appropriate. Our long-term goal is to equip students with the skills necessary to return to a less restrictive educational setting in their home schools.
Our Mission
Highlands Academy's mission is to provide alternative educational opportunities that empower our students to acquire knowledge and skills, cultivate values of responsibility and respect, and promote productive citizenship and lifelong learning.
Upcoming Events
How to Enroll
Referrals to the TIERS Program at Highlands Academy may come from a referring school or an IEP team. Students eligible for this program typically have a current Individualized Education Program (IEP) and have exhausted all other intensive interventions and supports.
- Referral Process: A new referral is reviewed by the TIERS school team, with placement determined based on individual needs and the program's ability to meet those needs.
Collaboration with Families
We believe in the power of collaboration with families to support student needs. Parental outreach and involvement are key focuses for us:
- Encouragement for Participation: Families are invited to attend events, participate in school activities, provide input, and contribute to important school decisions.
- Team Approach: Together, we work to achieve successful outcomes for our students.
- Level System: Students progress through levels based on their behaviors in areas of Respect, Responsibility, and Readiness to Learn.
- Instruction: Students receive engaging academic instruction and frequent support for demonstrating positive social behaviors.
- Rewards and Incentives: Students earn access to in-class stores, rewards, and honors outings for consistent performance.
- Two-Way Communication: Parents and staff engage in effective communication to enhance consistency for students.
- Reboot Center: A 4-step system designed to address severe behavior issues, integrated into our progressive response system.
- Counseling Services: Access to site-based counseling to support student well-being.
- Personal Coping Skills: Instruction aimed at developing effective coping strategies.
Highlands Academy encompasses several key components:
- Building strong relationships with all students
- Emphasizing physiology for learning: diet, sleep hygiene, exercise, and stress management
- Implementing Positive Behavior Supports (PBS)
- Utilizing proactive classroom management strategies
- Engaging in the Good Behavior Game
- Maintaining a points and levels system for behavior
- Providing effective academic instruction
- Organizing honors room and honors outings
- Utilizing a 4-step Reboot process for escalated behavior
- Ensuring parental outreach and support
- Conducting de-briefs for consistent team collaboration
- Facilitating student self-governance meetings
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