In the last few weeks there have been several national stories detailing crimes committed by teens. When stories like these occur, people start to ask what can we do to avoid this from happening again. Editorials across the country ask what we as a society can do to reach these teens before they commit these criminal acts. They also consider what role the educational system can play in helping these students avoid those decisions that led to such acts. With this in mind, I feel now is a good time to discuss several positive programs that are currently being utilized locally.
Aptos High School has rolled out a variety of programs to help students reach their full potential. These programs range from diversion programs, which are intended to keep kids from making the same mistakes repeatedly, to what is called “Trauma Informed Schools” that reaches out to students who may be facing a difficult situation. Study after study shows that students which are drug and alcohol free and are well adjusted will have improved attendance and academic performance. These programs are made to do just that.
In past years, if a student were found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on campus they would be suspended from school for about a week. The concern was that during that time away from school, the student would continue to abuse the substances that got them in trouble in the first place. Then when the suspension was over and the student came back to school, he or she would often repeat the same mistakes that got him or her in trouble in the first place. Eventually this downward spiral would often lead to expulsion from district schools for the student.
The Suspension Diversion program was rolled out last year at Aptos High. This program is meant to address what happens to a student when they are suspended, in particular when that suspension is due to being under the influence. To address this situation, Aptos High came up with the Suspension Diversion Program. Now parents of students who are found under the influence can opt to have their child enroll in this program for one week instead of a traditional suspension from school.
During this time an In House Suspension student reports to school every day and works with guidance counselors, social-emotional counselors and juvenile probation officers all in an effort to get to the root of his or her problem and address any issues that may unfold. The student also works on goal setting strategies for the school year, building his or her social skills and making better decisions. Once the In House Suspension week is over and the student is allowed back into the classroom, the student is required to attend several more counseling sessions to ensure that he or she has the tools to keep out of further trouble.
This program was put into place last year and has had great success at helping students in need. Last year every parent of a student found under the influence on campus last school year chose this “In House” suspension over a more traditional approach. Since its implementation last year, there has not been a single repeat offender and not one student was expelled from Aptos High for being under the influence.
A second program being introduced at Aptos High is called the “Trauma Informed School.” It should come as no surprise that a student facing severe difficulties in his or her life will also face difficulties in the classroom. This trauma can range from a family situation not in the best interest of children in the household such as parental separation or divorce, and emotional, physical or sexual abuse. It also includes such situations as a death in the family, a family member or even the student having a terminal illness. These kinds of issues follow the student and affect his or her educational experience and often that of other students in contact with him or her.
To address these issues the Trauma Informed care facility provides professional development and understanding mechanisms to faculty in order to help them assist students facing such issues. This Trauma Informed care facility also assists the faculty in creating interventions for students that are effective and helping students to not feel ostracized alienated. This program has been found to be effective in dealing with such issues as eating disorders, gang affiliations, and suicidal feeling. The Trauma Informed School program will help faculty members recognize and reach students in difficulty to get them the help they need before they harm themselves or someone else.
Another program that I have written about is Canine on Campus. This program places a dog on campus unannounced to smell out classrooms and lockers for illegal substances. This program, meant as a deterrent, was tried out at several high school and middle schools across the district last school year. I am glad to say that no students were found to be in possession of any illegal substances on campus when the program was tried. This program has been such a success as a deterrent, that the program will be expanded to more schools this academic year. Due to its success and the positive reaction by community members, students and school administrators I intend to have the school board vote to make this a permanent part of the way we do business at PVUSD. As I have said, illegal substances do not have a place at PVUSD and this program will help to make sure this is the case.
In looking at these three programs, Aptos High is not simply enforcing policies and then ignoring the student’s needs or the root of the problem. Instead, the faculty and administration at Aptos High is actively looking for ways to help students before they make poor decisions they will regret. By deterring the presence of illegal substances on the school campus, by helping students who have used illegal substances to not repeat, and by recognizing and reaching out to those kids in need, Aptos High is working to address the needs of every student. This will help make everyday a great day to be a Mariner.