The Firebird
Rock university high school newsletter
September 2019 Vol 8

The mission at Rock University High School is to inspire and empower all students to reach their full potential by providing them a college preparatory learning experience. The students' learning experience includes an emphasis on STEM and the humanities so that students acquire the knowledge, skills, and practices to become critical and creative thinkers, problem solvers, innovators, leaders, and collaborators. RUHS ensures that graduates can apply what they have learned in order to compete and succeed in a global economy emerging with innovation.

Rock University High School provides a small, student-centered school that empowers students to move from consumers of information to creators of their own learning. RUHS is a place where creativity, innovation, and flexibility are rewarded, mistakes are viewed as opportunities, and learning is ongoing. RUHS prepares all students with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed to be successful in college, meaningful careers, and life.

In this Issue:
Upcoming Dates/Events                  01
Exciting News                                  02
Policy Reminder                              02
BTC Shuttle Bus Schedule              03
Important Information from SDJ      04

Jason Field
Nicholas Jacobus
Lauryn Kealy
Anastasia Mareski
Lauren Pearson
Derek Williamson
Julia Wittman

September 3, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

RUHS Picture Day
Wednesday, September 4, 2019

RUHS Student Potluck
Wednesday, September 5, 2019

Back to School Game Night
Thursday, September 12, 2019
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Wisconsin Education Fair
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
Craig High School

Exciting News!

New RUHS Teacher
Mr. Shane Lilly
With our continued growth and development, we had the opportunity to expand our staff this summer! Mr. Shane Lilly is joining our team of professional educators as a math teacher and will be teaching Integrated Math 1, 2, and 3, as well as some other elective classes. Help us welcome him to our RUHS family this year!

New Courses
There has been a lot of learning happening this summer among our staff. Ms. Erin Jensen, Humanities Teacher, participated in a summer curriculum workshop for AP Psychology (Madison, WI) and I (Ms. Angie Kerr, Dean of students and Math Teacher) attended a summer curriculum workshop for AP Seminar (Long Beach, CA) and Mathematical Reasoning (Madison, WI). Mrs. Stephanie Villarello (Science Teacher) attended two science curriculum workshops; AP Environmental Science (Madison, WI) and PLTW Principles of Biomedical Science (Rochester, MN). In addition to curriculum workshops, Mrs. Villarello went to Japan to participate in a project for education and world peace, the Oleander Initiative. Educators from around the world will be gathering to develop lesson plans on the humanitarian impact of nuclear war. These lessons will be directly tied to our Critical Issues Forum class as well as school-wide awareness and learning opportunities.

Student Enrollment
It has been a busy summer enrolling lots of new students for this Fall. We currently have 64 students enrolled in grades 9-12, with a few more applications still in progress. Forty-six o those students will be joining us as NEW Rock University High School students! We are overjoyed to add so many talented students to our growing student body. This is promised to be a very exciting year!

Policy Reminder
Cellular Phones and Other Electronic Devices
Authorized electronic devices may be used with Administrator approval; however, they are prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms unless powered off in accordance with State Statute 175.22. Unauthorized devices are prohibited on school premises or at any school-sponsored activity. Personally owned electronic devices may be searched as permitted by law. Please refer to Board Policy 6724 and the related Administrative Regulations for the complete policy on Instructional Technology and the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology.

Possession of cellular phones is permitted on school premises. Cellular phones must be powered off/turned off and not used for any purpose, unless permission is granted by the teacher.

Student use or possession of electronic paging (e.g. beepers) or two-way communication devices other than cellular phones on school premises is prohibited. Building administration, however is authorized to permit a student to use an electronic paging device, two-way communication device, including a cellular phone, to be used for medical, school, educational, vocational, or other purposes as deemed appropriate. Personal music devices, cameras, recording devices, cameras, recording devices, as well as hand held games are also prohibited. Students may not use personal devices to take photographs (pictures) or videos without the consent of a supervising staff member.

Any student found violating this policy shall surrender the communication device and be subject to disciplinary action. If a student device is confiscated more than once, a parent/guardian will need to pick up the device. Co-Curricular Code (Athletics and Club Participation)

Rock University High School (RUHS)
Fall 2019 Shuttle Schedule
Morning Schedule

Monday through Thursday ONLY (GED Program)

Afternoon Schedule
Early Bus Departs Central Campus at 2:45 p.m. to the following locations:

Late Bus Departs Central Campus at 3:40 p.m. to the following locations:

Directions for Rock University High School/Blackhawk Technical College

• Morning Drop-Off - The BTC Shuttle will drop you off in Lot L (enter door 2-16). Go through or around the cafeteria to the RUHS Main Entrance (1300 hallway)
• Afternoon Pick-Up-Please go to Lot L (exit door 2-16) and the shuttle will depart at 2:45 p.m. for Parker High School, Hedberg Public Library, and Craig High School. The shuttle will depart at 3:40 for Rockvale Court, Rock County Job Center, University of Wisconsin - Rock County Campus and Festival Foods.

