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Phoenix Handbook 2016

The Wind Beneath

Your Wings . . .

2016

HANDBOOK For Students and Parents

Soaring to Brilliance!

What you need to know

to fly with Phoenix!

Grades K-12 This guide is updated annually and subject to change from time to time.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Phoenix Education Foundation Handbook 2016

Published: Sept 12016

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system

or transmitted in any form by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or other-

wise, without the prior permission of the Phoenix Foundation.

Dear Parents and Students,

Thank you for choosing Phoenix. It is our

delight to share in your education journey.

We will do our best to help, support and

guide you and your family during this up-

coming year.

Phoenix understands the passion behind

every parent’s wish to do what’s best for

their child. We know the questions, con-

cerns and self-doubt parents have when

starting out because we’ve experienced it

first-hand. So, don’t be afraid to ask ques-

tions or to get a hug when you need it!

Please take the time to read this handbook

carefully. The information is provided to

assist you in making choices for your fam-

ily and to help you access the services we

provide for students in programs from kin-

dergarten to grade 12.

Please feel free to contact us if you have

any questions or concerns!

Sincerely,

Diana Stinn

Jill Mann

Co-Founders

Year Calendar 2

About the Foundation 5

Making a Choice 6

Your Options at Phoenix 8

Home Education Requirements 12

School-directed Requirements 17

Your Role 26

Resources for Programs 29

Other Important Info 33

Communicating with You! 39

Enrichment Activities 41

Why Choose Phoenix? 45

We are open M-F virtually and T-F (AM—4PM) at our Calgary Campus

Location—320 19 Street SE, Calgary

403-265-7701 Phoenixfoundation.ca

Inside this issue:


Address: 320 19 Street SE, Calgary AB, T2E J6J

Phone: (403) 265-7701 We are open: M-F Virtually & T/W/TH/F 9AM- 4 PM

Fax : (403) 275-7715

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.phoenixfoundation.ca

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PhoenixFoundationCalgary

Schoology: phoenix.schoology.com

mailto:[email protected]


WHAT IS OUR MANDATE?

1. Phoenix will deliver school directed, customized education for K-9 students and home education supervision for students ranging from 1-12.

2. Phoenix accepts students and families that are equal partners in their educa-tion and demonstrate a desire to grow, learn and contribute.

3. Phoenix will teach students that the acquisition of knowledge is a life-long jour-ney.

4. Phoenix will foster personal responsibility, social responsibility and cultural awareness to ensure that students develop into responsible global citizens.

5. Phoenix will provide students with a quality education that will be measured through recognized achievement reporting methods.

6. Phoenix will provide a learning environment that is safe, inclusive and produc-tive for students, staff and families.

Phoenix is a private, secular, non-profit, publicly accredited, Government-funded Alberta school.

Our mission is to provide unique learning opportunities for families so that each young

person may develop into a life-long learner and active, responsible global citizen.

We believe that each child has unique talents, skills, interests and learning styles and that their education should respect these key elements.

We believe that parents are the primary and ongoing educators of their children: therefore, a meaningful partnership with them is critical.

We believe that the support and guidance of our caring, dedicated, qualified profes-sionals will enhance the academic, physical, social, spiritual and emotional qualities of our students.

We are open to all learners grades K-12.

ABOUT THE FOUNDATION . . .

WHO OWNS PHOENIX? We all do! Phoenix School is run by the Phoenix Education Foundation, a not-for-profit society founded in 2004 and is guided by a small, responsive Board of Directors. If you have questions or concerns, please put them in writing and send them to the Phoenix Foundation, 320 19 Street SE, T2E 6J6

We will do our best to address your concerns!


You and your child can choose from a wide range of options for schooling: public schools, separate schools, Francophone schools, private schools and charter schools. There are also a number of unique and innovative programs, including home education, online/virtual schools, outreach programs and alternative programs. When searching for a school or program that will best meet your child’s needs and future aspirations, be sure to

Research what types of learning experiences a school or program offers

Talk with the school administration and teaching staff

Attend school open-house or information events

The more information you gather, the more informed you will be about your options, and the better you’ll feel about your child’s learning experience.

For information about schooling options, refer to Alberta Education — School Choice

http://education.alberta.ca/parents/choice.aspx


WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS?

Alberta parents enjoy a wide range of choices for their children’s education, including home-based programs. While choosing, parents should consider several factors:

the child’s interests, strengths and needs;

the family’s collective belief and value system;

the amount of time available to a parent to support the child’s education;

What type of program may work best for everyone—School-directed, Parent-

directed or a combination of both (Blended).

SCHOOL PROGRAMS (School-directed)

In-school programs

Distance learning

programs

Private school programs

Kindergarten programs

Online school programs

Alternative programs

Outreach programs

HOME EDUCATION

(Parent-directed)

Packaged programs deliv-ered but not developed by parents or

Programs developed and delivered by parents or by a person named by parents

BLENDED PROGRAMS

(Shared)

Programs in which responsi-bility is shared between par-ents and school authorities., e.g. parent may be responsi-ble for Math, the school asso-ciate for Science.

WHY DO FAMILIES CHOOSE

ALTERNATIVE FORMS OF EDUCATION?

There are as many reasons why families may choose a different form of education as there are families, but the most common reasons are:

to instill family values and morals;

to spend time together as a family;

to make better use of time and resources;

to help their child succeed;

to accommodate special needs and interests;

to achieve higher standards for their children.


We offer:

Preschool Kinder School-directed Support 10 Home Education

This next section will help you decide what educational program we offer that BEST suits your family.


OVERVIEW OF PROGRAMS We currently offer these program choices:

Kindergarten

Home Education (Grades 1-12)

School Directed (Grades 1-9)

Kindergarten (K) – Open to children who are 4 years and 6 months old on September 1 of each year. Consists of a minimum of 475 hours of FREE programming including music, art, literacy and field trips. (Field Trip, food or cultural fees may be charged if applicable.) Families receive ~$525.00 towards transportation. This is an on-site program and regular attendance is required.

Grades 1-10 School-directed – Open to all students who are 5 year and 6 months old and older as of Sept. 1. Learning Coach creates The Education Plan with the parent that addresses the Al-berta Programs of Study. Minimum 3 parent/student/teacher meetings for planning, sharing strate-gies, resource selection and reporting. Coach available 950-1000 hours over year. Diagnostic test-ing included. Regular submissions required. Follows the Alberta Programs of Study and includes a wide variety of resources as well as access to Phoenix classes, fieldtrips and celebrations. All school-directed students get a Google apps and access to our mobile learning platform—schoology. Please see Program Guides for more details.

