STUDENT
HANDBOOK
SMITH COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH
COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PROGRAM
2014-15
601 South State Road 7
Plantation, FL 33317
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WELCOME __________________________p. 2
ORIENTATION _______________________p. 6
TRAINING
p. 7
EVOLVING
p. 8
ACHIEVING
p. 9
MASTERING
p. 10
BASIC PROGRAM PRIVILEGES
p. 11
BASIC PROGRAM RULES
p. 12
CLASSROOM RULES & EXPECTATIONS p. 13
LEVEL FREEZE
p. 14
PLAN FOR SUCCESS
p. 15
OUTING RULES
p. 16
BONUS POINTS ______________________ p.17
1
WELCOME TO SCMH
& C.G. Smith Academy East
The C.G. Smith Academy East Comprehensive
Treatment Program is an academic and therapeutic
program. The academic component of the program will
be provided by our CGSA teachers. In addition, you will be
participating in therapeutic activities with SCMH clinicians.
Your progress in the Program will be monitored through
the T.E.A.M. Behavioral Monitoring System. This system is
designed to assist students in functioning successfully not
only in school, but at home and in community locations.
Each level focuses on and targets the 1) behavioral, 2)
emotional, 3) social skills and 4) academic skills necessary
to improve life functioning. A student moves from one level
to the next by demonstrating greater 1) self-management,
2) skill achievement, and 3) independence in academic,
home and community environments to help you move to
the next level.
Your progress will be documented on a point sheet,
which will assist you to understand your weaknesses, as well
as your strengths.
2
At SCMH/CGSA we believe in The Circle of Courage® as
our model for youth empowerment. The model is of
Native-American
origin and
encompasses four
core values:
belonging, mastery,
independence,
and generosity. The
central theme of
this model is that a
set of shared values
must exist in any
community to
create
environments that
ultimately benefit
all.
The model is represented by a circle - the medicine
wheel - that is divided into quadrants. The circle is sacred
and suggests the interconnectedness of life. Likewise, it
expresses the sacredness of the number four - the four
directions, the four elements of the universe, and the four
races. Each quadrant of the CIRCLE OF COURAGE stands
for a central value - belonging, mastery, independence,
and generosity - of an environment that can claim and
reclaim all youth. It represents the "cultural birthright for all
the world’s children."
3
Belonging:
Lakota anthropologist Ella Deloria
described the core value of belonging in
these simple words: "Be related,
somehow, to everyone you know." Treating others as kin
forges powerful social bonds that draw all into relationships
of respect.
Mastery:
Competence in traditional cultures is
ensured by guaranteed opportunity for
mastery. Children were taught to carefully observe and
listen to those with more experience. A person with greater
ability was seen as a model for learning, not as a rival. Each
person strives for mastery for personal growth, but not to be
superior to someone else. Humans have an innate drive to
become competent and solve problems. With success in
surmounting challenges, the desire to achieve is
strengthened. So ask yourself, “What have you learned
how to do?”
Independence:
Native teaching was designed to build
respect and teach inner discipline. From
earliest childhood, children were
encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and show
personal responsibility. Adults modeled, nurtured, taught
values, and gave feedback, but children were given
abundant opportunities to make choices without coercion.
4
Generosity:
Finally, virtue was reflected in the
preeminent value of generosity. The
central goal in Native American
child-rearing is to the teach the
importance of being generous and unselfish. In the words
of a Lakota Elder, "You should be able to give away your
most cherished possession without your heart beating
faster." In helping others, youth create their own proof of
worthiness: they make a positive contribution to another
human life.
5
ORIENTATION LEVEL
As you enter Smith Community Mental Health, you will be
placed on the Orientation level for a minimum of 3 days.
During this time, you will be expected to learn and
understand the Comprehensive Treatment Level System, as
well as the rules and expectations of the classroom, group
and transportation. You will also be responsible to identify
the reasons you are at Smith, your goals, and the name of
the staff that will assist you in accomplishing your goals.
Criteria for Movement to TRAINING LEVEL
3 Non-consecutive Days with 84 points or more
Attend classroom activities
Attend group activities
Pass the Orientation Questionnaire with 85% or higher
My teacher’s name is: __________________________
My therapist’s name is: __________________________
MY behavior specialist is: ____________________________
My MAIN treatment goal is: _____________________________
_______________________________________________________.
6
TRAINING
When you are on the TRAINING level you will be expected to learn basic academic,
behavioral and social survival skills within the classroom. The word TRAINING means to
learn and master skills through instruction and practice. Survival skills are different ways of
behaving that will help you be successful in specific environments. These skills are listed in
the back of this packet. You will be expected to learn and practice the following
goals/skills on this level.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE TRAINING LEVEL
I am willing to learn.
I am open to receiving help from others.
Expectations for TRAINING Level
1. Remain seated.
2. Use classroom learning materials correctly or as instructed by staff.
3. Attend and participate in therapeutic activities (group and
individual).