Directions for Craig High School:

• Morning Pick-Up - Please go to the South student entrance (by auditorium, door #42) to be picked up.
• Afternoon Drop off - You will be dropped off at the South entrance (door#42)

Directions for Parker High School:

• Morning Pick-Up - Please go to the West student entrance to be picked up.
• Afternoon Drop off - You will be dropped off at the Front Circle drive. If you need to enter the building, please enter through the main doors and sign in at the visitor desk. You may wait in the front entrance until school is dismissed if you are waiting for an after-school activity/event

Please be courteous of all classes in session, address school and public employees with respect, and represent Rock University High School, School District of Janesville, and Blackhawk Technical College positively.

Don't forget to THANK your driver!

Important Information from Janesville School District
Child Find Notice
“The school district must locate, identify and evaluate all resident children with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities.” The school district has a special education program to locate and screen all children with suspected disabilities who are residents of the district and who have not graduated from high school. Upon request the school district will screen any resident child who has not graduated high school to determine whether a special education referral is appropriate. A request may be made by contacting Kimberli Peerenboom, Director of Pupil Services for the School District of Janesville at 743-5061, or by writing her at 527 S. Franklin St., Janesville WI 53548.

Annually the district conducts developmental screening of preschool children. Each child’s motor, communication and social skills are observed at various play areas. Each child is weighed and measured, and the child’s hearing and vision is checked. The information is used to provide the parent with a profile of their child’s current development and to provide suggestions for follow up activities. Parents learn about community services available to them and speak with representatives of agencies serving families. The information from screening is also used to determine whether a child should be evaluated for a suspected disability. When school staff reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability, they refer the child for evaluation by a school district Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Developmental screening will be a part of the kindergarten screening this Spring. Watch for dates at your local school.

A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to report the child to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child’s parents that the referral will be made. The referral must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. Others who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child to the school district in which the child resides. A referral of a child residing in the School District of Janesville may be sent to Kimberli Peerenboom at the school district address above.”

Aviso Detectar al Niño
“El distrito escolar tiene que localizar, identificar y evaluar a todos los niños residentes con discapacidades, incluyendo a los niños con discapacidades que asisten a escuelas privadas, sin importar la gravedad de sus discapacidades.” El distrito escolar tiene un programa de educación especial para localizar y evaluar a todos los niños con presuntas discapacidades, quienes son residentes del distrito y que no se han graduado de la escuela preparatoria.  Cuando se solicite, el distrito escolar evaluará a cualquier niño residente que no se haya graduado de la escuela preparatoria para determinar, si es apropiada una referencia para educación especial. Una solicitud puede hacerse contactando a Kimberli Peerenboom, Director de Servicios al alumno del Distrito Escolar de Janesville al 743-5061, o escribiéndole a: 527 S. Franklin St., Janesville WI 53548.

Anualmente el distrito lleva a cabo evaluaciones del desarrollo de los niños en edad preescolar. Cada una de las habilidades motoras, comunicativas y sociales del niño son observadas en varias áreas de juego. Se pesa y mide a cada niño y su audición y visión son revisadas. Se utiliza la información para proporcionar al padre un perfil del desarrollo actual de su niño y proveer sugerencias para las actividades de seguimiento. Los padres aprenden acerca de los servicios comunitarios disponibles para ellos y hablan con representantes de agencias que dan servicio a las familias. La información de la evaluación también se utiliza para determinar si un niño debe ser examinado por presunta discapacidad. Cuando el personal de la escuela razonablemente cree que un niño, es un niño con una discapacidad,  refieren al niño para una evaluación por el equipo del Programa Educativo Individualizado (IEP) del distrito escolar. Las evaluaciones del desarrollo serán parte de las examinaciones del kínder esta primavera. Espere las fechas en su escuela local.

Un doctor, enfermera, sicólogo, trabajador social o administrador de una agencia social que razonablemente crea que un niño que se le llevó para recibir atención es un niño con una discapacidad, tiene el deber legal de reportar al niño al distrito escolar en el cual el niño reside. Antes de referir al niño, la persona que hace la referencia tiene que informar a los padres del niño que se hará la referencia. La referencia tiene que ser por escrito e incluir la razón por la cual la persona cree que el niño, es un niño con una discapacidad. Otros quienes razonablemente crean que un niño, es un niño con una discapacidad, pueden también referir al niño al distrito escolar en el cual el niño reside. Una referencia de un niño que reside en el Distrito Escolar de Janesville puede enviarse a Kimberli Peerenboom a la dirección de arriba del distrito escolar.

