CP
Christopher Payton
Principal: New Directions and Safe Schools
AV
Alexandra Van Oeteren
Administrative Assistant to the Principal
KL
Katie Likar
New Directions Teacher
MS
Myra Stinson
New Directions Teacher
MM
Magen McCarthy
New Directions Teacher
RV
Rudy Via
New Directions Teacher
MD
Michael Denslow
New Directions Teacher
RB
Rachel Barry
New Directions Teacher
GR
Ginger Rohde
SAFE Schools Teacher
PS
Paul Scanlan
New Directions Teacher
GN
Gary Nielsen
Vocational Facilitator
AB
Allison Backer
Social Worker
AF
Alicia Frantzen
Social Worker
AA
Ann Aderman
Nurse: New Directions; Safe Schools
KM
Kassie McDowell
New Directions Teacher
AF
Alicia Frantzen
Social Worker
AB
Allison Backer
Social Worker
JS
Jodi Sell
Speech Language Pathologist
JS
Jennie Stellato
Occupational Therapist
The program serves students in grades K-12.
The classrooms are small, structured settings that focus on differentiated academic instruction. In addition, the staff employ a variety of positive behavior interventions, including consistent feedback on behavior, social skills instruction aligned with the Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards, specialized learning strategies, and vocational instruction and support. Intervention techniques aim to help students develop self-management skills, effective decision making, problem-solving strategies, and improved interpersonal skills. Students are taught self-regulatory strategies to monitor their ability to stay on task, complete work, focus on instruction, and interact well with teachers and peers.
The physical structure of the school is smaller to allow for greater individualization of instruction and increased opportunities to learn and practice positive coping strategies throughout the entire day. The classes generally have 8-12 students, with a 3:1 staff to student ratio in the high school program, and a 2:1 staff to student ratio in the elementary/middle school program. Students spend up to 100% of their day in this specialized program, with the goal of a gradual transition back to their home school or graduation, depending on the student's needs and IEP goals.
Related services may be integrated into the classroom activities with direct and/or consultative services provided, as appropriate. Two full-time social workers assist students with problem-solving, crisis intervention and social skills development. Information is also provided to families about community resources available such as mental health services, substance rehabilitation and vocational or post-secondary educational options.