6 minute read
At Rise Learning Center, Students Soar!
BY DAROLYN “LYN” JONES
RISE LEARNING CENTER (RLC) is a cooperative special education program serving students with exceptional needs on the southside of Indianapolis. RLC serves Beech Grove City Schools, MSD of Decatur Township, and Perry Township Schools. However, RLC also accepts students from other districts on a referral basis. RLC offers the Behavior Education Program, Life Skills Program, and Mobility Opportunities via Education Program.
The Behavior Education Program (BEP) is student-centered and is focused on meeting the emotional and behavioral needs of each student. The goal of the BEP is to identify problematic behaviors and replace them with positive ones so the student can return to her/his home school. Students learn under Common Core and Indiana state standards but also have the benefit of a full-time teacher and two instructional assistants who are trained to accommodate and support the student’s unique social and emotional needs. In addition, students in the BEP have access to Square1 therapy services on-site.
The Life Skills Program centers on activities of daily living, including hygiene, or functional academics such as following a recipe or dealing with money. All skills are taught with the idea of making a student as independent as possible in all aspects of his or her life. These classrooms also have a full-time teacher and two instructional assistants. The Life Skills Program uses evidence-based practices normally employed with students on the autism spectrum. The middle school and high school classrooms align with state standards while focusing on routine skills that are needed for greater functioning and independence. High school students also participate in community vocational experiences.
The Mobility Opportunities via Education Program (MOVE) works with students who have limited physical mobility. The objective of this program is to get students up and moving while learning how to be more functionally independent. RLC is fortunate to have two teachers,
Monica Ponce and Allison Compton, who are certified MOVE International Trainers. The facilities at RLC are equipped to meet the physical needs of these students. This program also utilizes assistive technologies and includes access to physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
According to MOVE International, RLC is one of only thirty designated model MOVE sites in the world.
At RLC, the staff who work in any of these programs are well trained and they collaborate as a team on communication and building positive relationships. The students and staff feel valued, wanted, and needed. The staff members meet their students with exceptional needs where they are, build on the skills that each student has, and help each student grow, rise, and soar!
RLC is an inviting and engaging space. When you enter, you are welcomed with visual cues, students’ art on the walls, and different areas to meet students’ needs, including a therapy pool, a snack shack, a library, and a recreational/athletic area.
In 2015, The Pacers helped provide the equipment and technology for the workout room. The Pacers are a strong supporter of RLC, and team members even drop by to interact directly with students. RLC has longstanding and strong relationships with many other organizations in the community as well. You might find RLC students and staff playing the Southport Police in a community fundraising basketball game or accepting a donation from any number of generous public and private donors.
For students who attend RLC, it feels much like a typical school.
For example, RLC offers adapted physical education, adapted art, a cafeteria whose seating arrangements accommodate every student, walking trails, and a pool. RLC’s student athletes compete in different sports for Special Olympics and are cheered on by the student spirit club.
Students who attend RLC come from diverse backgrounds. The RLC administration and staff meet families where they are, and with the families, they create independence and opportunities for each student who enters their doorway.
I love the relationships we get to form with students and other staff! Our building feels like a family. When there’s a need, everyone rallies to help meet it. And when there’s something to celebrate, we stop what we’re doing to make a big deal about even the smallest victory! At RISE, I know my students have opportunities to communicate using their preferred mode of communication throughout their school day, not just when they’re in my speech office.
JORDAN DEAMICIS, SLP
I love seeing the progress each individual student makes. RISE does offer a lot of special occasions for the students like prom, dances and graduation. [There is also] a food and clothing closet.
TERRI COFFIN, INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT
Unity. No matter how tough the daily situations can be, everyone, regardless of position in the school, is there to support and help. When I passed my state license test, I knew my dream job would be at RLC. My experience as an assistant 13 years ago made me fall in love with special education, especially RLC.
KIRA NEUMAN, ELEMENTARY LIFE SKILLS TEACHER
RLC is a community of staff who care for all students and their well-being, and work together toward successful outcomes. It takes a team. I love our TEAM!
RENEE POSEY, HS TRANSITION LIFE SKILLS TEACHER
The best part of working at RLC is seeing and celebrating students achieving their goals!
LAUREN BURGESS, STAR INSTRUCTOR
The support we receive from the administration as well as co-workers is unmatched. What we do here is difficult, but so fulfilling. I love to help my students grow academically, but even more so emotionally. I love watching them grow connections with the staff and their peers. I love seeing them become a proud member of their family and community. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else and being as happy as I am.
HANNAH ROTHKOPF, INTERMEDIATE BE TEACHER
I enjoy working in a place where we help children grow, and we support and encourage their families.
JAMIE REILLY, OT
I love working at RISE because RISE has a culture of caring and connection like no other.
RACHEL RUSSELL, READING SPECIALIST