 School District of Janesville
 CONFIDENTIALITY OF PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION OBTAINED THROUGH CHILD FIND ACTIVITIES

The School District of Janesville is required to locate, identify, and evaluate all children, with disabilities, including children with disabilities attending private schools in the school district, and homeless children.  The process of locating, identifying, and evaluating children with disabilities is known as child find.  This agency conducts the following child find activities each year in the form of Early Childhood and Speech and Language Developmental Screenings. This notice informs parents of the records the school district will develop and maintain as part of its child find activities.  This notice also informs parents of their rights regarding any records developed.

The school district gathers personally identifiable information on any child who participates in child find activities.  Parents, teachers, and other professionals provide information to the school related to the child’s academic performance, behavior, and health.  This information is used to determine whether the child needs special education services.  Personally identifiable information directly related to a child and maintained by the school is a pupil record. Pupil records include records maintained in any way including, but not limited to, computer storage media, video and audiotape, film, microfilm, and microfiche. Records maintained for personal use by a teacher and not available to others and records available only to persons involved in the psychological treatment of a child are not pupil records.

 The school district maintains several classes of pupil records.

• "Progress records" include grades, courses the child has taken, the child's attendance record, immunization records, required lead screening records, and records of school extra-curricular activities. Progress records must be maintained for at least five years after the child ceases to be enrolled.
• "Behavioral records" include such records as psychological tests, personality evaluations, records of conversations, written statements relating specifically to the pupil's behavior, tests relating specifically to achievement or measurement of ability, physical health records other than immunization and lead screening records, law enforcement officers' records, and other pupil records that are not "progress records." Law enforcement officers' records are maintained separately from other pupil records. Behavioral records may be maintained for no longer than one year after the child graduates or otherwise ceases to be enrolled, unless the parent specifies in writing that the records may be maintained for a longer period of time. The school district informs parents when pupil records are no longer needed to provide special education. At the request of the child's parents, the school district destroys the information that is no longer needed.
• "Directory data" includes the student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, major field of study, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, weight and height of members of athletic teams, dates of attendance, photographs, degrees and awards received, and the name of the school most recently previously attended by the student.
• "Pupil physical health records" include basic health information about a pupil, including the pupil's immunization records, an emergency medical card, a log of first aid and medicine administered to the pupil, an athletic permit card, a record concerning the pupil's ability to participate in an education program, any required lead screening records, the results of any routine screening test, such as for hearing, vision or scoliosis, and any follow-up to the test, and any other basic health information, as determined by the state superintendent. Any pupil record relating to a pupil's physical health that is not a pupil physical health record is treated as a patient health care record under sections 146.81 to 146.84, Wisconsin Statutes. Any pupil record concerning HIV testing is treated as provided under section 252.15, Wisconsin Statutes.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and section 118.125, Wisconsin Statutes, afford parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") the following rights with respect to education records:

• The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of receipt of the request. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school official] a written request that identifies the records(s) they wish to inspect. The principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school district will comply with the request without unnecessary delay and before any meeting about an individualized education program, or any due process hearing, and in no case more than 45 days after the request has been made. If any record includes information on more than one child, the parents of those children have the right to inspect and review only the information about their child or to be informed of that specific information. Upon request, the school district will give a parent or eligible student a copy of the progress records and a copy of the behavioral records. Upon request, the school district will give the parent or eligible student a list of the types and locations of education records collected, maintained, or used by the district for special education. The school district will respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records. A representative of the parent may inspect and review the records.
• The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the parent or eligible student believes is inaccurate or misleading. Parents or eligible students may ask [Name of] School District to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the school principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the district decides not to amend the record, the district will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and the right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.
• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information in the student's education records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent. The exceptions are stated in 34 CFR 99.31, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act regulations; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; and section 118.125(2)(a) to (m) and sub. (2m), Wisconsin Statutes. One exception that permits disclosure without consent is disclosures to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the district as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the school board; a person or company with whom the district has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, auditor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility. Upon request, the district discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll. Also the district discloses "directory data" without consent, unless the parent notifies the district that it may not be released without prior parental consent.
• The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the District to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

DISTRITO ESCOLAR DE JANESVILLE

CONFIDENCIALIDAD DE INFORMACIÓN DE IDENTIFICACIÓN PERSONAL OBTENIDA MEDIANTE ACTIVIDADES DE INTERVENCIÓN TEMPRANA O  “CHILD FIND”
 

Distrito Escolar de Janesville requiere ubicar, identificar, y evaluar a todos los menores con discapacidades, incluyendo a menores con discapacidades que asisten a escuelas privadas en el distrito escolar, y menores sin hogar. El proceso de ubicar, identificar y evaluar a menores con discapacidades es conocido como intervención temprana o “child find”.  Esta agencia lleva a cabo las siguientes actividades de intervención temprana cada año. Este aviso informa a los padres de los registros que el distrito escolar creará y mantendrá como parte de sus actividades de intervención temprana. Este aviso también informa a los padres de sus derechos sobre cualquier registro creado.

