Serendipity wants to answer any questions you have. Please reference the F.A.Q. below and feel free to contact us anytime with your questions. The main phone number is 503.761.7139 or you can use the Contact Us Page to reach Serendipity.
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What is Serendipity Center?
What is a therapeutic school?
What is Serendipity‘s mission?
What is Serendipity’s model?
Is Serendipity accredited?
What geographic area does Serendipity serve?
How is Serendipity staffed?
How large is Serendipity’s school program?
Where is Serendipity located?
What children attend Serendipity?
Serendipity averaged the demographic profile of our student population over the past five years. Below are the averaged descriptors:
What are the reasons school districts refer students to Serendipity?
Included in every district referral is a list of concerns the district holds for a child. We averaged this list of concerns at the time of intake for students in our program over the past five years. Below are the reasons:
What is Re-Education?
RE-Education, Serendipity’s guiding philosophy, is founded on the belief that children can be taught to manage their behavior. This unique framework focuses on the strengths inherent in each student and employs a variety of approaches in order to solve problems. Developed by Dr. Nicholas Hobbs, the twelve principles of RE-Ed define and guide our educational, treatment, transition, and wellness services. For example:
How does Serendipity bring a trauma-informed approach to school?
Serendipity serves many students with histories of traumatic life experiences. We recognize the potential impacts of trauma on the development, learning, and response to treatment in our students. We understand that the purpose of Trauma Informed Care is to promote resiliency, health, and wellness for those who have experienced trauma and to create an integrated standard of care in addressing the impact of trauma. Delivering care that is trauma informed requires a mindset that permeates all practices. Our goal is for students’ full experience at Serendipity to be one that is congruent with and respectful of their backgrounds and identities. Below are specific adopted practices that support these efforts:
What is the average of length of stay for students at Serendipity?
Lengths of stay in Serendipity’s therapeutic school vary widely and are influenced by a myriad of factors beyond student progress. Average length of stay is between three and four years.
How does Serendipity define success?
Success at Serendipity occurs when students take steps, first with extensive support and eventually with independence, to reduce their previous obstacles to learning and participating as members of a community. Success is continuous improvement, at whatever pace and with whatever strategies work for each student. Over time, success may be a return to a less-restrictive program, achieving a diploma, and/or possessing the skills and coping strategies to enter the workforce.
Why are private alternative schools important?
Serendipity is often asked why private therapeutic schools are necessary in a state and a time in which inclusion is prioritized. Our answer is that we support inclusive education. We support the efforts of our districts to serve as many students as possible within the public schools. We also know that no school has the capacity to serve all students. We know that mental health issues, particularly those involving aggression, pose threats to our schools and other institutions. Full inclusion, in our opinion, is not a one size fits all school. It is a thoughtfully developed continuum of options so that all children can be included in learning communities that meet their needs.
Why are private alternative schools important?
Serendipity is often asked why private therapeutic schools are necessary in a state and a time in which inclusion is prioritized. Our answer is that we support inclusive education. We support the efforts of our districts to serve as many students as possible within the public schools. We also know that no school has the capacity to serve all students. We know that mental health issues, particularly those involving aggression, pose threats to our schools and other institutions. Full inclusion, in our opinion, is not a one size fits all school. It is a thoughtfully developed continuum of options so that all children can be included in learning communities that meet their needs.
How can I help?
There are community members who, once aware of Serendipity’s work, are interested in supporting the children who attend. Unfortunately, volunteering in Serendipity’s classrooms is no longer a practical option. Our students need such a high level of predictability and consistency that volunteers can be de-stabilizing. We absolutely need volunteers to assist with our therapeutic garden. We need volunteers interested in committee or board service. We need volunteers who believe and advocate with others that students who cannot be in public school due to behavioral health considerations deserve the same educational opportunities as other children.
What is Ukeru?
Ukeru is a trauma-informed, restraint-free crisis management system that helps our staff create an environment of trust and de-escalation while ensuring safety for all. Ukeru focuses on both conceptual training and physical techniques that offer a safe, non-restrictive alternative to traditional crisis management strategies. All staff members receive comprehensive training in Ukeru, including:
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How do I get my child enrolled in your program?
How long will my child be in your program?
What supplies should I send to school with my student?
Is there a cost to the parent?
How will my child get to and from school every day?
Can my child have his/her medication administered during the school day?