Backpack Program - This school-directed program is designed to offer parents more structure and assistance for grades 1-6. Your package includes basic resources for each core subject, as well as, 25 (2.5 hours each) thematic enrichment classes and it comes in a handy backpack! Plus your student will earn cool badges to sew onto their bag as they complete assignments. Some resource choices are available to further customize this program. Additional fees may be incurred beyond the resource allotment depending on what on-site classes and fieldtrips the student participates in over the year.

Junior High in a Box – Grades 7/8/9 – Maximum 15 students per grade level. Everything you need is included . . . just add your Junior High student. This program provides support, guid-ance and structure for students. Basic resources are provided, as well as regular onsite group meetings, tutorial classes/labs. Additional resource choices are available to customize this pro-gram. Fees may be incurred if resource allotment is exceeded.

Supported Grade 10 - This program is intended for students are working towards a diploma or who are planning to go onto some form of post-secondary education or training. Students are required to attend the weekly group meeting. The four cores are included (as long as student is successful—min 50%) as well as some option classes. Additional fees may be incurred de-pending on what additional options and on-site classes the student takes. Book an appointment with the High School Learning Coach for more information. Maximum 20 students.

Custom Designed - Grades 1-9 - Is your student advanced in some areas and struggling in others? We can help! Let us create a custom program that will high-light your student’s strengths and target weaknesses. Resource choices are available to customize this program. Additional fees may be incurred beyond resource allotment depending on what options and on-site classes the student takes.

Grades 1-12 Parent-directed (Home Education) – This Home Education program is open to all students who are 5 year and 6 months old and older as of Sept. 1. The parent must design, imple-ment and evaluate this program. Detailed program plan require. Minimum 2 parent/ student/teacher meetings each year. Portfolio required. Resource reimbursement $836.00*


H ED—Home Education Grades 1-12

· Parent responsible for entire program. · *$836.00 Funding for the year · Parent must create an Education Plan

addressing the broad outcomes of a basic education, which should be sub-mitted with notification form and must be approved by the Learning Coach

· Application must be signed by Principal · Students must keep a portfolio of work

available to the teacher for review · Support upon request of parent · Learning Coach meetings twice a year—

can be done by phone if long distance. Summary report submitted by parent and review conducted by teacher each time

· Tutoring ($20.00 per 1/2 hour) and diag-

nostic testing ($50.00 per student) available

· Does not have to take PATs or SLAs · Forms we require for HED:

Notification form from GOVT

Birth certificate

Education plan

Receipt reimbursements

Progress updates

SDP—School Directed Grades 1-10

· Learning Coach is responsible for diagnostic,

prescriptive and evaluative components of the program and to oversee instruction for 950-1000 hours per year.

· Learning Coach creates the Education Plan

with the parent/student that addresses the Alberta Programs of Study.

* Resources, onsite classes, field-trips provided

by Phoenix at no cost in accordance to pro-gram plan and budget.

· Students make regular submissions in core

subject that the Learning Coach will assess. · Regular contact by email, phone, mobile app

and in person as required. * Students have access to school gmail account

and mobile learning management system. · Meet with Learning Coach at least three times

a year—FALL, WINTER and SPRING. * Detailed report cards completed by teacher. · Students required to take PATs, SLAs or di-

ploma exams. · Forms we require for SDP:

Phoenix application

Birth certificate

Learning Coach created ED plan based on APS for 4 core subjects with any modifications or accommodations

Attendance records (Sept/Oct)

Regular work submissions and checklists

Diagnostic testing

Report card meetings (parent & student)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Home Ed and School-directed

Please be advised, from time to time Alberta

Education changes its

requirements.


CHOOSING A PROGRAM—Grades 1-9 Home Education (H ED) or School-Directed (SDP) - Your research and reflection about beliefs, values, goals and program possibilities will lead you to decisions about two critical matters – what subjects you plan to teach and how you plan to teach them. If you want to be responsible for all subject areas, then you should choose a home education program. If there are some that you would like the direction, assistance and evaluation of a certificated teacher (Learning Coach), then you may wish to consider a school-directed pro-gram.

If you checked off all or most of the subjects in the H ED column, then you will be 100% responsible for your child’s education program and be registered with Alberta Educa-tion as having chosen a HOME EDUCATION program. If you choose 100% school-directed that means that you will work with a certificated Phoenix Learning Coach to achieve the Alberta Programs of Study (what the government says should be taught in each grade.) This is a SCHOOL-DIRECTED program.

Course List % of Pro-

gram Approximate

Hours H ED SDP

Language Arts 25 237.5

Mathematics 15 142.5

Science 15 142.5

Social Studies 15 95

Health & P.E. 10 95

Art & Music 10 95

Options 10 142.5

TOTAL 100 950.00

Course List % H ED SDP

Language Arts 25 25

Mathematics 15 15

Science 15 15


Wellness 10 10

Fine Arts 10 10

Options 10 10

TOTAL 100 100

Course List % H ED SDP

Language Arts 25 25

Mathematics 15 15

Science 15 15


Wellness 10 10

Fine Arts 10 10

Options 10 10

TOTAL 100 100

You choose what works best for

your child

EXAMPLES

If you checked off all the subjects in the SDP (SCHOOL-DIRECTED) column, then your Learning Coach will be re-sponsible for ensuring that learning activities for students are directed towards achieving the APS or Personalized Education Plan.


HOME EDUCATION (GRADES 1-12) allows parents to plan, deliver and assess their child's own education program. This option offers the most flexibility with some funding. Parents are responsible for submitting an education plan and maintaining a portfolio of the student's work.


STEP #1: CREATE AN EDUCATION PLAN If you want to be responsible for all subject areas, then you should choose a home education program. If you would like the direction, assistance and evaluation of a Learning Coach, then you may wish to consider a school-directed program.

For the home education programs you do not have to use Alberta Education’s Programs of

Study. You can choose to design or follow another curriculum! But you must meet the outcomes

described in schedule A of the Regulation. See page 16)

1. In the home education program plan, describe the instructional method to be used, the activities planned for the program and how the two combined will enable the student to achieve the learning outcomes.

2. Identify the resource materials to be used for instruction.

3. Describe the methods and nature of the evaluation to be used to assess the student’s progress.

4. Describe the associate board or associate private school facilities and services that will be used.

HINT: Curriculum is a set of outcomes. Resources are books, classes, videos, etc.