El distrito escolar reúne información de identificación personal de cualquier menor que participa en las actividades de intervención temprana. Los padres, maestros, y otros profesionales proporcionan información a la escuela en relación al desempeño académico, conducta y salud del menor. Esta información es usada para determinar si el menor necesita servicios especiales de educación. La información de identificación personal directamente relacionada con el menor y mantenida por la escuela es un registro de alumno. Los registros de alumno incluyen datos mantenidos en cualquier medio incluyendo, entre otros, medios de almacenamiento informáticos, cintas de video y  audio, película, microfilm, y microficha. Los registros mantenidos para uso personal por un maestro y que no se encuentran disponibles para otros y los registros disponibles sólo para las personas involucradas en el tratamiento psicológico de un menor no son registros de alumno.

 El distrito escolar mantiene diferentes clases de registros de alumno.

• Los "Registros de Progreso" incluyen notas, clases que el menor ha tomado, el registro de asistencia del menor, registros de vacunaciones, registros obligatorios de detección de plomo, y registros de actividades extracurriculares de la escuela. Los registros de progreso deben ser mantenidos por lo menos cinco años después que el menor deje de matricularse.
• Los "Registros de Conducta" incluyen registros como pruebas psicológicas, evaluaciones de personalidad, registros de conversaciones, declaraciones escritas relacionadas específicamente con la conducta del menor, pruebas relacionadas específicamente al logro o medición de la capacidad, registros de salud física aparte de registros de vacunación y detección de plomo, registros de agentes del orden público, y otros registros de estudiante que no sean “registros de progreso.” Los registros de agentes del orden público se mantienen separadamente de otros registros del alumno. Los registros de conducta pueden ser mantenidos por un lapso no mayor de un año después de la graduación del menor o después que el mismo deje de matricularse, a menos que el padre especifique por escrito que los registros pueden ser mantenidos por un periodo de tiempo mayor. El distrito escolar informa a los padres cuando los registros de alumno ya no son necesarios para proporcionar educación especial. A solicitud de los padres del menor, el distrito escolar destruye la información que ya no es necesaria.
• Los "datos de directorio" incluyen el nombre del estudiante, dirección, teléfono listado, fecha y lugar de nacimiento, campo principal de estudios, participación en actividades y deportes oficialmente reconocidos, peso y altura de los miembros de los equipos atléticos, fechas de asistencia, fotografías, grados y premios recibidos, y el nombre de la escuela más reciente a la que haya asistido previamente el estudiante.
• Los "registros de salud física del estudiante" incluyen información básica de salud sobre un alumno, incluyendo los registros de vacunación del alumno, una tarjeta de emergencia médica, un registro de primeros auxilios y medicina administrada al alumno, y una tarjeta de permiso atlético, un registro sobre la capacidad del alumno de participar en un programa de educación, cualquier registro obligatorio de detección de plomo, los resultados de cualquier prueba de detección de rutina, como una prueba de audición, visión o escoliosis, y cualquier seguimiento a dicha prueba, y cualquier otra información básica de salud, como sea determinado por el superintendente del estado. Cualquier registro del alumno relacionado con la salud física del mismo que no sea un registro de salud física del alumno es tratado como un registro de cuidado de salud del paciente según las secciones 146.81 a 146.84, de los Estatutos de Wisconsin. Cualquier registro del alumno sobre prueba de VIH es tratado como se proporciona en la sección 252.15, de los Estatutos de Wisconsin.

La Ley de Derechos Educativos de la Familia y la Confidencialidad (FERPA, por sus siglas en inglés), la Ley de Educación para Individuos con Discapacidades (IDEA), y la sección 118.125, de los Estatutos de Wisconsin, proporcionan a los padres y a los estudiantes mayores de 18 años ("estudiantes aptos") los siguientes derechos respecto a sus registros de educación:

• El derecho a inspeccionar y revisar los registros de educación del estudiante dentro de los 45 días posteriores a la recepción de  la solicitud. Los padres o los estudiantes aptos deben enviar al director de la escuela [or appropriate school official] una solicitud escrita que identifique el(los) registro(s) que ellos desean inspeccionar. El director puede hacer arreglos para el acceso y notificar al padre o al estudiante apto sobre el momento y lugar donde los registros pueden ser inspeccionados. El distrito escolar cumplirá con la solicitud sin retrasos innecesarios y antes de cualquier reunión sobre un programa educativo individualizado, o cualquier proceso de audiencia pendiente, y de ninguna manera después de cumplirse los 45 días posteriores a la fecha de la solicitud. Si cualquier registro incluye información sobre más de un menor, los padres de dichos menores tienen derecho a inspeccionar y revisar sólo la información sobre su niño o a ser notificados sobre esa información específica. A solicitud, el distrito escolar entregará al padre o al estudiante apto una copia de los registros de progreso y una copia de los registros de conducta. A solicitud, el distrito escolar entregará al padre o al estudiante apto una lista de los tipos y la ubicación de los registros de educación recolectados, mantenidos, o usados por el distrito para educación especial. El distrito escolar responderá a las solicitudes razonables de explicaciones e interpretación de los registros. Un representante del padre puede inspeccionar y revisar los registros.
• El derecho a solicitar la enmienda de los registros de educación que el padre o estudiante apto crea que son incorrectos o engañosos. Los padres o estudiantes aptos pueden pedir que el distrito escolar de [name of school district] corrija un registro que según ellos es incorrecto o engañoso. Ellos deben escribir al director de la escuela, y claramente identificar la parte del registro que desean cambiar, y especificar por qué es incorrecta o engañosa. Si el distrito decide no corregir el registro, el distrito notificará al padre o al estudiante apto de la decisión y el derecho a una audiencia sobre la solicitud de enmienda. Información adicional sobre los procedimientos de audiencia será proporcionada al padre o al estudiante apto cuando se le notifique del derecho a una audiencia.
• El derecho a consentir la divulgación de la información de identificación personal en los registros de educación del estudiante, salvo en la medida que las leyes federal y estatal autoricen la divulgación sin consentimiento. Las excepciones están indicadas en 34 CFR 99.31, reglamentos de la Ley de Derechos Educativos de la Familia y la Confidencialidad; Sec. 9528, PL107-110, Ley Que Ningún Niño Se Quede Atrás – o ”No Child Left Behind” del 2001;  y la sección 118.125(2)(a) a (m) y sub. (2m), de los Estatutos de Wisconsin. Una excepción que permite la divulgación sin consentimiento es la divulgación a los funcionarios de la escuela con intereses legítimamente educativos. Un funcionario de la escuela es una persona empleada por el distrito como un administrador, supervisor, instructor, o miembro de apoyo del equipo (incluyendo equipo médico o de salud y personal de la unidad de orden público); una persona miembro de la junta directiva de la escuela; una persona o compañía la cual ha sido contratada por el distrito para realizar una tarea especial (como por ejemplo un abogado, auditor, consultor médico, o terapeuta); o un padre o estudiante miembro de un comité oficial, como por ejemplo un comité disciplinario o de agravios, o que ayuda a otro funcionario de la escuela a desarrollar sus labores. Un funcionario de la escuela tiene un interés legitimamente educativo si éste necesita revisar un registro educativo para cumplir con su responsabilidad profesional. A solicitud, el distrito divulga los registros educativos sin consentimiento a los funcionarios de otro distrito escolar en el cual un estudiante busca o pretende matricularse. También, el distrito divulga "datos de directorio" sin consentimiento, a no ser que el padre notifique al distrito que estos no pueden ser divulgados sin previo permiso de los padres.
• El derecho a presentar una queja con el Departamento de Educación de los E.U. sobre presuntas fallas del distrito en el cumplimiento de la Ley FERPA. El nombre y dirección de la Oficina que administra la Ley de Derechos Educativos de la Familia y la Confidencialidad  o FERPA es: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20202-4605.

Policy Reminder
School District of Janesville Policies and Procedures Handbook: 2017 - 2018 Updates

1. Guidelines for The Acceptable Use of Technology by Students and Staff Please refer to Board Policy 6724 and Administrative Regulations 6724.1, 6724.2, and 6724.3 for the complete guidelines for acceptable use of technology.

If a technology device is damaged, School District of Janesville administration reserves the right to charge a student or parent/guardian the full cost for repair or replacement when the damage occurs due to negligence or misuse. Examples of negligence or misuse include, but are not limited to:

1. Leaving technology devices or equipment unattended, or unlocked.
2. Lending technology devices or equipment to others.
3. Using technology devices or equipment in an unsafe environment.
4. Using technology devices in an unsafe manner.

The final determination of costs of repairs or replacement will be determined by the Chief Information Officer.

2. Homeless Students: McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children and Youth Act Students who lack a fixed, regular or adequate nighttime residence are protected by the McKinney-Vento act. Although eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis by the homeless liaison, the following situations often qualify.

