Orientation Packet

G - SHARP
SUSPENSION PROGRAM

A resource program for students suspended from

Montgomery County Public Schools
(Grades 8 through 12)

KEEPING STUDENTS UP
WHILE THEYRE OUT!

G SHARP
205 South Summit Avenue
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
301-947-2784
Doug Henley, Program Director
Eileen Shea, Executive Director
G SHARP is an independent suspension program under the direction of
Youth Suspension Opportunities, Inc. (YSO) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization
Public transportation is available via Ride-On Bus Route 55.

G-SHARP Program
Parent/Guardian Information

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s):
Having a child suspended from school presents problems for both families and students. Lack of
supervision during suspension, falling behind in schoolwork, and concern about the behaviors
that led to the suspension are just some of the issues that arise.
The G-SHARP Suspension Program is an alternative to at-home suspension. This is a voluntary
program dedicated to helping you and your child with these issues. At GSHARP, we will
provide:

A safe, structured environment where your child can continue with his or her
schoolwork while out on suspension. Your childs school will provide the
assignments. We will monitor his/her progress on those assignments.

Volunteer tutors and mentors from the community, under the supervision of a
professional Director, are committed to the well being and academic growth of the
children in our program.

Group activities and discussions that address some of the underlying causes of
suspension. These activities include building social skills, violence prevention,
decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, goal development and self-esteem.

Alternative learning activities, such as math and language arts skill building, study
and organizational skill development, SAT preparation, group discussions of short
stories, and tutoring for specific academic needs.

Support for parents in the form of optional assessments and referrals to resources
outside of school.

School re-entry support and follow-up with your childs home school once the
suspension has been served, ensuring a smooth transition back to school.

Referral: Although school administrators may refer students to GSHARP, participation in the
program is voluntary. If you agree to allow your child to participate in the program, you and the
student must agree to abide by program rules and requirements. Referral to the program is not an
automatic acceptance of your child into the program. Students are accepted on a case-by-case
basis; other factors, such as the number of students already in the program, might impact your
childs admittance.
Intake: You must accompany your child to GSHARP for the intake and orientation session.
Intakes are by appointment beginning at 8:15 a.m. and take approximately 20 minutes. For your
appointment please contact Doug Henley, Program Director at 301-947-2784.

G-SHARP SUSPENSION PROGRAM

Schedule: Your child is required to arrive at GSHARP Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. and
stay until 2:00 p.m. during his/her suspension.

We are not open MCPS holidays and other MCPS closings.

When MCPS open late or close early and K-12 half-days, GSHARP will do the
same. Please listen to your local radio/TV stations for updates.

Absences, Tardiness & Early Releases: Parents or guardians must notify GSHARP of an
excused absence or a delay in arrival before 8:30 a.m. by calling 301-947-2784. Unexcused
absence may result in a students removal from the program.
Your child will be free to leave the premises of GSHARP at 2:00 p.m. Early release of a
student will be allowed only with written permission from the parent/guardian or when picked
up by a parent/guardian or previously identified adult.
If for some reason your child wants to leave early on his/her own accord, we will not attempt to
detain him/her. We will encourage the student to stay until 2:00 p.m. Every attempt will be
made to contact the parent/guardian prior to the student leaving and let him/her speak with the
parent/guardian. If your child decides to leave, even after we have made attempts to contact you
or do indeed contact you, G-SHARP will not be responsible for his/her well-being once they
have left the site. Therefore, there should be a reasonable expectation that your child will remain
with the program for the entire day: It is essential that GSHARP is provided with your current
and accurate point-of-contact information.
Early Termination: We reserve the right to release a student from the GSHARP program if
we believe the safety and well being of others is at stake due to the students behavior. Refusing
to work, not following rules, or any breach of the students behavioral contract with GSHARP
may result in early release. The parent or guardian will be contacted before the student is
released. The school will be informed of this decision.
Participation: Your child will sign a contract in order to be admitted to GSHARP.
We require from your child a commitment to:

Participate in all daily activities

Dress appropriately, in accordance with the schools dress code
Treat staff, volunteers, and other students with respect
Leave electronic equipment, e.g., cell phones, must be turned off and stored with the
Director upon arrival each day, and will be returned at the end of the day.