RESOURCES

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

ASSESSMENT / EVALUATION

Print resources

Human resources

Media resources

Community re-sources

Students read material and respond to questions;

Students compose and prepared a variety of written responses;

Students complete re-search;

Students work with oth-ers to complete a task;

Students employ media and Internet resources;

Students prepare and deliver formal talks, presen-tations, and dramatizations;

Students complete ex-periments;

Students learn from or-ganized field trips.

Anecdotal records / Conferences/ Reflec-tive journals / Personal response journals / Dialogue journals/ Simulations / Demon-strations / Labs / Video productions / Presentations- drama/music/dance / Com-puter-based software/ Models / Experi-ments/ Work samples / Investigations / Surveys / Scrapbooks/ Multiple choice / True/false Short answer / Paper and pen-cil / Matching / Extended response / Lab reports / Essays / Research papers / Script / Brochure / Word puzzles / Arti-cles / Stories / Proposals/ Retelling / De-bate / Story boards / Interviewing / Poetry reading / Questions/responses / Audio-tapes / Teaching a lesson / Games / Story boards / Illustrations / Design / Advertise-ments / Photographs / Videotapes / Dio-ramas / Collages / Maps


Scheduling will be an important matter in maintaining your child’s program. How much time will you allot to your child’s planned learning activities? Creating a detailed plan that includes what resources you will use, how you will use them, what outcomes the activities address and how you will know that they are learning are essential parts of a good plan. Ongoing evaluation will help you select different activities and learning resources. Home education parents often stress the importance of changing program plans and activities as children grow and as their needs and interests change. In other words, education plans are living documents and can be changed! Fellow parents and your Learning Coach can offer advice, suggest activity options and provide information about important educational issues that may affect your home education program.

Proposed Educational Plan (See schedule A)

Student’s Legal Name: ___________________________________________

Grade: _____________________ School

Year: ________________________

Additional Information:

Resource Material

Instructional Method

Activities Planned

Evaluation Method & Frequency

How these plans address the Learning Outcomes

Subject or goal:

Subject or goal:

SAMPLE FORM


STEP#3: VISITS WITH LEARNING COACH Your Learning Coach is available anytime for support, but twice a year, once in January and once in May, they will, with your help, complete a progress report that notes progress on the education plan and any suggestions for success. Home Education students in grade 3/6/9 are not required to take the Provincial Standardized Tests (PATS or SLAS), but have the option of doing so. Be sure to discuss testing and diploma examinations with your Coach.

STEP#2: KEEP A PORTFOLIO

We require all students, regardless of program choice, to keep a portfolio filled with dated sam-ples of work and a general record of the student’s activities. For more information about what this may require, please request our portfolio handout or attend a workshop.

OTHER SERVICES

Home education students may access the private tutoring services provided by the Phoenix Education Foundation for a fee. See current appropriate program guide.

Diagnostic testing is also available for a fee.

All students may apply for RCSD services to assist with special needs. This service may be able to assist with speech, occupational and physical therapy. Please ask your Learning Coach about this program. Services are limited.

All home education students are welcome to sign up for all enrichment activities of-fered through the Foundation. Please see a current program guide for details.

IMPORTANT!! Please make sure you join the Phoenix website for updates!!

IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you sign up for school di-

rected, you can always drop

down to home education BUT

you cannot go up.

100% SD

50% Blended

Home Education

TRANSFER SCHOOLS MID-YEAR—In the case of an early withdrawal from any of our programs, your re-source funding would be pro-rated according to the number of months of registration with the school. We will reimburse you up to the last point your program requirements were complete before you left us! This also applies if you move to another province. FUNDING LEFT AT END OF YEAR—Resource fund-ing amounts cannot be carried forward from one year to another. All left-over funds go into the general opera-tional budget of the school. We use this money to make improvements, buy additional resources and to further professional development of our staff! The school year for home education students ends June 20 so we ask that you have all receipt claims in to us by June 15.


LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR H. ED.

Be sure to check out the information available from AB Education at

http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/

You are not just a

number to us!


In a school-directed program, your certificated teacher (Learning Coach) is responsible for the diagnostic, prescriptive and evaluative components of your child’s education program. They provide parental support, one-on-one assistance for students and supervise the instruction of the program for 950-1000 hours per year.


WHAT IS INSTRUCTION ?

Definition of Instruction for school-directed programming:

Instruction is the process in which Alberta certificated teachers take responsibility for ensuring that learning activities for students are directed toward achieving the out-comes of approved programs of study and/or individualized program plans/instructional support plans for 950 hours over the year through:

interaction with students, either face-to-face or using information and com-munications technology, for the purpose of teaching and assessing student achievement of outcomes, and/or

interaction with students who are engaged in classroom learning, self-directed instructional resources, independent study, online education and/or distributed learning, and/or

supervision of student workplace learning.

Access to instruction means:

certificated teachers are assigned to deliver or supervise the instruction

the instruction and evaluation of performance are based on the outcomes in an approved program of studies

there are designated times when teachers are available to students

students know, prior to enrolling in courses, how and when they will be able to access the instructional expertise of teachers.

Instructional time:

Instructional time includes time scheduled for purposes of instruction, examinations/testing and other student activities where direct student–teacher interaction and super-vision are maintained.

Instructional time does not include:

• teacher convention days • professional development days

• parent–teacher interview days • teacher planning days

• staff meetings • statutory/school authority-declared holidays

• lunch breaks • breaks between classes

• supervised study halls • time taken for the registration of students

• extracurricular activities • graduation/commencement ceremonies


ACCESS YOUR LEARNING COACH

For school-directed students, your Coach is available a minimum of 950 hours a year in accor-

dance to the school calendar. If your coach is unavailable for some reason, another coach will

help you. Instructors provide supervision during onsite events and classes. Parents are re-

sponsible to supervise students before and after classes, during lunch break or when on-site

and not registered for an events, activity or class.

Your day will be a combination of learning modes which follow the educational plan cre-

ated by your Coach (SDP) or you (HE) for your student and could include:

face-to-face (i.e. PSI, MEETING, TESTING, CLASSES, CAMPS) or

using information and communication technology (i.e. SCHOOLOGY, EMAIL, PHONE,

FAX, SKYPE, HANGOUT, TEXT)

self-directed instructional resources (i.e. BACKPACK, JUNIOR HIGH IN A BOX, SO-

CIAL & SCIENCE PACKS)

independent study (i.e. ALL SUBJECTS, USING APS GUIDES AND SCHOOLOGY

ASSIGNMENTS)

online education (i.e. ADLC)

and/or distributed learning (i.e. T4T COURSES)

Daily attendance to your studies is required. We take attendance through schoology, onsite

classes, on assignments, at fieldtrips and events. Students (parents) are asked to assist by

track time spent attending to coursework.


