1 of 2

Unlocking

Potential

ESU 7 Learning Academy is a level three academic and behavioral school supporting students in special education based on their individual needs and the IEP team decision.

The Learning Academy supports students who struggle with academic, behavioral, social, and emotional skills and serves students aged 5 - 21. The Learning Academy serves 19 school districts from 7 counties (Boone, Butler, Colfax, Merrick, Nance, Platte, and Polk)

Contact Information:

ESU 7 Special Education

Director

Tamra Clay

402-564-0815 ext. 1018

tclay@esu7.org

ESU 7 Student Services

Principal

Cara Neesen

402-564-0815 ext. 1008

cneesen@esu7.org

Learning Academy

Teacher

Anne Baptiste

402-564-0815 ext. 1043

abaptiste@esu7.org

Learning Academy

Teacher

Brooke Hemmer

402-564-0815 ext. 1012

bhemmer@esu7.org

Learning Academy

Teacher

Lee Rasmussen

402-564-0815 ext. 1041

lchurch@esu7.org

Mental Health �Practitioner

Sonya Sukup

402-564-0815 ext. 1044

rjackson@esu7.org

Board Certified

Behavior Analyst

Brandy Rose

402-564-0815 ext. 1029

brose@esu7.org

Address:

ESU7 Learning Academy

2567 44th Ave.

Columbus, NE 68601

402-564-0815

Referral Process

2 of 2

VISION

ESU 7 Learning Academy will support students in unlocking their potential by working collaboratively with all stakeholders and meeting students where they are academically, behaviorally, and socially to build on their strengths.

MISSION

ESU 7 Learning Academy will strive to support students in developing the behavioral and academic skills needed to successfully transition to their home schools and communities as engaged and capable students.

VALUES

These are the ideals the Learning Academy intentionally and relentlessly model, teach, and reinforce.

  • Grace
  • Resilience/Perseverance/Grit
  • Generosity
  • Engagement
  • Compassion
  • Responsibility
  • Gratitude
  • Integrity
  • Vulnerability

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL EDUCATION

Our Social and Emotional Education focuses on 5 competencies

    • Self Awareness
    • Self Management
    • Social Awareness
    • Relationship skills
    • Responsible Decision Making

LEVELED SYSTEM

Students will have individualized advancement plans based on their grade and/or their behavioral needs.

Students all begin at Level 1 and work their way up to Level 4. Level 4 is followed by the transition process back to the school district.

As students advance through the levels they gain privileges and access to additional positive reward activities. Students can move both forward and backward on the levels based on their performance.

learning academy

ESU7

WHAT DOES THE LEARNING ACADEMY OFFER STUDENTS?

  • Individualized behavior plans implemented with fidelity
  • Small class sizes
  • Sensory input throughout the day as needed
  • Staff trained in specialized skills
  • Predictable process and daily schedule
  • Social and emotional education daily
  • Mental Health Services both individual and group on a weekly or biweekly basis based on individual needs
  • School wide positive behavior supports
  • Consultation services weekly for staff and students with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst
  • Environment created to foster positive interventions
  • Individualized academic instruction when needed

Look past the exterior, and see that there is so much more within. Then decide to unleash that potential to the fullest.” ~ Lincoln Patz