Residential Life Program
Life in the cottages: check-in, curfew, recreation, and family communication.
Goal Statement
The goal of Residential Services is to create an environment that provides the resources so each student has the ability to develop at their individual ability level and gain skills of independence. Students will grow in social awareness, self-confidence, and participate in leisure activities.
Overview
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 a bed, wardrobe, drawers, bulletin board, and desk. Sheets, blankets, pillows and towels are available, but many students prefer to bring their own. Students have a private room to themselves. Students are encouraged to bring items from home to place in their rooms to make them more personal. Each cottage has a television, games, laundry facilities, and recreational items.
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.
Checking In/Out With Staff
All students are expected to check in and out with cottage staff when leaving their cottage areas, whether going to class, off campus, or to recreational activities. Students may request to leave the cottage after chores have been completed and sufficient progress has been made on homework. Hours of independent off-campus privileges vary according to the age and abilities of the student and are limited to daylight hours unless night travel is approved by the O&M staff.
Curfew
Each cottage has individual rules, consequently students must check with their cottage staff to confirm the rules regarding curfew. If a student is off campus shopping, dining, attending a concert or sporting event, etc., a later curfew may be allowed. Most campus activities are completed by 9:00 pm.
Recreation Program
The purpose of the recreation program is to develop life long leisure skills and interests through a wide variety of activities made available at WSSB and in the community. Recreation programs are a part of the total student program and are offered to all students enrolled at WSSB. Whenever possible, students are encouraged to integrate into recreational activities within the community. Transportation is provided when possible for students who participate.
Many recreational activities extend beyond campus in the form of shopping trips, picnicking, concerts, fairs, theater, and athletic events. Recreation programs are provided at no cost to students. Students are expected to follow through in attending registered activities.