Your Learning Coach, using the Alberta Programs of Study (APS), will create a customized education plan for your child. Your Learning Coach is available over the summer or in the fall to meet with you at the school to complete this task. All education plans for school-directed students must be completed by Oct. 15. Students have access to resources, classes, fieldtrips and celebrations to round out their program plan. See appropriate program guide for details.

Please note: Students can be registered at one grade level but working at other levels in dif-ferent subjects. Accommodations and modifications to the APS (Alberta Programs of Study) are possible.

STEP #1: EDUCATION PLAN

Course List % of Program Approximate

Hours

Language Arts 25 237.5

Mathematics 15 142.5

Science 15 142.5


Health & P.E. 10 95

Art & Music 10 95

Options 10 142.5

TOTAL 100 950.00

If you have enrolled in a school-directed program and have a student with special needs, we

can make the following accommodations and/or modifications to your child’s program:

An accommodation allows for appropriate supports or instructional strategies to be imple-

mented in order to help the student complete the Alberta Program of Studies. These supports

or strategies might include:

changing requirements for written work, e.g. scribing, copying, point form notes;

assistive technology, e.g. text-to-speech software, word processor, iPad applications

reading aloud and discussing questions, topics and concepts;

using less difficult or alternative reading books;

using media such as DVDs, websites and/or field trips;

using various manipulatives to teach math concepts.


A modification allows for adjustments to be made when following the Alberta Program of Studies. Examples of modifying the curriculum include:

switching to an appropriate grade level, e.g. a student registered in grade 2 could cover the science objectives from grade 1;

reducing the number of objectives to be covered; allowing for a pre-test in which a student has the opportunity to cover outcomes quickly

in order to learn other programs or complete in-depth projects; increasing the time allowed for completion of objectives.

Please see your Learning Coach for further strategies and/or modifications that might be suit-able for your child’s learning. Should you feel that your child cannot complete the Social Studies or Science objectives as stated by Alberta Education you might wish to consider registering in the blended program. If your student has a special need, please contact your Learning Coach for more information. To qualify for additional supports, parents must agree to participate in our special needs pro-gram. Agreement includes working closely with your teacher, bringing the student to school for access to instruction and supports as detailed in the student’s IPP. Remember, your Learning Coach is more than happy to meet with you and assist you in pro-viding variety of instructional strategies that would be suitable for your child when registered in a school directed program.

STEP #2: DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND

EVALUATION

School-directed students will be assessed at least once at the beginning of the year to deter-mine their basic levels. We use the Canadian Test of Basic Skills, the Brigance Test, other reading assessments and the new provincial Student Learning Assessment (SLAs). They are very friendly tools and will help us determine your child’s grade level in core areas. It also helps us determine strengths and areas of weakness. See the program guide for dates and times. Twice a year, once in Jan/ Feb and once in May/June, the Learning Coach will provide a de-tailed report card which documents progress and outlines goals or areas yet to be completed by the student. Parents are the first and ongoing educators of their children. Phoenix enable families to con-tinue their involvement in their children’s education. The link between school and home en-ables teachers and parents to exchange information, jointly support student learning and en-sure the continuity of learning experiences. It is expected that all students in grades 3/6/9 for all school-directed subjects will write the Pro-vincial Achievement Tests. (Grade 3 students will complete the SLA)


STEP #3: SUBMISSIONS

School-directed students are expected to hand in regular assignments for L.A. Math, Social Studies and Science. Resources, assignments and assessment will be provided though Schoology. Learning Coaches will give you Learning Outcome Checklists sheet that give an overview of the Alberta Programs of Study and assist in the selection of resources for your student.

What is a submission? It is a sample of the work they are doing at that time. Please don’t

send in the whole book, just the assignments we send you!

Why do we ask for submissions? So that your Learning Coach knows what your child is do-

ing and what level they are working at. This allows them to suggest strategies, additional re-

sources and supports. Coaches will provide rich descriptive feedback on the work samples and

return it to you either through our mobile learning management system (schoology) or in your

family file which is located in the Library Commons at Phoenix.


STEP #4: ON-GOING SUPPORT

Your Learning Coach will:

provide instruction as per the definition below for a minimum of 950—1000 hours a year

email you weekly; return any emails, calls, and faxes promptly;

meet face-to-face with you and your student as needed;

meet with you and your student at least three times a year: once for education planning and

two for progress reports. BUT you can book an appointment with your teacher as often as

you need! (Phoenix is open M-F virtually and T-F 9:00 AM—4:00 PM year-round)

offer resources and advice;

offer ideas, diagnostic testing and educational strategies.

The Foundation will:

maintain a physical location as well as a website full of information;

provide enrichment activities:

email updates and information from time-to time;

offer access to a selection of textbooks, workbooks and other resources.

You can:

call your Learning Coach at (403)265-7701 or fax them at (403)275-7715;

book a private meeting anytime throughout the year (T-F 9:00 AM—4:00 PM year-round);

access additional services other than those included in program parameters;

email your Learning Coach with any concerns or ideas at anytime;

come for a coffee and a hug,

Definition of Instruction

Instruction is the process by which certificated teachers take responsibility for ensuring that learning activities for students are directed towards achieving outcomes of approved Program of Studies and/or Personal Education Plans through:

interaction with students, either face-to-face or using information and communication technology, for the purpose

of teaching, assessing student achievement of outcomes and related activities, including tutorials, discussion groups and learning skill centres, and/or

interaction with students who are engaged in self-directed packages, independent study, online learning and/or

distance education, and/or

supervision of student workplace learning.


OTHER SERVICES FOR SD STUDENTS

School-directed students may access additional services not covered in their program plan for a fee. Please see a current appropriate program guide.

Diagnostic testing is also available for FREE. Please see a current appropriate pro-

gram guide. All students may apply for RCSD services to assist with special needs. The RCSD

can assist with occupational, physical or speech therapy. The service supplied by RCSD is quite limited. They do their best but may not be able to meet all learner’s needs. Please ask your Learning Coach about this program.

School-directed coded school-directed students may qualify for additional assistance

from Alberta Education through our special needs project. An application and IPP is required. In accordance to the project parameters, we will supply additional services such as speech, occupational, physical therapy, educational assessments, educa-tional assistants, parent workshops and more.

Students that need a little extra assistance in our classrooms can apply for the

Mentor Program—see page 43 All school-directed students are welcome to sign up for additional enrichment activi-

ties offered through the Foundation (Classes, fieldtrips, music lessons, feasts and parties) Please see a current program guide for details.