4. Work quietly with teacher/therapist/behavioral specialist
encouragement
5. Raise hand to speak.
6. Use appropriate voice tone.
TRAINING Level Privileges
Criteria for Movement
to EVOLVING Level
May shop in store in designated areas
Can earn park outings each week
May earn McDonald's on
1. 10 days with 96 points or higher
2. 6 out of 10 home notes signed and
returned
3. No unpaid damages
4. No Level Freezes within the last 5 days
5. Test out of TRAINING level with an 85%
or higher
6. Complete Petition and Essay
explaining progress &
understanding expectations
of TRAINING level
7. Meeting with Level Review Council
Wednesday
May earn all school outings
7
EVOLVING
The definition of the word “evolve” means to develop gradually. On this level you will be
expected to maintain the skills you learned on TRAINING with less assistance from staff.
Your desire to continue to learn and evolve will be seen in your improved willingness to
participate appropriately in the classroom, school, and home environments.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE EVOLVING LEVEL
My life is changing for the better at school and at home.
I am challenging myself to learn and accomplish new things.
I am beginning to like myself.
Expectations for EVOLVING Level
1. Behave appropriately in the classroom, school and home environments.
2. Be kind, helpful and respectful to peers and staff.
3. Identify different positive choices with staff assistance when difficult times
arise (i.e. new and positive problem-solving skills).
4. Ignore inappropriate peer behaviors (begin to show self-discipline).
5. Be able to return quickly and appropriately to class following time out.
EVOLVING Level Privileges
Criteria for Movement
Can earn park outings, school field trips,
and McDonalds on Wednesdays
May shop in store in designated areas
Can vote for movies in class when given
choices
May earn 10 minutes free time with X Box
following the completion of tasks
Can help staff distribute lunches
8
to
ACHIEVING Level
1. 25 days at 102 points or higher
2. 18 out of 25 home notes signed and
returned
3. No unpaid damages
4. No Level Freezes within the last 10 days
5. Test out of EVOLVING Level with an 85% or
higher
6. Complete Petition and essay explaining
progress and understanding
expectations of EVOLVING Level
7. Meeting with Level Review Council
ACHIEVING
The definition of ACHIEVING is to attain by effort while working towards a successful end. This
involves consistency and following through with positive actions. While on ACHIEVING you begin
to experience increased self-respect and the benefits of respecting others. You will be able to
identify and monitor your own strengths and weaknesses. This will include maintaining your own
point sheet and appropriately evaluating your behaviors and progress toward your treatment
goals.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE ACHIEVING LEVEL
My behaviors are positive because I have self-respect.
I am proud of who I am and my accomplishments.
I am proud of the way people respect me
because I deserve to be respected.
Expectations for ACHIEVING Level
1. Maintain all skills that were learned and accomplished on the TRAINING and EVOLVING levels.
2. Accept changes within the school environment (i.e. patience, understanding and cooperation).
3. Demonstrate independent social skills during activities within the community (i.e. field trips).
4. Actively participate in group, openly speak of issues, and offer feedback on topics without staff
directing you to do so.
5. Assist your peers to understand the T.E.A.M. system.
6. Problem solve instead of reacting.
7. Maintain focus on tasks independently, working toward successful completion of assignments in class.
8. Accept positive and negative feedback from staff and peers.
9. Make emotional and behavioral needs known appropriately.
10. Identify and own behavioral choices independently when requested.
ACHIEVING Level Privileges
Off campus order for lunch
Weekly credit pass for selected
assignment (1 per week)
Help staff calculate tokens
Become classroom mentor for younger
students and/or students on lower levels
Help with shopping at the end of the day
Can earn all trips, park, and McDonalds
Can listen to personal device or play XBox
for 15 minutes following the completion
of tasks or at appropriate times
Can shop anywhere in the store
Can earn higher-level field trips
Can help staff distribute lunches
Criteria for Movement to MASTERING Level
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
30 days with 108 points
25 out of 30 home notes signed and returned
No unpaid damages
No Level Freezes within the last 20 days
Test out of ACHIEVING Level with an 85% or
higher
6. Complete Petition and essay explaining
progress and understanding
expectations of ACHIEVING Level.
7. Meeting with Level Review Council
MASTERING
The definition of MASTERING is to become very skilled or expert like. This means, while on
MASTERING, you are a role model. You have consistently shown the skills necessary to be
successful. You no longer need staff guidance to make positive choices. Positive behaviors
are no longer things you do but WHO YOU ARE.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE MASTERING LEVEL
I am a leader.
I am successful.
I am honorable.
Expectations for MASTERING Level
1. Maintain all skills that were learned and accomplished on the TRAINING, EVOLVING
and ACHIEVING levels.
2. Accept changes both at home and at school.
3. All goals ore focused on treatment plan issues.
4. Actively works with therapist and family.
5. Independently helps new students understand the T.E.A.M. system.
MASTERING Level Privileges
Assists with coaching other students
Assists with school wide activities (leadership roles)
Eat lunch off campus with the permission of staff
Independent walking with permission of staff
Earn all of the previous privileges
Assist with Level Review Council
Credit for free pass out of assignment (one time per week)
Organizing and participating in higher level field trips
Personal Device/XBox for 20 minutes
Request other privileges from staff
10
BASIC PROGRAM PRIVILEGES
You may LEARN
and challenge yourself for positive change.
