Print this Page        << Back to Schools Main Page
Printable Version

POLARIS PROGRAM

The Abraxas Education Group’s POLARIS alternative education program was established as the first stand-alone alternative education program for the Lebanon School District. The POLARIS alternative education program is built on the belief that all students have dignity, worth and the ability to learn. The goal of the program is to improve the students we serve and the community in which they exist. Our program strives to assist students in grades 3 through 12 in addressing behavioral, academic and attendance issues that prevent them from experiencing success in the traditional classroom setting.

The POLARIS School Staff are committed and dedicated to challenging and developing our students academically, emotionally, and socially through positive role modeling and meaningful interaction by providing a structured, safe, and quality educational setting. We provide an environment that will foster responsibility, achievement, self-confidence, and mutual respect. Our expectations are high and failure is not an option. The goal is to assist our students in becoming respectful, responsible, and productive students who are ready and willing to work towards reentry into their home school and to achieve success.

CONTACT

740 Willow Street
Lebanon, PA 17046
717-273-9391 x 6860
717-274-2159 (FAX)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The program is located in a school district-designated building in central Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Servicing up to 165 regular and special needs children, the program was developed to assist students that have multiple issues that prevent them from being successful in their home schools.

The Lebanon School District and Abraxas Education Group are committed to providing the students of our program:

Positive life experiences through
Ongoing commitment to
Leadership
Academic achievement
Respect for self and others
Independent goal achievement, leading to
Success as an individual

Upon admission, each student’s educational and behavioral health needs are assessed and an Academic and Emotional Growth Plan (AEGP) is developed to address each of these areas. A family-centered approach to student support and achievement is utilized in our program. Regular and frequent communication occurs with all parents/guardians in addition to the social, emotional and academic support provided to all students through individual and group counseling. Students also receive age appropriate life skills programming and redirection during their time in the program. In a continuation of services, follow-up support is provided for students who successfully complete the program and return to their home schools.

Our program operates within normal school hours and follows the calendar of the Lebanon school district. Students arrive at school and return home each day after dismissal via school district-provided transportation, transportation provided by Abraxas or walking. Educational instruction is provided by Lebanon School District teachers utilizing district curriculum, while clinical/counseling services are provided by Abraxas staff.

REFERRAL PROCESS

Students with qualified need are referred through the Lebanon School District.

FAQs

1. How are students referred to this program?
   All students are referred from their home-school administrators. Referrals must include documentation of all prior efforts to work with the student and parents. The referral must be filed with the office of the Director of Alternative Education for each school district. Once approved, students are then placed in POLARIS.
2. How long is the student required to participate in the programs?
   Students are required to attend the programs for a minimum of 18 weeks, or two marking periods. Student progress is reviewed after 18 weeks and every 9 weeks thereafter.
3. Can parents remove their children from the program at any time?
   Once enrolled, the student must complete a minimum of 18 weeks or two marking periods and successfully complete the program expectations to exit the program.
4. How will parents be involved in the child’s education while they are in the program?
   Parents/guardians are included in the written plan development and updates for their child. This plan involves developing goals and actions for the student to accomplish while in the program. Parents are also encouraged to communicate and interact with the POLARIS staff to provide a unified approach to their child’s success in school, at home and in the community.
5. Will students receive individualized support?
   Yes, each student receives individualized support that includes a complete school orientation and primary intervention specialist. This IS staff acts as a mentor for the child and provides guidance and structure during the program as well as in the child’s transition back to their home school.
6. Do students receive out of school suspensions for negative behavior in the programs?
   No. Students are not suspended out of school for negative behavior in our program. Students receive various corrective action plans designed to address the negative behavior, develop appropriate replacement strategies and avoid similar problems in the future.
7. Will students receive a service plan or goals?
   Yes, each student has a written plan which includes a social and academic summary. The plan is reviewed with the family and any outside agencies involved with the student. Goals are also established and reviewed regularly with each student.
8. Do you collaborate with outside agencies?
   Yes. A variety of student/family needs such as behavioral health support and family/parenting services are considered for outside agency referral. POLARIS currently has an in-house Philhaven and White Deer Run (drug & alcohol service) component that student’s can access through the Student Assistance Team. We also work closely with local Children and Youth Agencies, Juvenile Probation Departments and local District Justice Offices.
9. Who employs your staff?
   In our Lebanon program, all clinical staff including intervention specialists, treatment supervisors, assistant director and program director, as well as several administrative staff are employed by Abraxas Education Group, a subsidiary of the private company, Cornell Companies, Inc. Teachers, principal, and maintenance staff are all Lebanon School District staff.
10. Who should parents contact with questions?
    Every student is assigned an intervention specialist/personal development coach who will be in contact with their parents prior to or immediately following admission to the program. Intervention specialists, teachers, and the building principals can be reached at the facility phone number.

Back to Top