K – Grade 6 Teen Adult

IMPORTANT!! Please make sure you join the Phoenix website for updates!!


Working Together: The Phoenix Formula The Learning Coach’s Role in A School-directed Program Grades 1-9

These are the four components of a basic education. Under the Phoenix school-directed program,

Learning Coaches are responsible for all components of program including the diagnostic, prescriptive

and evaluative components of your child’s educational program. Parents assist students with the day-

to-day instruction as directed by their learning coach.

Diagnostic – Your Learning Coach is responsible for assessing your child’s general level in each of

the 4 core subjects. We use various diagnostic tools including the Student Learning Assessment

(SLAs) and the Provincial Achievement Tests along with F&P, Brigance, CTBS, TELL and others.

Prescriptive – After figuring out your child’s strengths and weaknesses, your Learning Coach is re-

sponsible for creating a customized educational plan for your child. Working with the Learning Coach,

you should review learning objective checklists for each subject at their working level, discuss strate-

gies to improve weak areas, select resources that match your child’s learning style and set goals for

various time periods.

Day-to-Day Instruction – Coaches supervise instruction whether provided by the parent, the Coach

or an approved instructor in accordance to Alberta Education’s definition of instruction. Your student’s

day may be a combination of modes of instruction including online, in-person, self-study, small group,

etc. These are all options here at Phoenix. Your Learning Coach needs to know generally what your

student’s day looks like for September and October. This form part of your student’s attendance re-

cord. This document is provided in your welcome package or copies can be obtained through the web-

site. We also take attendance during classes, events, through schoology and from assignments.

Assessment / Evaluation - The Learning Coach is responsible for the evaluation of your student’s

program. However, to be effective assessment should:

be part of instruction;

clearly reveal to students what is expected of them;

be an ongoing process rather than a set of isolated events, with the methods, instru-

ments, and context varied;

focus on a broad range of outcomes, reflecting multiple dimensions of skill development;

be appropriate to student development and cultural background;

be constructive, focusing on what students can do, clearly identifying both strengths and

areas of difficulty.

involve students in their own assessment. This gives them responsibility for their own

learning and fosters lifelong learning.

Your Learning Coach must, at the end of the year, decide if your student is working at grade level,

above grade level ,or below grade level for the 4 core subjects.


We believe that each child has unique talents, skills, interests and learning styles and that their education should respect these key elements.

We believe that parents are the primary and ongoing educators of their children: therefore, a meaningful partnership with them is critical.

We believe that the support and guidance of our caring, dedicated, qualified profes-sionals will enhance the academic, physical, social, spiritual and emotional qualities of our students.

Internet Usage @ Phoenix

1. Phoenix does not use filtering software, so it’s up to you to monitor your kids’ internet usage and make sure

they do not violate Phoenix policies. Gambling. Harassment, illegal activity, accessing mature websites etc.

will not be tolerated.

2. Please respect our bandwidth! The purpose on our internet connection here at Phoenix is for education and

administration. No downloading, no streaming, no online gaming, no software installation. These activities

take up bandwidth and make it impossible for your kids’ to learn and for the staff to work.

3. If asked, you must disconnect! If your activities interfere with our operations, you will be asked to discon-

nect!


Remember a “school” is defined in the act as a structure learning environment. Education Act - Parent responsibilities 32 A parent has the prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be provided to the parent’s child, and as a partner in education, has the responsibility to:

(a) act as the primary guide and decision-maker with respect to the child’s education, (b) take an active role in the child’s educational success, including assisting the child in comply-

ing with section 31, (c) ensure that the child attends school regularly, (d) ensure that the parent’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learn-

ing environment, (e) co-operate and collaborate with school staff to support the delivery of specialized supports

and services to the child, (f) encourage, foster and advance collaborative, positive and respectful relationships with teach-

ers, principals, other school staff and professionals providing supports and services in the school, and

(g) engage in the child’s school community.

Education Act - Student Responsibilities 31 A student, as a partner in education, has the responsibility to:

(a) attend school regularly and punctually, (b) be ready to learn and actively engage in and diligently pursue the student’s education,

(c) ensure that the student’s conduct contributes to a welcoming, caring, respectful and safe learning environment that respects diversity and fosters a sense of belonging,

(d) respect the rights of others in the school,

(e) refrain from, report and not tolerate bullying or bullying behaviour directed toward others in the school, whether or not it occurs within the school building, during the school day or by electronic means,

(f) comply with the rules of the school and the policies of the board,

(g) co-operate with everyone authorized by the board to provide education programs and other services,

(h) be accountable to the student’s teachers and other school staff for the student’s conduct, and

(i) positively contribute to the student’s school and community.

ACCORDING TO THE EDUCATION ACT


WHAT IF I HAVE A COMPLAINT?

We are trying to do our best but sometime things go astray . . . When

they do, here’s what you do:

(1) Complaints and concerns shall first be directed to the person(s) they are about,

(the object of the complaint or concern) or the person who has direct responsibility

for the situation giving rise to the complaint or concern.

YUP . . . I HAVE DONE THIS NO, I HAVE NOT YET SPOKEN TO

THEM

(2) If the complainant remains unsatisfied after working through an issue as de-

scribed in guideline number 1, then the complainant should take the concern to the

immediate supervisor of the person(s) object of or responsible for the complaint.

THIS WOULD BE: Principal if a learning related issue, Building Manager if a safety

related issue or Administrator if a staff issue.

(3) The staff member handling the complaint shall use a professional and system-

atically designed process in working toward resolution.

We will first ask you to put your complaint in WRITING. Once that has been done,

we will INQUIRE more deeply into the situation, talking to all the parties to gain a

better perspective. From there, appropriate ACTION may be taken.

Just a note: Persons exhibiting abusive or harassing behaviour towards staff or students will be

subject to the full weight of those actions provided for under the law. Abuse will not be tolerated!

Not every complaint will be resolved to everyone’s satisfaction.


Books, crayons, software and more! Oh, the things you can access to enhance your student’s program!


Kinder (Transportation Grant)* - Kinder Kash $545*

February and June cheques upon completion of par-

ent interviews (50% of grant in Feb, 50% in June)

Use any portion of the grant may be used to pay for

events offered by Phoenix (Phoenix Account)

NO RECEIPTS REQUIRED

School-directed Programs*—Resources, classes, access to computers are provided by

Phoenix as per the student’s education plan and the program budget parameters.