• Sharing the housing of others due to loss of housing or economic hardship
• Living in a motel, hotel, or campground due to lack of alternative adequate accommodations
• Living in an emergency shelter or transitional living program
• Abandoned in a hospital
• Living in a vehicle or RV, park, public space, abandoned building, substandard housing, bus or train station or other place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping space
• Unaccompanied youth who are not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian, runaways, and youth denied housing by their parents. Students who qualify fo McKinney-Vento have the following rights
  • Immediate enrollment: Even without required documents
  • School choice: Students may stay at the school attended when they became homeless or they may enroll in the school in the area where they are currently living.
  • Free lunch: for the entire school year
  • School fee waivers: When requested by parents and verified by student services staff
  • Transportation: If the student is living outside of attendance area of the school he or she is attending, transportation can be provided.

If you believe that your student may qualify, please contact your school social worker or guidance counselor, the homeless liaison at 743-7779.

The Firebird
Rock university high school newsletter
October 2019 Vol 9

The mission at Rock University High School is to inspire and empower all students to reach their full potential by providing them a college preparatory learning experience. The students' learning experience includes an emphasis on STEM and the humanities so that students acquire the knowledge, skills, and practices to become critical and creative thinkers, problem solvers, innovators, leaders, and collaborators. RUHS ensures that graduates can apply what they have learned in order to compete and succeed in a global economy emerging with innovation.

Rock University High School provides a small, student-centered school that empowers students to move from consumers of information to creators of their own learning. RUHS is a place where creativity, innovation, and flexibility are rewarded, mistakes are viewed as opportunities, and learning is ongoing. RUHS prepares all students with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed to be successful in college, meaningful careers, and life.

In this Issue:
Upcoming Dates/Events                  01
Exciting News                                  02
Policy Reminder                              02
Yankee Candle Fundraiser              03
Oleander Initiative Summary            04

www.yankeecandlefundraising.com
RUHS Group #: 990105051

Policy Reminder
Homework Guidelines
Purpose of homework
According to Dr. Erik Youngman, homework should support and enhance classroom learning. It is most effective when it:

• Is guided by immediate and specific feedback.
• Provides independent practice of recent learning or skills.
• Reflects that individuals learn at different rates.
• Is of a reasonable duration (age/grade appropriate)

Student roles and Responsibilities

• Make sure you understand the assignment and have the tools/materials you need before leaving school. Ask your teacher questions if directions are not clear.
• Complete your work independently and to the best of your ability. Ask questions if needed.
• Make it a routine. Set a time each day to do homework.
• Make good use of your time. Plan ahead for big assignments or projects.

Parent's/Guardian's Roles and Responsibilities

• Be positive about homework.
• Provide a place, and resources needed to help students complete homework.
• Help your student with time management by scheduling a regular homework time.
• Encourage your student to complete the work themselves. If your student asks for help, provide support, but do not give them the answers or dot he work for them.
• Stay informed. We encourage you to talk to your student's teacher(s) and share any questions or concerns you may have.

Oleander Summary
Stephanie Villarello

This summer I had the opportunity to attend the Oleander Initiative in Japan from July 20 - August 9. While in Tokyo and Hiroshima I learned about Japan, peace and conflict resolution.

The Oleander Initiative Program brings educators from all over the world, where there are currently varying levels of conflict, and emmerses them in Hiroshima's peace culture. The peace culture in Hiroshima can only fully be understood by experiencing it firsthand. The other educators and I were impacted deeply by visiting museums, historical sites, cultural events, lectures, presentations, hibakusha (atomic bombing survivors) testimonies, conferences, school visits and participating in discussions.

I developed many new friendships with people from Morocco, Jordan, East Jerusalem, Lebanon, Tunisia, South Korea and Japan. I plan to make connections between my classroom and classrooms in several other countries. I would never have been able to provide my students with these experiences without Oleander Initiative. I am so excited to share Hiroshima's story of peace, resilience, and restoration with others. I am modifying Critical Issues Forum curriculum to incorporate what I learned during the Oleander Initiative. Rock University High School is also developing a peace forum that will be open to the community.

Oleander Initiative is having a great impact around the world. By working with educators Oleander is reaching innumerable youth and adults around the world with lessons about conflict resolution, peace, resilience and restoration. Oleander Initiative and other programs like it are the key to creating a more peaceful, understanding and empathetic culture in the world. I encourage all educators to apply to participate in Oleander Initiative it is a once in a lifetime experience.

The Firebird
Rock university high school newsletter
November 2019 Vol 10

The mission at Rock University High School is to inspire and empower all students to reach their full potential by providing them a college preparatory learning experience. The students' learning experience includes an emphasis on STEM and the humanities so that students acquire the knowledge, skills, and practices to become critical and creative thinkers, problem solvers, innovators, leaders, and collaborators. RUHS ensures that graduates can apply what they have learned in order to compete and succeed in a global economy emerging with innovation.

Rock University High School provides a small, student-centered school that empowers students to move from consumers of information to creators of their own learning. RUHS is a place where creativity, innovation, and flexibility are rewarded, mistakes are viewed as opportunities, and learning is ongoing. RUHS prepares all students with the skills, knowledge, and dispositions needed to be successful in college, meaningful careers, and life.

