Rochester Academy for Independent Living
Contact Us
RAIL @ Friedell
1200 South Broadway
Rochester, MN 55904
Student Hours
8:20 a.m. -2:20 p.m. M-Th
8:20-11:20 a.m. Friday
School Office Hours
7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. M-F
Grades/Ages
Ages 18-21
Assistant Principal
Molly Murphy | Email
Phone Number
507-328-5650
RAIL follows the Rochester Public Schools calendar.
Information about RAIL
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 two-weeks notice to take a day off of work, as with any job.
Transportation
Some RAIL students use public transportation instead of school buses. Other students will continue to be transported via school buses or vans. RAIL will provide bus tickets for public transportation on 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 be responsible for a monthly bus ticket, talk to your case manager about receiving a 10-punch bus ticket instead of a monthly bus ticket.
Some students use ZIPS dial-a-ride service. You must apply for this service through ZIPS dial-a-ride service website.
Absences
Students that are working in the community and/or doing internships to seek competitive employment, should call the RAIL attendance line (507) 328-5660 to report absences from school. 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.
Come Prepared
Each student should bring a personal planner (paper or electronic device) 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 or support people.
Students are required to supply their own pencils, pens, and notebooks (2-3 is sufficient). Bring them to class daily.
Attire
RAIL is designed to prepare students for 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, possibly, 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. Students also have the option of bringing lunch from home. Refrigeration and microwaves are available. Students are encouraged to label containers. There is also a Pepsi vending machine in the building. Breakfast will be free of charge to all students daily.
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 devices (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.
Lockers
Lockers are available for students to keep belongings safe. Based on the student's needs, some lockers will have combination locks and some lockers will have keys.
Looking for more information?
If you are still looking for more information about RAIL, looking for a tour, or how to get connected, Please contact, Molly Murphy, by phone 507-328-5650 or by email.