How are school meals handled?
How does Serendipity communicate with families?
What happens in Family-Teacher conferences?
What happens at Family Open House Events?
How will I be informed of school closures for inclement weather or other reasons?
How are the results of the annual parent/guardian survey used?
How are concerns and complaints handled?
Why does Serendipity need to collect demographic information?
When may the 24-hour support line be used?
Will my student have homework?
Why does student confidentiality have to apply to disciplinary incidents?
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What is Serendipity’s process for referring students?
How does Serendipity facilitate admissions?
How are district contracts handled at Serendipity?
Beginning with the contract for school year 2022-2023, annual contracts between districts and Serendipity will cover the school year and that year’s ESY. This does not commit the district to funding ESY placements since those decisions are made by IEP teams. Contracts are sent in the spring for the next school year. Tuition rates for the upcoming year, as well as any changes or additions to previous agreements, are included.
What communication can districts expect from Serendipity?
Following a student’s entrance into Serendipity’s therapeutic school program, the Special Education Coordinator managing that student becomes the primary point of contact for the school district. The annual IEP and any additional reviews, including reviews of placement, are facilitated by the Special Education Coordinator. All incident reports and documentation of physical management are sent to the district via email. Grades and Quarterly Progress Reports are sent quarterly, at the same time these are provided to families. Transcripts are sent twice yearly, at the conclusion of both semesters.
How is discharge criteria established and length of stay monitored?
Discharge criteria is expected from the referring district at the time of referral. District representatives are encouraged to consider the criteria they believe is appropriate to be met before initiating planning for discharge. Progress towards discharge criteria, when it is provided, is reviewed in IEP meetings. Discharge criteria can also be amended if necessary. For many students, the discussion of transition and the discharge criteria needed to successfully prepare are identified by the IEP team once initial progress is demonstrated on IEP goals.
How is attendance reported to districts?
Detailed attendance for each student is submitted to districts with monthly tuition invoices.
How is progress tracking accomplished at Serendipity?
Classroom teams document performance on IEP goals either daily, weekly, or quarterly, depending on the nature of the goal. A software system is used which produces summary reports for districts and parents/guardians.
What role does Serendipity fill in IEP development?
A review of the current IEP is included in the intake screening, to be certain the goals and objectives as written can be implemented at Serendipity. Approximately six weeks following entrance into the program, another IEP review is scheduled. Revisions are made to align goals and objectives with current observations at Serendipity. A draft IEP will be presented at annual meetings and finalized with input expressed by families and district representatives. While Serendipity employs its own Speech/Language pathologists who prepares goals for annual IEPs, the school does not employ or contract with an Occupational Therapist or a Physical Therapist. Eligible students receive these services through providers arranged by the school district. IEP goals and objectives in these areas are the responsibility of the district contracted providers. Similarly, during the three-year re-evaluation process, districts are responsible for arranging the engagement of a school psychologist, if needed.
What is the process for evaluating eligibility for ESY?
Classroom teachers document recoupment data following time away from school for summer, winter, and spring breaks. This data is compiled and presented to school district representatives for analysis and potential approval in May.
What is the purpose for the required supplemental Information at time of referral?
As a Special Education School of Excellence, Serendipity is accountable for supporting students in making progress. We have deep interest in understanding the areas in which our students make progress and which students experience greater success than others. At the time of referral, districts are asked to share sufficient information as to establish baseline rates of incidents for students. For example, the number of prior placements, number of suspensions year-to-date, and rate of attendance prior to placement at Serendipity are vitally important if we are to produce outcome data targeted at specific areas of improvement. We understand this information may not be readily available, and we appreciate the efforts that go into obtaining it.
Does Serendipity maintain a waiting list?
At times, Serendipity must maintain a waiting list for specific classrooms. Allowing a classroom to become too large or to attempt to integrate several new students too quickly compromises the stability of all students in that classroom. Serendipity updates districts frequently as to movement on the waiting list when one is necessary.
How does Serendipity’s MTSS model impact placement?
When a student is referred to the Tier III level of support, it is an acknowledgement that universal and enhanced supports have been insufficient to help that student make progress. Serendipity believes that all students can be supported to make progress. Sometimes as part of Tier III intervention planning, IEP teams are engaged to consider additional services, such as a temporarily shortened school day and or the addition of Continuous Support at school. If the Tier III supports fail to help the student make progress, then Serendipity may communicate to the IEP team that a different setting may be more beneficial for that student to make progress.
