Residential Life

Goal Statement

The goal of Residential Services is to provide an environment that encourages each student to reach his/her maximum potential and to strive for independence. Students will grow in social awareness, self-confidence, and learn to appreciate creative leisure.

Introduction

The cottage settings are located in four buildings on campus: Watson, Clarke, Hall, and Chapman. A kitchen, living room, bathroom, and laundry room are located in each cottage. Students are provided a room with basic bedroom furniture. Sheets, blankets, pillows and towels are available, but many students prefer to bring their own. Students most often have a private room to themselves. Students are encouraged to bring items from home to place in their rooms to make them more personal. Many students bring stereos, recorders, etc. Each cottage has computers, a television, Brailler, CCTV, electronic equipment, and a supply of toys and games for students to use.

Students residing on campus are assessed at the beginning of the year to evaluate skills and needs in the Expanded Core areas of Skills of Daily Living. Individual and/or group instruction is provided by Residential staff throughout the year to build student skills in these areas. Progress reports are written at the end of each quarter and are submitted to parents with progress reports from the school. Assessments are completed again at the end of the school year to measure growth in skill development.

Communications between parents and cottage staff or teachers is important and may be initiated through various forms. Residential staff ask parents on move in day what method and frequency they would like to use for regular contact with staff about their student. The most common methods are through e-mail or phone calls.

Commonly Asked Questions

“How often does my child come home?” Your child is scheduled to go home each weekend and for the holidays. Transportation is provided on closure days by WSSB to designated stops near your home area. If your child is needed at home prior to closing day, the child may be excused from school, but the transportation must be arranged by the parent.

“How much do the services my child receives cost?” There is no cost to students or their families for instructional and residential services if the custodial parent(s) live in the state of Washington. Families provide for their child’s clothing, medical care, personal needs, recreational spending, and special fees. Some scholarships are available to students in need.

“May my child bring personal electronics,stereos, games, or toys?” We encourage students to bring some of their favorite items. Many students bring radios, stereo/CD players, laptops, stuffed toys, and games. WSSB assumes no responsibility for personal items brought by students or their families.

“When am I allowed to visit my child at school?” We are always pleased to have parents visit the school and cottages. Please inform the Director of On-Campus Programs, in advance, of your intention to visit during school hours, or the Director of Transition Services when visiting cottages. It is imperative that you notify the appropriate staff person if you plan to take your child from school or from a cottage area. This helps the school assure the safety and protection of your child.

“May friends and relatives visit my child at school?” We encourage visitors to come see your child. Permission must be granted (or denied) by the parent and is included in our application form. Please provide advance notice when visitors are coming.

“Whom can I talk with about my child’s progress?” RLC’s, school nurses, teachers, the Director of On-Campus Programs, IEP advocates, the Director of Transition Services and the Superintendent are always willing to discuss matters relating to your child. To encourage close home/school ties, yearly conferences are scheduled for the parents of all children. However, please feel free to call or stop at school any time you have questions.

Day Students

Students who live within 45 miles or one hour from the school will reside at home and are day students. Parents wish­ing to enroll their child as a resi­dent student may request such placement through the IEP process as part of the need for more intensive residential services.

Day students are welcome to participate in afternoon activities. They will be assigned a cottage while on campus and will follow the rules of the cottage or obey all rules and regulations when they are on campus or under the jurisdiction of the school. Whenever the situation deems it necessary, parents must accompany the student to events to maintain staffing ratios. Transpor­tation to and from WSSB for these fun­ctions will be pro­vided by the family and should coincide with the scheduled activity.

Transportation

DAY STUDENTS

Day student transportation is arranged through ESD 112 and the rules are based on the policies of ESD 112. We suggest you check with your LEA for specific rules and regulations. Note: On occasion, WSSB will transport some day students to and from WSSB. The same procedures listed below should be followed.

Chartered Bus/Van

The chartered bus is accompanied by WSSB monitors that have pertinent informa­tion on students and emergency pro­cedures. Students leave campus for home after lunch on Friday, and return to WSSB Sun­day evening unless otherwise noted on the school calendar. WSSB provides lunch­es to students on Fridays. Par­ents are responsi­ble for their chil­d’s meals for the return trip on Sundays. Snacks are provided at the cottages on Sunday evenings, but there is no dinner meal.

When picking up your child at the designated stop on Fri­days, please allow the monitor time to relay any messages he/she might have for you. On Sundays, please give all messages or medications to the bus monitor on duty. The monitor will forward the items to the cottage, school department, nurse, or wherever needed.

PLANE TRAVEL

For students who fly home on the weekends, airline tickets are purchased a minimum of one month in advance as a cost savings measure. The staff in charge of transportation will contact parents on a monthly basis prior to the reserving of tickets to allow for any changes in travel. Once airline arrangements are finalized, parents assume the responsibility for a minimum $125 processing fee and any additional costs incurred due to changes.  Students can carry belongings in a backpack or carry-on bag.  Costs for checking luggage will be the responsibility of the parent/guardian.