The new R.I.S.E (Recovery, Support, Intervention, and Enrichment) program offered by the Amphitheater School District was created to support students in recovering the credits that they need to graduate.

In a recent interview, with IQ staff, Amy Davidson, the Counseling Department Chair, says, “Mr. Munger actually brought the idea up (R.I.S.E) and discussed it with a couple of people here before taking it to district-level administration. It’s now being implemented at all three high schools in the district.”

This program is meant to help the students who failed a semester or year of a core course during the Fall of the 2020 semester. Online learning credit recovery opportunities are offered for students who are interested in recovering their academic credit. Stephanie Johnson, formally known as Stephanie Levy, another counselor at Ironwood Ridge, said, “Students can do multiple subjects. They are able to make up credit for a maximum of 2 semesters; however, each semester may be in a different core content area.”

The R.I.S.E courses are facilitated by highly qualified teachers using the Amphitheaters Edgenuity program (internet-based learning with access to State-standards-based content, materials, activities, and assessments), which incorporates support, progress monitoring, and guidance.

“An average day will be a little different for each student, but everyone will check-in at the beginning of the session just like students do now for school, and then head to their teacher’s classroom. Students will be working on the Edgenuity online platform and can proceed at their own pace. The teacher is there to answer questions and help students understand the material so that they can pass the class,” Davidson explained.

Amphitheaters R.I.S.E program will happen two times a week on Wednesdays from 4:00-7:00 p.m and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m- 2:00 p.m. The program runs from March 3rd to May 1st of 2021. All the coursework done in this program must be completed no later than May 1st, 2021. Students who happen to miss two learning sessions will be dismissed from the program and awarded with no credit. Each class has between 10 and 15 students so that teachers can work one-on-one with anyone who needs it.

Davidson stated, “The district does have a grade replacement policy that lets students retake a class for a better grade and replace the first one if they fill out the paperwork with our registrar. R.I.S.E. classes will function the same way.”

During the time when students are learning, students will complete their chosen course using a laptop or desktop computer on campus. On-campus there will still be proper guidelines, they will continue to follow all mitigation and safety protocols enforced during the traditional school day and week. Students will be required to wear a mask at all times.

“The program will continue if/when we return in person. Although students are completing the courses in addition to their regular school day, the times do not conflict since they meet when normal school days are not in session,” says Johnson.

Amphitheater Food Services will also provide grab-n-go meals to support the students who come on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Amphitheater Transportation department will also provide transportation, to or from school. (Please note: Routes will use the Activity Bus routes followed during the week.)

If you are interested in this program and want to enroll in the R.I.S.E. program, you must make an appointment with your high school counselor and complete an enrollment form.

Click here for the contact information of the counselors.