Will Serendipity offer support in resolving issues occurring on transportation?
Behavioral conflicts and escalations do occur on school buses and do negatively impact the school experience for all students and drivers involved. Serendipity does not contract with districts to place staff members on buses as aides. Since all classroom teams hold continuous improvement team meetings daily after school, we have found it is imperative for all team members to attend and participate. There are many other supports, however, that can be provided. Serendipity staff members will meet with bus drivers who have experienced an incident, often viewing camera footage and seeking to understand the full situation that occurred. Serendipity staff will coach with students, facilitating problem-solving sessions and identifying ways to make amends. Serendipity has provided fidgets and discmans as distractions during bus rides. Serendipity has trained individual drivers and entire transportation departments on strategies for verbal de-escalation. Serendipity is not able to provide CPI training that leads to certification to any employees other than Serendipity’s. Serendipity employees do not respond on site to crises mid-ride. District responders or 911 would need to be activated.
How is compliance achieved with the required annual district evaluations?
It is a requirement that school districts conduct an annual site evaluation for private alternative programs with which they contract. Serendipity must submit evidence of successful completion of these evaluations with our annual application to renew registration as a public alternative program. Historically, representatives from the counties of our referring school districts have been elected to conduct the site evaluations and share results with other districts in that county. District evaluations are ideally scheduled for February or March each year. For Washington State districts, Serendipity maintains its status as an approved nonpublic agency through submission of an annual review and completion of a site evaluation every three years.
Is Serendipity available for any staff training or presentations?
Prior to closures related to COVID-19, Serendipity was actively exploring with districts their interest in training or coaching by Serendipity staff. Serendipity hosted an Open House for districts, in which subjects such as our adapted MTSS program, our Coaching Model, and our Mindfulness program were presented. Several districts have arranged for trainings for transportation staff on de-escalation techniques. Please contact Serendipity’s Director of Education and Compliance with any questions or requests.
How are requests for individually assigned Instructional Assistants managed?
Some students require continuous support in order to maintain safety and make progress on their goals. Some are referred to Serendipity with this need already identified in previous placements. For others, as part of Serendipity’s comprehensive admissions process, the referring district and Serendipity identify this service as a way to increase a student’s likelihood of success in Serendipity’s program. Some enrolled students may demonstrate the need for continuous support for a period of time in order to resume progress on their goals. When a student is receiving continuous support, the Tier I supervisor, the teacher, and the classroom team review and monitor student progress and data, focusing on safety, time spent out of class that requires additional supervision, and the student’s level of independence. When the internal team feels that the student’s data indicates that they have gained the skills needed to step down from this support, an IEP review meeting is scheduled to discuss making this change. If the team agrees, the IEP is amended to remove the support.
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Is Serendipity Center a recognized charity?
How do I donate to Serendipity?
Most donors use the Donate Now page on Serendipity’s website. The secure portal allows donors to make donations and choose the fund they wish to support. (click here to see Serendipity’s online donation page). Donations may also be mailed to PO Box 33350 Portland, OR 97292 Attention: Development Office. There are many other ways to give, including:
Please contact Director of Development Rachel Gitner (rachelg@serendipitycenter.org) with questions about how to make your impact at Serendipity Center.
Does Serendipity Center have an endowment?
One of Serendipity Center’s long-range goals is to create a permanent endowed fund. The purpose of such a fund would be to provide sustained financial support for the school. If you are interested in changing the trajectory of our school by helping us create our first endowed fund, please contact Director of Development Rachel Gitner at rachelg@serendipitycenter.org or 971-230-7260.
For what purposes does Serendipity raise money?
While tuition paid by referring public school districts cover basic educational costs, the private investment from businesses, foundations and individuals who share our belief that all children deserve a chance to thrive fund the supplemental services within each pillar. The Four Pillar Fund covers costs of innovative and therapeutic interventions that go beyond basic special education. Gifts to the Four Pillar Fund are applied where they are most needed at the time of year they are received. Examples of the services funded by Four Pillar donations are below:
Education Pillar
Mental Health Pillar
Transition Pillar
Wellness Pillar
Who donates to Serendipity Center?
