The North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District’s Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy opened in the 2019-2020 school year. The Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy provides a guiding light for students to navigate social-emotional and academic aspects of high school in a non-traditional educational environment. After considerable review of student progress data, we determined that a differentiated and intensive approach to instruction would assist in meeting the student as an individual, with the goal of attaining a high school diploma and stepping into their postsecondary world with the skills and abilities needed for success. We believe that the school and home must work as a unified advocate for each child to ensure success. The Academy is based on the student’s Individual Education Program (IEP), which will determine his/her academic pathway. Each class will implement a structured and supportive environment that permits students to gain self-awareness skills and academic rigor.
Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy Schedule
The Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy schedule is an atypical schedule.
| 8:00 – 8:15 | Breakfast & Check-in |
| 8:15 – 9:00 | Science |
| 9:05 – 9:50 | Math |
| 9:55 – 10:40 | PE/Health |
| 10:40 – 11:04 | Flex Time (Group/Individual Counseling, Rewards, Blended Learning) |
| 11:04 – 11:30 | Lunch |
| 11:30 – 12:15 | English |
| 12:20 – 1:05 | Social Studies |
| 1:10 – 1:55 | Elective |
| 1:55 – 2:10 | Daily Wrap-Up |
Graduation Requirements
Successful completion of 120 credits including the following:
English Language Arts Literacy – 20 credits (English I, English II, English III, and English IV are required)
Mathematics – 15 credits (Algebra 1, Geometry or the content equivalent, and a third year of Math that builds on the concepts and skills of Algebra and Geometry)
Social Studies – 15 credits (Early American, Modern American, World History)
Science – 15 credits (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics are recommended)
Physical Education, Health and Safety – 20 credits
Fine Arts – 5 credits (Art, Music)
Practical Arts – 5 credits (Business, Culinary, Technology Education)
Financial Literacy – 2.5 credits
Expectations and Services
The Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy is committed to providing a high-level of social/emotional support with a strong academic focus. Each member will be treated with dignity and respect. As such, it is the responsibility of all members to meet the expectations established. All code of conduct and policies will be enforced as per the North Hunterdon High School student handbook (click here). In addition, general expectations are as follows:
- Be Respectful
- Language, tone, property, peers, staff, self, and family
- Have a good attitude
10 Behaviors that require no talent, but have a huge impact on success.
- Be on time
- Work ethic (Try Your Best)
- Effort
- Body Language
- Energy
- Attitude
- Passion
- Being Coachable
- Doing Extra
- Being Prepared
Counseling Services
The mission of the Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy is to provide high-quality in-district clinical services for students with emotional and behavioral struggles. The Academy provides daily skills groups and weekly counseling sessions to help students develop alternatives to previous problematic behaviors in the classroom and in life.
Board Certified Behavior Analysis (BCBA)
Dress Code
Students are expected to maintain appropriate attire. At no time will obscene or inappropriate dress be permitted. Content that refers to drugs, weapons, or violence, is not to be worn. It is the discretion of the staff to determine appropriate dress.
Attendance
School will start promptly at 8:00 a.m. each day and end at 2:10 p.m. The school doors will open at 8:00 a.m., and the school day will begin with extra assistance and daily check-in. Students are expected to be prompt each day and participate in instructional activities. If a student is absent or tardy, a phone call must be made by a parent or guardian to the attendance office. If a phone call is not received, a phone call home will be placed and the student will be considered truant.
Curriculum
Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy follows the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Board-approved curricula. The Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy curricula are aligned with the New Jersey Student Learning Standards and used by teachers in their daily lesson plans. Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy’s curriculum and instruction are designed to provide accommodations and modifications in order to meet students’ learning needs. Instructional practices include differentiation, scaffolded instruction, project-based learning, cooperative learning groups, and research studies.
Grading
Grading is in accordance with the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Board of Education Grading Policy and Individualized Education Plan requirements. Student progress may be monitored by parents through the Aspen Student Information System. Students will earn credits based on course completion and mastery.
Admissions / Eligibility
Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy is for students who have experienced significant emotional and behavioral struggles in the school setting. Students with challenging behaviors (verbal abuse, intimidation, property destruction, and defying rules) as well as students with anxiety, depression and/or school avoidance who require clinical/therapeutic supports and services not available in a typical public school setting.
If you feel that Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy might be an appropriate placement for a student with psychiatric or emotional/behavioral problems and you would like to learn more about our program and/or schedule a visit, please contact Mr. Robert Pellechio – Assistant Principal/Academy Director, (908) 713-4199 ext. 6430.
The members of Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy will have access to daily social-emotional support in addition to a strong academic focus.
Transition Planning
Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy’s transition services prepare students for academic, vocational, and social and life skills required for successful adult life. Students looking to pursue college-level education receive assistance with college application, test preparation, and scholarships.
Lion P.R.I.D.E. Academy Incentive Program
A comprehensive level system will be applied to support the development of personal responsibility for social, emotional, and academic performance.
Points and feedback will be used to identify areas of both strength and need to encourage and support growth.
Levels will progress through five stages. Each stage is designed to gradually increase the student’s independence and responsibility equivalent to demonstrated mastery of identified skills.
Level progression will be reinforced at both systemic and individual levels giving personalized attention to the supports that motivate and encourage students to continue to set and reach their goals.
