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Who
should go to Glenwood School?
Glenwood is open to grade school age children of any race,
color or religion, and from lower-income, primarily single
parent families who meet our entrance requirements. Glenwood
is for children whose families seek a safe, structured, supervised
and stable environment with positive role models, more discipline,
and the opportunity to improve their classroom skills.
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Who should not go to
Glenwood School?
Applications will not be accepted for children with behavioral
problems, who are more than two years behind in school, have
juvenile records or are wards of the state. Also, Glenwood
is not equipped to accept mentally or physically disabled
children. We will gladly recommend other programs that specialize
in helping children with special needs.
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When does Glenwood accept
new students?
Glenwood School accepts new students in grades 2 through 7
throughout the academic year. Generally, 8th grade is closed
at the end of the first semester. Our high school program
consists of students who have successfully graduated from
Glenwood and were asked to return for the High School program.
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What is the curriculum?
Our academic program is fully accredited by the Illinois State
Board of Education as well as the Independent School Association
of the Central States (ISACS). In addition to the core academic
program, there are music and computer classes, as well as
varied vocational opportunities. Also, the Rathje Campus offers
an art program.
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What kind of training
does your staff have?
Houseparents take an intensive in-service behavior management
training sequence at the beginning of the year. Further, during
a yearlong training process they learn effective operation
of the cottage; the best ways to provide a safe, nurturing
and structured home like environment for students, and problem
solving and behavior management.
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Where do the children
live during the week?
Children live in on-campus residence halls (we call them “cottages”)
with 10-12 other children and houseparents who provide the
nurturing, structure and discipline necessary to help the
students achieve their potential. Most of our houseparents
are married couples, often with children and sometimes pets
of their own, creating a family environment. They live with
their families in an apartment within the cottage in order
to model a typical family, teach social skills, assist with
homework, give advice and meet the children’s needs
outside of the school day. Students share dorm rooms with
at least one roommate and share a bathroom with other cottage
mates. All students eat meals together in the dining hall.
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Is this a military school?
No, but our school does have a military program, in which
all students actively participate to help them build their
leadership and teamwork skills. Student leaders teach newer
and younger students to march in close order and turn; and
marching is used to get students to and from student body
activities. Drill Team is an after school activity, which
teaches students how to work together using wooden “rifles.”
Students learn a variety of movements and twirling routines
to perform for the school and community functions, such as
Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Formal military
uniforms are provided for all students to wear at official
military functions.
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What do the children
wear?
Grade school students wear a uniform consisting of a white
shirt, black pants, tie, shoes, belt and socks. Students who
have earned the privilege – completed their homework
and exhibited appropriate school behaviors during the week
– may wear “play clothes” to school on Friday.
All children “dress down” after school at different
times, depending on privileges earned.
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What is the cost of tuition?
Our mission and, therefore, our priority is to serve moderate
to lower income families. Tuition is based on each individual
family’s income. Each family is asked to contribute
toward tuition an amount that is affordable to them, generally
2-6 % of actual costs. Thanks to our thoughtful and generous
donors, we are able to cover the additional cost.
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When will my child
come home? Can he/she call?
Glenwood is unique because students go home every weekend
and on holidays to spend time with their families. A family
member or guardian drops their student/s off Sunday night
and picks them up Friday evening within a stated time period.
Children can call home either collect or with a calling card.
Families can also send mail or packages if they wish.
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What is your racial
mix?
Racial diversity is important to us and we work to maintain
a balance among Hispanic, African-American, Caucasian and
mixed-ethnicities.
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What are the class
sizes?
Another strength of our program is the small class size. Current
classes range from about 12-15 students. As a result, students
are able to receive more attention in the classroom.
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Is extra help available
for students?
In addition to the small class size, we have a resource department
for those students requiring some resource help in their current
school setting. After school help also is available for those
students who need it.
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After school, a structured study hall in the cottage is required
for all students. Children have assignment notebooks and houseparents
are active participants in this study time to answer questions.
Homework must be completed and assignment notebooks must be
signed by houseparents before a child can participate in other
activities.
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What activities are
available in the cottages for children?
There are a variety of activities in the cottage, and they
can vary between the two campuses. Generally they include
outdoor sports, board games, reading, movie night (G and PG
only). After-school activities on campus are an earned privilege
for students who exhibit appropriate behavior and complete
their homework. Also, students may earn the privilege to have
bikes, skateboards and roller blades on campus along with
the appropriate safety equipment.
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What other activities are available
on-campus?
Activities can vary slightly between the Rathje and South
Campuses but may include woodshop, Drill Team, Rainbows, Science
Club, Math Club, Yearbook, Officer Training, Ambassador Program,
Friendship Groups and Boy Scouts. There are several seasonal
programs such as Field Days, Thanksgiving Luncheon, and many
others.
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What are the Four Basic
Skills?
The Four Basic Skills are Following Instructions, Accepting
“No” for an Answer, Accepting Criticism or Consequences
and Disagreeing Appropriately. These four key concepts are
the core of our behavior management program and the foundation
of all the other social skills all children need to be successful
and self-assured.
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What if my child becomes
sick?
A nurse and health center is available throughout the day
if a student feels ill. If a child is potentially contagious,
you – or someone you have deemed as an alternate –
will be asked to pick him or her up that day. If a situation
is serious, we will take the child the emergency room at a
nearby hospital and we will notify you immediately.
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What is a typical day
on campus?
While timeframes vary slightly between the South and Rathje
campuses, following is a typical daily schedule. It begins
as early as 5:30 a.m. for South Campus high school students,
and ends with bedtime between 8:30 and 10, depending on students’
ages and the privileges they may have earned.
Wake-up/Chores
Breakfast
School
Lunch/ Recess
School
Free Time, Clubs or Detentions
Study Time
Dinner
Free time, Cottage or On-Campus Programs
Shower/ Downtime
Lights-Out
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