In this Issue:
Upcoming Dates/Events                       01
Volunteer Opportunities/Scholarships  02
Policy Reminder                                   02
Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities     02

RUHS Parent Group Meetings
Time: TBD
All parents are welcomed and encouraged to attend! RUHS Parent Group Mission is to make every student's potential a reality by engaging and empowering families to play a supportive role through volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, and advocating for our RUHS students and staff

RUHS Governing Board Meetings
The RUHS Governing Board meets every 3rd Monday of the month at Rock University High School from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
 

Birthdays this Month
Layla Grover
Devyn Klingaman
James Mathesius
Zackary Revels

No School
Teacher Professional Development Day
November 1, 2019

www.yankeecandlefundraising.com
RUHS Group #: 990105051

 

BTC Healthcare Day
Thursday, November 7, 2019 
Time: TBD
Blackhawk Technical College
Central Campus

Tentative:
Mac's Pizza Shack Fundraiser
Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Wisconsin State Historical Society
November 7, 2019
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Hedberg Public Library
November 13, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

No School
Thanksgiving Break
November 27-29, 2019

RUHS Art Club has started!
Meetings are held:
Wednesdays 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Volunteer Opportunity
https://cedarcrestlife.com/volunteers/

Scholarship Opportunity
https://www.bbb.org/wisconsin/scholarships/

Free College Application
UW-Stevens Point
FREE APPLICATION ENDS SOON!
Students who will be starting college in the Fall 2020 semester can apply to UW-Stevens Point for free until October 28th!
https://www.uwsp.edu/applynow/Pages/default.aspx

SDJ Parent Satisfaction Survey
Dear RUHS Parents/Guardians
Our district is on a continuous journey to make our schools the best places for students to learn, staff to work, and parents to send their children for a good education. In this effort, we appreciate, we appreciate your support. It is important to gather feedback from you to celebrate successes and identify areas for growth. Please take a few minutes and complete this Parent Satisfaction Survey to help provide this feedback.

Once the survey is complete, the results will be analyzed by an outside organization. The data from the survey will be sent to each school and the Superintendent. Then, the results of the survey will be shared with parents and the community.

The survey can be accessed online at: https://huron.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2ltBM1IvE3LdVxH

The Survey will be open from 10/14 - 11/08/2019.

Thank you for your interest in and support for of your child's education with us. Please contact me if you have any questions concerning this survey.

Policy Reminder
School Delay/Closing Information

Should it become necessary to delay the start of school, the School District of Janesville will use the Infinite Campus Messenger system as our primary means of notification to parents and guardians. These messages are sent as a Priority message. We urge parents/guardians to make sure their contact information is always current and correct in the system.

In order to keep district telephone lines open for general operations, please do not call the district or your school for closing information/confirmation. In addition to using the directing messaging to parents and guardians through Infinite Campus Messenger, the School District of Janesville utilizes many other forms of public communications to post or announce closing and delays, including: WCLO AM 1230 radio and other local radio stations; the Janesville Gazette; local and regional television stations; the School District of Janesville Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SDJK12/); and the district website (https://www.janesville.k12.wi.us). If the closing and delay information is related to inclement weather, the district will communicate to the public the night before (if possible) or no later than 6:00 a.m. on the day of the closing or delay.

Decisions to delay or cancel school due to inclement weather are made in coordination with both the Janesville Transit System and the Van Galder Bus Company (Board Policy 5462). They are also based on the passage of the city streets, safety of rural students and information from the county highway department and city street department. The School District of Janesville also consults with a meteorologist and a team of District staff and area Superintendents before the decision is made. The final decision to delay or close rests with the Superintendent. If school is not cancelled and families do not feel it is safe for their child to come to school, it is their prerogative to keep their student(s) home. Families choosing to keep their student home will need to call the student's school(s) to report their absence(s), which will be considered a principal excused absence.

The School District of Janesville does not close early in an attempt to avoid incoming snow or ice storms.
This is to protect children who may get home before their families and have no home access or supervision. If a parent/guardian is concerned about incoming weather, they may come to the school to have their child released early, which will be considered a principal excused absence.

If schools are closed for weather related reasons, be aware that all Preschool 4 Janesville (P4J) programs located in School District of Janesville Public Schools will also be closed. Should a decision be made to delay the start of school as opposed to closing, the School District of Janesville Public Schools with P4J morning programs will be cancelled, but they will hold their afternoon sessions as regularly scheduled. If your child attends P4J at a private school location or community child care center, be sure to contact your P4J site coordinator to confirm any closings or delays.