Home Education— $836*

Fall—40%, End of January—20%, Beginning of May 40% for reimbursement or

Use any portion of your funding for events / resources offered by Phoenix (Phoenix

Account)

How it Works:

You pay upfront for items and programs related to your child’s educational plan.

You submit receipts to Phoenix for reimbursement on the newly designed form.

Your Learning Coach reviews your claim in accordance to the Guidelines from Al-

berta Education. Your student’s file must be in good standing in order for us to re-

lease funding. This means: all your paperwork is complete.

Finance will process your claim.

You will receive an email once your claim has been processed notifying you of the

amount of your payout. (2-4 weeks)

Other things to keep in mind:

While we do not have a minimum amount for reimbursement, please collect as

many receipts as possible to submit at one time.

You may submit one large claim for all of your funding and we will pay out accord-

ing to the three pay-out periods. We will review your claim every period and auto-

matically pay out all available funding.

Please use the proper form. There are copies in your student binder, at the front

desk, and on our website. This form is in duplicate and is designed to help you track

your funding. Please keep your copy. We also send out student statements three

times a year.

Allow up to ONE MONTH for processing.

All receipts must be in by June 15 of each year.

*Subject to change from Alberta Education

RESOURCE FUNDING


Q. How do I know what I can submit?

Alberta Education is in the process of putting together, in conjunction with AISCA and other stake-

holders, a new set of Reimbursement Guidelines. What does the regulation say?

How do you know if an item is reimbursable?

STEP #1: Is the resource specifically listed in your education plan? What outcome does it address?

How was it used to achieve the outcome? (You must provide this information)

STEP #2: Do you have an original receipt for the item? (You must provide this)

STEP #3: Would a school normally supply this item, then go ahead and buy it. If it is an expense

that parents of a public school would normally have to pay for (i.e. Cubs, Girl Guides, Summer

Camps, Zoo passes, etc) then it is no longer expensable and you are expected to pay for it per-

sonally. They are allowing (1) technology expense of up to $1000 per child every three years.

Remember: Do not use highlighter on receipts. These receipts will be VOID and returned to you. You

may circle items in pen. You must fill out the GST column.

This includes technology purchases like computers and ipads. If you require a receipt for war-

ranty, please ask for a duplicate when you make the purchase or keep a photocopy for your-

self.

Most receipts from Dollar stores are not itemized, so write down the items on the back.

Credit card statements and debit transaction receipts are NOT acceptable.

Please pay for your educational items separately from items not related to your claim such as

groceries.

Should you have multiple children on one receipt, please call for instructions.

Purchases made in the US must show the paid value in Canadian dollars. No conversions will

be made. Only purchases in Canada and US are eligible.

Hand written receipts are acceptable. Please make sure they include the date, amount, payment

method, and a brief description of items.

All incomplete forms will be returned.


SCHOOL-DIRECTED RESOURCES

In the past, we have directly reimbursed parents for resources that supported school-directed program plans. Last year we offered $1500 for custom programs and approxi-mately $600 for the customization of the backpack and boxes. As of May 27, 2016 the Education Minister mandated that no school in the province may reimburse parents directly for student participation in online or regular learning. When we asked for clarification, the department indicated that they did not want par-ents making educational decisions for their students based on monetary incentives such as cash, gift cards, assets or computers. We can continue to support students in other ways by directly supplying resources and supplies. This means that we can purchase items on your behalf and either send them to you or you can pick them up from Phoenix. Or you can call the school to have a PO issued and then you can pick up the resource directly from the seller. Either way, you will get the resources you need to fulfill your program outcomes and make learning enjoyable for the whole family!

Hey, the Chinese symbol of crisis is the same for OPPORTUNITY!

危机 As a result, Phoenix school-directed programs will now include soooo much more! We are in the process of creating a Resource Centre and setting up a PO system that is fast and friendly to use. Program budgets for providing resources, classes, fieldtrip opportunities etc. will be similar to last or slightly to accommodate all the new and fabulous things we are offer-ing for the 2016-2017 school-year.

We always have the educational best interests of students at the heart of every decision we make . . .

Cause our kids go here too!


OTHER SERVICES

Scholastic Orders - We operate various Scholastic clubs from which you can order books throughout the year. Orders are due on the 4th Friday of each month. Novel Study Packages— We have a variety of novel studies with everything you will need. See front desk. Textbook Rentals— You can rent a textbook for just $35.00 a year. See front desk for details. Theme Feasts— At the end of every theme, you and your family are invited to attend a cele-bratory feast. See the program guide for details! Field Trips— Phoenix coordinates a variety of field trips each year. See the website for more information! Backpack Resource Program— For those parents who do not want to spend a lot of time se-lecting resources. Junior High in a Box—A more structured program for junior high kids!


DONATIONS As a non-profit society, we happily accept donations. We can always use things like:

glue sticks

paper plates and cups

felts and crayons

cookies and more . . .

If you have items you would like to donate, please let us know. If you would like to help out and volunteer some of your time, we would appreciate that too. We always need parents to look after the coffee station, help with set up in the morning and assist the tired staff with the take down in the afternoon. Please lend a hand!

You can also contribute to our Awards and Compassion Fund.

You can donate to either of these funds at the time of registration or at any time throughout the year. Thank you for helping to make Phoenix a unique and compassionate place to be!

Compassion Fund

The Compassion Fund was created to help Phoenix families in need. It is used for cards, thank you gifts, a food hamper at Christmas time, or flowers during a time of loss. Your donations can make a real difference!

* The Phoenix Home Education Foundation is planning to raise an estimated amount of $5000 this year on Funding-raising campaigns. It will cost our organi-zation an estimate of $1000. The money raised will be going to our scholarship/compassion funds or classrooms. For further information, please contact Diana Stinn 403-265-7701 or write to us at 320 19 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2E 6J6

AWARDS

We are very proud to present the Venley Conn Literacy Award, the Act of Kindness Award and the Michael Batas Environmental Stewardship Award. Recipients receive gift certifi-cates, books, recognition and more. These great awards are presented annually to Phoenix children only.

In order to keep these awards going, a separate fund has been created. Your donations help make these unique scholarships available to Phoenix children! Would you like a scholarship named after you, someone you love, or your business? It’s possible, please come and see us to find out more!

CORPORATE OR PRIVATE SPONSORS AND DONATIONS—We are a non-profit organization that depends on donations for part of our operating funds. We appreciate all donations! Would you like to sponsor a room or create a scholarship?


All Our Policies and Really Important Docs

Below is a list of our policies. For more information, please feel free to contact the school.

Some of these policies are due for a review BUT we have been holding off waiting for the gov-

ernment to bring the NEW EDUCATION ACT into effect. (Still waiting!)