Serendipity has a diverse donor base. Most of the region’s large private foundations have a funding relationship with Serendipity. Many corporations with a philanthropic program enjoy supporting children’s programs, and particularly children as challenged as those who attend Serendipity. Board members each make an annual gift, as do individuals in the community who believe in the mission of the school. (click here to see a complete list of last year’s contributors)
Does Serendipity have a scholarship fund?
Yes. Named after a transformative board leader who deeply loved Serendipity, the Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund accepts applications throughout the school year. The purpose of the fund is to advance “next steps” in the lives of Serendipity Students. Next steps can include any pursuit in which skills acquired at Serendipity are transferred to other settings. Students may apply for assistance in covering costs to take a class, join a sport, pursue a hobby, or own a laptop necessary for future learning and job searches. When Serendipity middle school and high school students need support to continue their personal growth and learning in the community, they can find that assistance from the Stephen Carter Scholarship Fund. (click here to learn more about Stephen Carter and the scholarship opportunities)
How will I know if my gift made a difference?
Each year Serendipity reports back to our donors on the measurable impacts achieved at the conclusion of an annual campaign. Our Impact Report shares accomplishments in the areas of student progress directly related to the reasons districts placed children in our care. Impact Reports are mailed electronically, usually via email. The report is included in Serendipity’s annual report, which is posted on Serendipity’s website (click here to access the annual reports for the last three school years).
Does Serendipity accept matching gifts?
Yes. Serendipity honors each organization’s matching gift policies while optimizing matching opportunities as fully as possible. Unless explicitly prohibited by the matching organization, these funds will be allocated to the same purpose as the individual donor’s gift.
How are gifts to Serendipity acknowledged?
All gifts to Serendipity will receive acknowledgement from the Serendipity Development team within one week of receipt of the gift, if possible. An acknowledgement letter including a formal tax receipt for cash donations will be sent to each donor upon acceptance of a gift.
How are gifts to Serendipity recognized externally?
The Annual Report is Serendipity’s main recognition tool. All donors, regardless of size of gift, will be recognized in Serendipity Annual Report published in the month’s following the close of a fiscal year on June 30th. All donors are also recognized on Serendipity’s website and on the bulletin board in the entry to the school building for the entire next school year. (click here to see all donors that contributed to last year’s Four Pillar Fund.) Other named recognition opportunities are available throughout the school campus. Please contact Rachel Gitner at rachelg@serendipitycenter.org or 971-230-7260 for more information.
May I make my donation anonymous?
Requests for donor anonymity will be honored, and donors who wish to remain anonymous may do so with every confidence.
Are the details of my gift confidential?
Yes. Names of donors are shared as described above. Serendipity believes in approaching fundraising with the same commitment to belonging that we bring to our educational practices. All gifts, regardless of size, are treated in the same manner. Files, records, and mailing lists regarding all donors and donor prospects are maintained and controlled by Serendipity Development staff. Names of donors will not be provided by Serendipity to other organizations, nor will any lists be sold or given to other organizations.
How does Serendipity handle restrictions on gifts?
Serendipity will accept unrestricted gifts and gifts for specific programs and purposes, provided that such gifts are not inconsistent with its stated mission, purposes and priorities. Serendipity reserves the right not to accept any gifts that are too restrictive in purpose. Gifts that are too restrictive include gifts that violate the terms of Serendipity’s governing documents, gifts that may be too difficult or costly to administer, or gifts that are for purposes inconsistent with or outside of the scope of the mission of Serendipity. The Executive Director, in consultation with the Development Director, shall have the independent authority to decline proposed cash gifts that are too restrictive in purpose.
Are there gifts Serendipity is not able to accept?
Serendipity reserves the right to refuse any gift that is not consistent with its mission. The following gifts will not be accepted by Serendipity:
We always appreciate learning about your charitable intentions to Serendipity Center. If we cannot accept your gift, we may refer you to larger foundation that may be able to accept your gift on our behalf.
Are there ways to give special designations to gifts, such as in tribute or memorial to someone?
Memorial and honorary gifts are encouraged by Serendipity as generous and thoughtful ways to recognize people’s lives and accomplishments
As a donor to Serendipity, what can I expect?
Serendipity endorses the Donor Bill of Rights created by the Association of Fundraising
Professionals, the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, the Council for Support and
Advancement of Education, and the Giving Institute. Donors to Serendipity can expect the following:
To provide the best environment for students to heal and become educated, productive community members.
