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WILLIAM PENN A.C.T.S. PROGRAM

In partnership with the Harrisburg City School District, Abraxas Education Group provides alternative education, counseling and social services to students in 4th through 12th grades in our Harrisburg A.C.T.S. (A Challenge To Succeed) Program. The partnership between Abraxas Education Group and the Harrisburg School District began in 2001.

The program is intended to significantly improve academic performance, attendance and civic responsibility for the students that attend our program. These objectives are accomplished through the implementation of emotional and social support within a safe, nurturing and supportive academic environment.

The goal of the A.C.T.S. Program is to guide and support the transformation and growth of our students into behaviorally and socially competent individuals while becoming academically proficient. Our efforts will continually focus on assisting students in improving the skills and attitudes needed to effectively exercise their personal potential and make better life choices. These skills will be achieved in a safe and nurturing environment.

CONTACT

2915 North 3rd Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
717-703-0405
717-703-4430 (FAX)

PROGRAM SUMMARY

Our A.C.T.S. Program provides students with the skills and tools necessary for success in their daily lives. We provide a safe and nurturing environment that allows up to 400 students to learn and grow at their own pace.

Students at the A.C.T.S. Program participate in individual planning. They are also provided with social, emotional, and academic support through individual counseling, group counseling, life skills education, goal planning, community service, and interpersonal skills training. We strive to work together with students and families to assist students in successfully transitioning back to their home schools.

In this unique cooperative arrangement with the district, our staff work in tandem with the Harrisburg School District teachers to provide consistent and appropriate educational opportunities for the students in our care. We also provide small classroom sizes (no more than 15 students), regular and frequent communication with parents/guardians, and age appropriate life skills programming.

REFERRAL PROCESS

Students with qualifying needs are referred by their home school administrator via the Harrisburg School District alternative education department.

FAQs

1. How are students referred to this program?
   All students are referred through the Harrisburg School District. Home schools must make the initial referral to the Office of the Director of Alternative Education. Parents/guardians and other persons may not place their child into the program on a random request basis.
2. How long is the student required to participate in the programs?
   Students are expected to stay for a minimum of 18 weeks to maximize the impact of the program.
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. In addition, we have an open door policy for parents to contact us at anytime with concerns, communication regarding events or progress, and general involvement and support of their child’s education.
5. Will students receive individualized support?
   Yes, each student receives individualized support that includes a complete school orientation and primary intervention specialist/personal development coach. This IS/PDC 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. 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.
7. Do you collaborate with outside agencies?
   Yes, as necessary, special needs such as behavioral health support, family or individual counseling, and general assistance requests are considered for outside agency referrals. The program can assist the student and family in locating services outside of the program and establishing contacts.
8. Who employs your staff?
   In our Harrisburg program, all clinical staff including IS/PDC’s, 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, guidance, nurse, principal, and maintenance staff are all Harrisburg School District staff.
9. Who should parents contact with questions?
   Every student is assigned an intervention specialist/personal development coach who will be in contact with his or her 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.

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