Staff Administration in the Absence of Policy 2015

Admissions Policy 2015

Conflict of Interest 2015

Curriculum and Instruction

Computer and Internet Usage 2015

User Agreement and Guideline 2015

Fieldtrip Policy 2015

Health – NOI Requirement

Hiring policy 2015

Pandemic Plan

Resource Materials Policy 2015

Roles Policy 2015

Safe and Caring Policy 2016

Sponsorship of School Programs & Activities

Staff Discipline Policy 2015

Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation – NOI Requirement

Students Student code of conduct 2010

Student Discipline Policy 2010 – NOI Requirement

Student Evaluation – NOI Requirement

Scholarships, Bursaries, Awards and Trusts

Parents PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT 2010

Complaint Policy

Reimbursement

Other Staff Manual (Updated Annually)

Board By-Laws 2012

Deed of Confidentiality

AERR and 3YP (Completed Annually)

Audited Financial Statements (Completed Annually)

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/administration-in-the-absence-of-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/admissions-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/conflict-of-interest-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/fieldtrip-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/hiring-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/resource-materials-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/roles-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/staff-discipline-policy-2015/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/student-code-of-conduct-final-2010/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/student-discipline-policy-final/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/board-business/parent-code-of-conduct-2010/

http://phoenixfoundation.ca/about/aerr-and-3yp-2013-2014/


PHOENIX believes that every child has a right to learn, explore and grow! We fully sup-

port all efforts to develop individual potential in so much as it does not infringe upon

any other person’s freedom to do likewise or damage the reputation of the Foundation.

Participants in any Phoenix enrichment activities agree to follow the Code of Conduct as out-

lined below. As such, Phoenix reserves the right to deny future access to any events, func-

tions, fieldtrips, or programs if this code is violated by a participant or parent. For a complete

copy of our policies, please see the Front Desk.

Each participant/student in each and every PHOENIX enrichment activity or program is

required to be within the age and other guidelines unless otherwise specified; to be reg-

istered; and to have paid the appropriate fee in advance.

Participants/ students are required to be on time, dress appropriately and participate

fully in any PHOENIX enrichment activity or program. Participants/ students are re-

quired to notify PHOENIX if they are for any reason unable to attend an enrichment ac-

tivity or program.

The possession of drugs, alcohol, weapons, tobacco or similar is strictly prohibited.

Negative behavior such as hitting others, spitting, swearing, excessive noise and willful

destruction of personal or public property will not be tolerated.

Parents are responsible for their children’s behavior at all times and will be asked to

correct a student`s behavior if PHOENIX deems it to be inappropriate or they will be

asked to leave if a child continues to be rude or disruptive, or damages the venue’s

property or fails to adhere to the venue’s rules and procedures.

CODE OF CONDUCT

NEED A COPY OF . . .

our official school policies

our audited financial statements

our annual education results report

our program guides

our handbook

our code of conduct and so on.

No worries . . . Please see our website. Most of our documents are posted there. Can’t find

it there, then just ask at the front desk. We are happy to share these items!


NOT AN ALLERGEN-FREE ZONE

Phoenix CANNOT in any way guarantee that the Centre is allergen free. Anyone with an anaphylaxis allergy must keep their epi-pen on their person and have their parent on-site with them at all time or be able to self-administer. What are the common causes of anaphylaxis? Amongst the commoner causes of ana-phylaxis are:

Foods: especially nuts, some kinds of fruit, fish and less commonly spices Drugs: Especially penicillins, anaesthetic drugs, some intravenous infusion liquids,

and things injected during x-rays. Aspirin and other painkillers (called NSAIDs) can produce very similar reactions.

Latex: mainly in rubber latex gloves, catheters, other medical products, but also in

many things encountered in daily life. Sufferers are nearly always health care work-ers, mainly nurses, or have other occupational contact with latex. They may get anaphylaxis from bananas, avocados, kiwi fruit, figs, or other fruits and vegetables including even potatoes and tomatoes.

Bee or wasp (yellow jacket) stings when these cause faintness, difficulty in

breathing, or rash or swelling of a part of the body which has not been stung. If you just get a very large swelling of the part of your body which was stung, you are probably not going to have anaphylaxis if stung again.

Unknown: A substantial proportion of sufferers have no cause found despite all

efforts, even in the most expert clinics. Exercise may precipitate such reactions in some ('exercise-induced anaphy-

laxis'), and so may exercise after food, sometimes apparently irrespective of what the food is, but in other people after specific foods. This is called 'exercise-induced food-dependent anaphylaxis'.

Medicines called beta blockers used for heart disease or high blood pressure

can change mild reactions from another cause into severe anaphylaxis because they block the body's main defense against anaphylaxis.

Wrong diagnosis of anaphylaxis: a proportion (about 10%) of people sent to

specialists with a diagnosis of anaphylaxis have a mistaken diagnosis and have not had anaphylaxis. If this might be true in your case, it is well worth finding this out as you may be spared unnecessary fear and wrong treatment.

BE SAFE—If you have an allergy, please remind us and keep reminding up! Please don’t think that just because you told us once, everyone knows!

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~aair/nuts.htm

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~aair/latex.htm


CREATING A CLUB @PHOENIX

7 Steps to Creating a Club

1. Stop at the front desk and share your idea. Our school secretary will tell you about

any policies and guidelines that apply.

2. Find someone who would be willing to act as a club leader. Depending on the club,

we may have a staff member who is willing to help organize and supervise.

3. The school administrator will want to contract you to discuss the idea and how we

can support it.

4. Working with the administrator, we will flesh out the idea including a name, a de-

scription, goals and so on.

5. Phoenix will check the calendar, schedule a meeting time and find space for the

club.

6. Phoenix will help with the advertising and promotion but we will expect you to assist

in recruiting like-minded folks!

7. Register and attend!


We do our best to keep in touch with you! We will mail things out, email regularly, put notices on our Facebook site, post on our website, and use many other forms of communication!

Please let us know if your email or home address should change! If you are not hearing from us . . . something is wrong!

We aim to have 150-200 contacts with school-directed and 20-40 with home education families each year.


OUR WEBSITE - phoenixfoundation.ca

SCHOOLOGY—phoenix.schoology.com

GOOGLE CALENDAR

This is our primary means of communication with parents and the community at large. The website is updated weekly with information about classes, ac-tivities, cancellations and other important information. You can find the forms you need, program guides and more here.