Cancellation of Athletic or Extracurricular Events: There will be no athletic contests and no practices on days school is called off for weather reasons. The gyms will also be closed to the public on those days. On days when school is in session but weather has progressively worsened, cancellations for after school or evening athletics or extracurricular activities will be announced by 2:00 p.m. on WCLO radio that day and posted on the School District of Janesville Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/SDJK12/)   and on the district website (https://www.janesville.k12.wi.us). The School District of Janesville calendar has several days built in to accommodate weather delays/closures. However, should the district exceed those buffer days, state law requires the School District of Janesville to make-up days to meet the minimum number of hours of direct public instruction (http://dpi.wi.gov/cal/days-hours).
Building Access/Dismissal during Severe Weather/Tornado (Board Policy 5464): Every precaution has been taken to protect students and staff members during periods of severe weather. Students and staff are made aware of predetermined areas of shelter to which they move during severe weather. To maintain the safety of students, staff, visitors, and parents/guardians during times of severe weather warnings, access to school buildings will be restricted, and students will be kept in their shelter areas, potentially beyond normal dismissal times and staff will remain with them. For safety reasons, children will not be released to families during the time of a weather warning. Students will be released after the National Weather Service or local emergency responders (police or fire officials) issue an "all clear" signal. Campus Messenger will serve as our primary means of notification to let parents know when students will be released. If possible, the district will also use its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SDJK12/) and on the district website (https://www.janesville.k12.wi.us) to relay information.

Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities
Youth Apprenticeship Job Posting
 

Business Contact: www.alliantenergy.com
Job Title	Youth Apprenticeship - Utility Field Operations (IBEW Local 965 member)
Responsibilities	In this role, you will receive basic exposure to the utility industry and the types of careers it has to offer -- including electric line, gas, electric theory, dispatch, metering and more. This is an introductory pathway into our indentured apprenticeship program and/or other roles within the utility field operations. Location: Janesville or Beloit with rotations within Rock County
Qualifications	Skills or background: Strong ACT Math Score (included on resume) Valid Driver's License Clean driving history First Aid & OSHS 10 completion preferred Other expectations: Basic mechanical and electrical interest Problem solving skills Strong work ethic Willingness to work outside in all weather conditions (including extreme elements), work with your hands, working at heights Ability to successfully complete drug screen & background check
Wage Range	$13 - $18/hour
Business Hours:	Hours of Operation: 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Anticipated Work Schedule: Afternoons only during school year, 7:00 - 3:30 p.m. summers (up to 40 hours)
Steps to Apply	Speak to your STC Coordinator first about the position and expectations. Update your resume using the provided template connected to the skills listed in this posting. Make sure to list that you are enrolled in the Dane County Youth Apprenticeship program. Send your Cover Letter and Resume to mgreuel@blackhawk.edu or ddealwis@blackhawk.edu who will forward to our HR contacts. Complete your Youth Apprenticeship application if you have not already done so. HR contact will be made in 2-3 weeks for follow up interview.

Youth Apprenticeship Opportunities
Youth Apprenticeship Job Posting
 

Business Contact: http://uniteddatanetworks.com/ 3311 Prairie Ave Ste 4 Beloit, WI 53511 PHONE: 608-400-2339 EMAIL: Jobs@uniteddatanetworks.com
Job Title	Youth Apprenticeship - Field Technician
Responsibilities	Travel to Jobsite - Perform work - Provide Technical Service for Customers Pull electrical wire Learn electrical boards Set up security systems in homes Set up POS systems in restaurants
Qualifications	Skills or background: Valid Driver's license Clean Background Other expectations Two semesters of related instruction at school
Wage Range	$10 - $12
Age Requirement	16+ years of age
Business Hours	Hours of operation: Varies. Will work with your school schedule. Anticipated work schedule: Varies. Will work with your school schedule.
Steps to Apply	Speak to your school's Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator about the position and expectations. Update your resume using the information given about the skills listed in this position. Make sure that you are enrolled in the SDJ Youth Apprenticeship Program. Send your cover letter and resume to who will forward to our HR contacts. Attn: Rhonda Lefeber Complete your Youth Apprenticeship application if you have not already done so. HR contact will be made in a couple weeks for a follow-up interview if they are interested in your application.
YA Program Coordinators	ARISE Molly Mickelson Molly.mickelson@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5758 Craig HS Deb O'Leary daoleary@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5348 Katy Engh Kathryn.engh@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5343 Parker HS John Zimmerman jzimmerman@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5581 Molly Mickelson Molly.mickelson@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5758 RRCS John Zimmerman jzimmerman@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5581 Deb O'Leary daoleary@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5348 RUHS Deb O'Leary daoleary@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5348 TAGOS Katy Engh Kathryn.engh@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5343 District Coordinator Patty Hernandez phernandez@janesville.k12.wi.us Phone: 608-743-5059 (Office) 608-921-3990 (Work Cell)