You may BE HEARD
and encouraged to express yourself freely (appropriately).
You may REACH OUT
and expect to have someone available to assist you.
You may SHARE YOURSELF
and allow others to understand you.
You may BE RESPECTFUL
and always receive respect in return.
You may BE RESPONSIBLE
and you will be given more independence.
You may BE HONEST
and you will always be trusted.
11
BASIC PROGRAM RULES
All students are to be checked when entering building.
Book bags will be searched and metal detectors will be used.
Cell phones and all electronics MUST be turned in to staff at arrival
The following are NOT allowed:
Short shorts/skirts, belly shirts, or revealing clothing
Clothing that has drug or alcohol symbols or words
Hats or bandanas
Gum chewing
Chewing of straws
Throwing of objects
Lighters or matches
Cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol
Flip flops or open-toed shoes
Phone use without staff authorization and supervision
Adjust the air conditioner controls
12
CLASSROOM RULES
1. Raise your hand to speak or ask a question.
2. Respect yourself and others.
3. Maintain physical, body, and verbal control, including voice tone volume.
4. Be kind to others, i.e., refrain from any unkind physical and/or verbal
communication, teasing, sarcasm, ethnic slurs, etc.
5. Respect your property and the property of others.
6. Use appropriate language.
7. Use appropriate body and/or verbal communication; NO cursing, profanity, or vulgar
comments please
8. Request permission to leave the classroom.
9. Solve problems in a peaceful way; there will be NO fighting.
EXPECTATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM
1. Follow directions.
Remain within sight of staff during transition.
Walk in hallways, NO running.
Use appropriate voice tone and volume when in building.
2. Remain on task.
Refrain from off-task socializing.
Begin task in a timely manner.
Remain in assigned area.
Participate in activities.
3. Complete assignments.
4. Take responsibility for learning; request help if needed.
5. NO calling out, NO disruptions please.
6. Seek to pass academics.
13
LEVEL FREEZE
A level freeze is a procedure that stops a student’s ability to receive privileges or
move up or down on the level system. This procedure is in order to intervene when a student is
struggling extensively and putting his/her progress in jeopardy.
SCMH/CGSA staff will collectively decide when a level freeze should be used. A
typical level freeze lasts for 3 days, but is subject to more or less if staff feels appropriate.
During a level freeze, the student may not be promoted to the next level or drop a level. If staff is
in the process of discussing the option to drop a student’s level, a level freeze must be used
before the decision to drop a level is implemented. Further, during a level freeze, a well defined
contract will be written outlining behavioral and academic expectations needed in order to rejoin
the T.E.A.M. Level System. Tokens will be maintained in order to monitor the student’s
progress towards contract goals. If a Level Review Council meeting is required via the contract,
the student will present a summary of why his/her level freeze occurred and the outcomes that
have resulted since.
When should a student be placed on Level Freeze?
Physical Aggression with intention of causing bodily harm
Sexual Contact (extensive)
Building or van vandalism
Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes/lighter found on campus
- 14 -
Plan for Success
Level Freeze ( # of Days):____________________
Date:____________________________
Student Name:___________________________________________________________________
Current Level:_____________________________
Explain reason for Level Freeze:_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Expectations to Re-enter T.E.A.M. Level System
Daily Points Required:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Written Assignments:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Community Service:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Other Notes:
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Level Review Presentation:
NO
YES- Date:_____________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
Student Signature
Staff Signature
- 15 -
OUTING RULES
1. Appropriate language at all times.
2. Appropriate tone of voice at all times.
3. Remain with staff in designated areas at all times.
4. Follow all other noted rules for bus and basic behavior and dress.
*If the above rules are not followed there may be a suspension of outing privileges.
- 16 -
BONUS Points
.
Bonus points go do not assist students to make up missed points during the day.
Bonus points go directly to their bank for future spending. 
Behaviors/Actions
Being kind and helpful to others (Generosity/Mastery)
Assisting with clean up following a crisis (Belonging/Independence/Generosity)
Help getting lunches (Generosity)
+5
+5
+5
To say something positive to a peer, who is currently off task without adding chaos
(Generosity/
Taking out the trash (Independence)
+5
Picking up all items on floor (Generosity/Belonging/Independence)
+5
Being able to readily identify your treatment plan goals, when asked (Mastery)
+5
+5
Readily wearing your beads (Independence)
+5
Being able to recite the guiding principles of your level and the levels below
(Mastery)
+10
Speaking to someone respectfully, while they are not being respectful (Mastery)
+10
+10
Ignoring negative peer behavior including not laughing (Mastery)
Helping new students get oriented to the program
(Generosity/Belonging/Independence)
Displaying leadership qualities (Mastery)
+10
Clean room completely (generosity/belonging)
+10
Walking away from physical instigation/aggression with staff assistance
+15
Positive peer counseling/support/ de-escalation of a peer
Cleaning the vans (generosity)
+10
+15
+20
+30
Walking away from physical instigation/aggression without staff assistance
(Independence)
+30
Honesty for breaking a rule
Successfully completing all consecutive days of a level freeze.
Turn it around!
- 17 -
Get 50% of
lost points
- 18 -