Phoenix has started using a brand new mobile app called schoology. This learning manage-ment system will assist students by providing lessons, assignments, student calendars and so much more. Assist parents to see what is due and when as well as how their student is pro-gressing on outcomes. And it will help us know that you are supported, in contact with your coach and getting the resources you need for a successful year!

Want to know what’s happening? Check out our handy Google calendar. You can cut and paste events right into your own calendar. Being organized was never so easy! It includes the date, time and information about events and classes. You can use the website or email to reg-ister for classes, events or activities.

Google Calendar at - http://www.phoenixfoundation.ca/Calendar.htm

SQUAWKCAST Jill Mann and Diana Stinn, our slightly nutty Founders do a bi-weekly podcast on iTunes or on our website. It is a half hour of fun, discussion and exploration of educational topics.

FREE, FUNNY and FULL OF INFORMATION

FACEBOOK Phoenix maintains a Face Book page. We share key events, pictures and articles on this site. Please feel to like us and join the group.

Face Book at https://www.facebook.com/PhoenixFoundationCalgary


Phoenix offers an amazing selection of classes, workshops, field trips, events and celebra-tions. We host hundreds of activities each year! With so much selection, there is sure to be something for everyone.

All of our classes are curriculum-based and follow the ALBERTA PROGRAMS OF STUDY (APS). They are enrichment for your home-based program. They are meant to be hands-on, fun and messy!


PROGRAM GUIDES

WHO CAN ATTEND ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES—Our programs, classes and

events are open to everyone. You do not need to be registered with Phoenix in

order to participate in a class or event but members get great discounts!

Members get 20% off the program guide costs.

COSTS—Our enrichment activities are priced on a cost recovery basis. The fee

includes the instructor, most class materials, insurance, rent and a small contin-

gency. Please note that all fees are non-refundable unless the event is can-

celled by Phoenix.

CONTENT—We try to incorporate as many different styles of learning as possi-

ble into our classes! That means they can sometimes be very messy! So please

come on time and dress appropriately. For most classes, with the exception of

kinder classes, your student will receive a Learning Outcomes Sheet (LOS) or a

copy of the lesson plan. This may also be found in our mobile app—schoology.

The purpose of the LOS is to explain to the parent what was covered in the class

and to list some possible resources that could be used to extend the child’s learn-

ing after the class.

Enrichment activities are curriculum based BUT cannot possibly cover all of the

learning outcomes in just one or two classes.

For 2016-2017 are two program guides:

one for grades 1-6 one for teens

The themes for grades 1-6 for 2016:

Night of the Ninja Muppets and Puppets Perusing Peru Star Stories Vive La France!


CLEAN UP—Please help us keep the Centre clean! We do most of our own cleaning, so please pitch in and do your part! If you see something on the floor, pick it up! Please leave all areas neat and tidy, and do not be afraid to ask where the cleaning sup-plies are. QUIET —Remember that the Cen-tre is a place for learning. We do not have play spaces. Children must be supervised at all times and are not al-lowed to run or yell. Please be re-spectful! SICKNESS— If your child or stu-dent is ill, please keep them home. Others will appreciate it!

PHOTOS - During events, Phoenix staff may be taking photos for use on the web site and in other promotional materials. Registration in an event grants Phoenix permission to use these photos, which may include you and your children, in such a manner.

PAYMENT—You may pay by Visa, MasterCard, cash, cheque, debit or funding.

All classes and events must be pre-paid. Any outstanding balances will be de-ducted from your funding. Any outstanding account balances will be charged to your credit card.

ALLERGIES—Phoenix CANNOT in any way guarantee that the Centre is aller-

gen free. Anyone with an anaphylaxis allergy must keep their epi-pen on their person and have their parent on-site with them at all times or be able to self-administer.

IF THERE IS A PROBLEM—We will try to correct the problem first with your stu-

dent. If that is not working, we will ask you to attend the enrichment activity with your student. If the problem persists, you and your student will be asked to leave the event. You will be required to attend a meeting with your Learning Coach to put learning strategies in place before your student can return to events, activities or classes at the Centre. As your student is completely a full program at home, all enrichment activities, unless otherwise stated, are optional and unruly behavior will not be tolerated.


IN-THE–SCENE EDUCATION

In-the-Scene is like UNIT STUDIES ON STEROIDS! This unique style of learning was

developed by the Phoenix Foundation where by students explore various learning op-

portunities in the scene—whether that is built onsite in our Creation Studio or out in the

community.

Learning is engaging because students are able to make connections to the real world.

It is hands-on and practical. It is messy because real life often is!

Kids love our Creation Studio and you will too!

PHOENIX MENTOR PROGRAM

A Mentor is a specially trained teen that we partner with a struggling student or a stu-

dent with special needs that may or may not have a professional assessment.

Phoenix can provide a mentor for your student for a minimal rate.

The main objectives for the Mentor are:

to help the student experience success in workshops, classes or camps;

to have the student improve their social skills and behavior; and

to encourage the student to actively participate in the class.

Mentors maintains regular communication regarding your student with the Learning

Coach and the Special Needs Coordinator.

The Mentor is not responsible for the student outside of class times and is not respon-

sible for controlling or disciplining inappropriate behavior. If there is an issue, the Men-

tor will direct the student to the parent.

If you feel your student may benefit from this program, please speak to your Learning

Coach. Instructors may recommend students for this program as well.

* There are a limited number of mentors. Students with higher need will be given priority.


WHY CHOOSE PHOENIX? We believe that Phoenix is unlike any other school in the province of Alberta! We know that families need flexibility in programming options, on-going support and a place to meet and share.

Review of Phoenix by Alberta Education 2007, 2013

The reviewers noted that Phoenix is “a positive, caring school community,” where congenial working relationships among parents and administration are clearly evi-dent.

Older students involved in the care of younger students fosters a sense of commu-

nity. Resources are used in an “efficient and effective” manner, including the “sweat

equity” provided by parents . . . and staff! Phoenix is to be commended for the “innovative and creative planning and deliv-

ery of the community classes”. These classes stimulate student interest and learn-ing and are a valuable support to home-based education programs.

Parents were noted for the creative and various ways in which they support the

school and the many “mutually beneficial opportunities” that have arisen. The administration and staff are positive roles models to be commended for their

passion in the development of a unique school that fosters an enriched environ-ment.

Phoenix is complimented for its “immediate and direct response to necessary pro-

gram changes,” where practices in the school-directed program challenge tradi-tional thinking and are being developed with the best of intentions.

With the leadership of the board and administration, the school community is to be

commended for being “trailblazers and pioneers” in the development of alternative delivery methods of education for parents who choose home-based programs.

Come Soar With Us!

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