Things you can have your child do now, to come to RAIL more prepared:

• Cook for themselves
• Grocery Shopping, either with you or on their own
• Budget their money
• Laundry & Cleaning
• Making appointments
• Keeping a calendar of events/appointments
• Encouraging them to do activities weekly with friends
• Ride the city bus places either with you or on their own
• Go to work on time
• Call in their own absences from work, if any

   

School Schedule:
Monday - Thursday 8:45AM-2:45PM
Friday 8:45AM-12PM (noon)

*RAIL follows the Rochester Public School calendar.
Weather related information about closings/delays can be found at KTTC and KROC 106.9FM radio.
             

Work:
The schedule for times you will be at RAIL are flexible, and will fit around your work hours.  Talk to your case manager about your individualized schedule.  If you are scheduled to work on a non- school day you are expected to work.  It is your responsibility to get to work or cancel work if you need to take the day off.  Student must give 2weeks notice to take a day off of work, as with any job. 

Transportation:
RAIL uses public transportation instead of school buses.  

   City bus #6 leaves downtown 8:15 AM, arrives 3^rd Ave & 16^th St. SE at 8:22 AM.

   City bus #6 leaves 3^rd Ave. & 16^th St. SE at 2:58 PM, arrives downtown 3:10 PM

   Fridays – City bus #6 leaves 3^rd Ave. & 16^th St SE at 11:58 AM, arrives downtown 12:10 PM

RAIL will provide bus tickets for your fare on public transportation, for days school is in session.  Once you receive a ticket, you are responsible for holding on to the ticket, or replacing it if it is lost($42.00 for a monthly and $16.00 for a weekly). If you are working on organizational skills and don’t want to start out being responsible for a monthly bus ticket, talk to your case manager about receiving a10-punch bus ticket instead of a monthly bus pass.
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Some students use ZIPS dial-a-ride service.  You must apply for this service.  See the following web site for information and application:
http://www.rochesterbus.com/zips/zips_application/zips_application.pdf

Dress:  
RAIL is designed to prepare students for the adulthood.  We encourage dress-casual attire.  Clothing should be clean, free of holes,and presentable for being in public places.  Students should present a positive appearance, as they will be in public frequently and maybe picking up/dropping off job applications.    

Lunch:
We have cafeteria service at RAIL.  If you want to use this, you are responsible for having money in your account.  Hot lunches are prepared at Mayo High school and delivered to ESC.  Students wanting hot lunch need to indicate this upon check-in every day. If students are not at RAIL first thing in the morning and want hot lunch, they are expected to call the main RAIL phone and inform staff.   Students also have the option of bringing lunches from home.  Refrigeration and microwaves are available. Students are encouraged to label containers.   There are vending machines available in the building with limited snack and beverage options.

Absences:
Students should call the main RAIL phone number (328-4360)to report absences.  While some individuals prefer sending emails to notify teachers of absences, this has caused communication issues when teachers have been absent.  We would prefer students to call in their own absences or tardies, as opposed to parents doing this for them as this is a work skill they will need to develop for life

Social Expectations:

RAIL is focused on teaching skills related to adult life in home, work and community settings.  Behavior is expected to be acceptable at work settings. This may differ from a high school cafeteria where noise levels are higher.  Social interactions are expected to be appropriate,respecting personal boundaries.  

 Electronic devises(i.e. audio MP3 players, cell phones) are not to be used during class times.  Cell phones can be used during class, for class related work, if approved in advance by instructor.  On community outings, cellphones are to only be used for communication with RAIL, as these outings are part of the learning experience.   

Computer Usage:
The computers at RAIL are to be used for school purposes only. 

Lockers:
Are available for students to keep belongings safe.  Some sharing of lockers will be necessary, as locker availability is limited.  Locks should be used on lockers, with students providing case managers with extra key or combination, to assist when/if problems occur opening lockers or keys forgotten/lost.

Come Prepared!
Each student should bring a personal planner(paper or electronic devise) that contains space to keep track of your schedule of activities and appointments (community trips, food preparation, work and volunteer events, etc.), a place for your personal information (name,address, phone number, computer passwords), and contact information for family/support people. 

Students are required to supply their own pencils and pens and bring them to class daily.

Students also keep a “to do” or “reminder” list. Some have found small notebooks that fit in their planners to be helpful.Some students have used note taking applications on their electronic devices. 

We look forward to helping you prepare for adult life!