Drug Policy: Absolutely no tobacco products, alcohol, drug paraphernalia or other drugs are
allowed on GSHARP premises. We reserve the right to follow MCPS policy with regard to
search and seizure.
Weapon Policy: Absolutely no weapons are allowed on G-SHARP premises. We reserve the
right to follow MCPS policy with regard to search and seizure.
Daily Supplies: For each day of suspension served at GSHARP, your child should bring all
necessary schoolbooks and supplies needed to complete assigned work, such as books, computer
disks, etc. Personal computers are available for students to complete assignments at GSHARP.

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G-SHARP SUSPENSION PROGRAM

Meals: Lunch will be available for all students from MCPS (free and reduced price lunch status
applies). Reduced and full pay students will need to bring money to cover the cost. All students
are permitted to bring their own lunch if they prefer. Some snack foods and sodas may be
available for purchase. A refrigerator and microwave oven are available. (Please let us know if
your child has any food allergies or special dietary requirements.).
Medical/Emergency: Any medical needs of your child are your sole responsibility and not the
responsibility of the GSHARP program. In the event of a medical emergency, and with your
written permission, we will administer appropriate first aid and/or call an ambulance and notify
you immediately.
Referral from GSHARP: Our program provides a safe, structured environment and focuses on
academics, thought process and decision-making. If students and/or their parent/guardian need
additional counseling or other support than the services we provide, then the student/family will
be referred to a community agency for further assistance.
Volunteers: Except for the Directors, all other staff members are volunteers. These community
members are the heart-and-soul of the G-SHARP program. Our volunteers are caring persons
with diverse backgrounds and experiences. To become a volunteer they must complete an
application process that includes an interview, criminal background check, fingerprinting,
reference check and orientation. All volunteers undergo in-service training and are supervised by
the Director. Many are retired and have a wealth of knowledge, experience and special skills to
offer the students.
*

We hope that your childs time at GSHARP will be productive and helpful. Please let us
know how else we may be of assistance to you.
Sincerely,

Doug Henley
Program Director
GSHARP Suspension Program

Eileen Shea
Executive Director
Youth Suspension Opportunities, Inc.

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G-SHARP SUSPENSION PROGRAM

G-SHARP
Student Contract
(To be completed by the Student)

I have read and discussed the information about the GSHARP program with my
parents/guardians and school administrators. I agree to abide by the expectations of the
G-SHARP program. I understand that those expectations are (please initial each line):
___ I will follow the instructions of the GSHARP staff.
___ I will bring all necessary work materials and homework assignments to the program.
___ I will eat only at the regularly scheduled times.
___ I will dress in accordance with the dress code of my school.
___ I will be courteous and respectful to the director, volunteers, visitors, and other
students. I understand that this includes refraining from using profane language.
___ I will participate in all scheduled tutoring sessions in an appropriate way. I will not
have personal discussions with other students during tutoring sessions; nor will I
sleep. If I do not have regularly assigned work, I will work with a tutor on general
academics, skill-building or engage in other appropriate activities such as reading or
journal writing.
___ I will not chew gum.
___ I understand that I must turn off and store with the director any electronic
equipment, such as, cell phones, CD players or Ipods.
___ I understand that cigarettes, alcohol, other drugs or drug paraphernalia are prohibited
on the premises.
___ I understand that weapons are prohibited on the premises.
___ I understand that if I choose to leave the program at any time before the end of the
day I may not be allowed back in for the remainder of my suspension.
___ I understand that the GSHARP director and volunteers will treat me with
courtesy and respect. Furthermore, I understand that my conversations with
staff and volunteers are confidential unless I indicate that I am a danger to myself or
others or if I report that I have been sexually or physically abused in the past or at
the present time and it has never been reported.
___ I will remain within Ascension House until officially excused at the end of the
day or unless I am accompanied by a program volunteer when leaving the premises.
___ I will not deface G-SHARP property or property of Ascension House.
___ I understand that disruptive behavior is grounds for removal from the program. If
this behavior is repeated, I may be asked to leave the program.

____________________________________ _________________________________
Students signature
Parents signature
_____________
Date

11/22/15