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Programs & Services
The SS/HS Initiative
facilitates programs and services to address 5 District goals:
1. Improve the safety of the
school environment
Goal: Increase safety and security in all school buildings
The following programs and services are intended to
improve campus safety, increase security equipment and personnel,
and increase pro-social behaviors.
Anger Management Education:
Waterford Youth Assistance, a
grant partner, conducts six-week long anger management group
sessions to elementary students based on referrals by school
personnel. Sessions consist of identifying anger management
techniques and coping strategies.
Challenge Day:
Challenge Day is an
experiential workshop that takes place at each high school.
Students build connections and empathy with one other, which
inspires compassion and positive change. They learn problem
solving techniques, calming strategies, and gain an understanding
of others’ perspectives. The program is based on the constructs
of Positive Youth Development, as well as key concepts of proven
social network interventions. Positive school climate and
relationships are outcomes. School personnel and the Challenge
Day organization facilitate this annual event.
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
Training (NVCI):
Nonviolent Crisis Intervention
is a behavior management system developed by the Crisis Prevention
Institute to help human service professionals provide for the best
possible care, welfare, safety, and security of disruptive,
assaultive, and out-of-control individuals. Staff members are
trained in this area in order to respond in a safe, non-harmful
way to students exhibiting such behaviors. Trainings are
facilitated by Waterford School District certified NVCI trainers.
Olweus Bullying Prevention
Program:
The Olweus Bullying Prevention
Program is a comprehensive anti-bullying program implemented at
the elementary and middle school levels. Its goals are to reduce
and prevent bullying incidents, and improve peer relationships
among students. Based on a systems perspective, the program is
facilitated via school, classroom, and individual levels in order
to restructure the existing school environment and reduce
opportunities and rewards for bullying. School-wide trainings
occur for staff, as well as the development of a Bullying
Prevention Coordinating Committee at each school. Classroom
meetings occur to reinforce the program’s concepts, and
interventions are provided to students who have been bullied or
exhibited bullying behaviors. Olweus is recognized as a Blueprint
for Violence Prevention and Exemplary Program.
School Safety Coordinators:
School Safety
Coordinators serve as a resource to the elementary and secondary
buildings by providing violence prevention services. They provide
security within schools and during after-school events,
supervision to students on campus, and one-on-one mediation. The
Coordinators maintain the health, safety and welfare of students
and staff, and support individuals during disciplinary actions.
Surveillance Upgrade:
Digital
surveillance equipment will be installed and/or upgraded within
each school bus, as well as card swipe access systems within
elementary school buildings.
2. Prevent the
development of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use
Goal: Reduce ATOD use within the District
The
following programs and services are intended to intervene in the
development of drug and alcohol use and abuse, prevent violence
among students, address tobacco use, and increase positive peer
pressure and character education.
All Stars:
All Stars is a curriculum
provided to sixth grade students by middle school Prevention
Specialists. It is designed to prevent and delay the onset of
various high-risk behaviors, including drug use and violence. The
program also presents protective factors. Prevention Specialists
implement the program within classrooms, consisting of small group
activities, games, art activities, and discussions. All Stars is
recognized as an Evidence-Based Program.
Class Action:
Class
Action is an Evidence-Based classroom curriculum that addresses
substance abuse issues, as well as interventions pertaining to
resistance, decision-making, and peer pressure. Students review
civil cases related to underage drinking, and lead class
discussions and debates on the consequences of substance abuse.
This program incorporates outside speakers and student research to
address social norms and promote leadership skills.
Community Forums:
The
Waterford Coalition for Youth, a grant partner, conducts community
forums throughout the school year to educate students and the
community on ATOD and mental health issues.
Prevention Specialists:
Prevention
Specialists provide individual and group support to students in
each secondary building whom are considered at-risk of mental
health and/or alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) concerns.
They help to support ATOD activities within schools, and provide
students with access to mental health services.
Reconnection Youth:
Reconnecting Youth is a recognized U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services model program that targets youth in grades 9-12 who
are at risk for school dropout and exhibit multiple behavioral
concerns. Curriculum is presented to students in the form of a
class, giving students elective credit for participation. The
program includes information on self-esteem enhancement, decision
making, personal control, and interpersonal communication.
Interventions are provided to address drug involvement, increase
school performance, and decrease emotional distress. Students are
referred to the program by school personnel.
3. Promote healthy
social, behavioral and emotional supports for students
Goal: Support at-risk students to keep them connected to school
The following programs and services address the
social and emotional development of students.
Academic and Character
Education Program (ACE):
The Academic and Character
Education Program is an after-school program offered at all middle
schools, both high schools, and the alternative high school. The
program provides a safe, caring, and supportive environment for
students identified by school staff as at risk of having truancy
issues, poor school performance, or withdrawn from the school
environment. School staff members act as tutors to assist with
homework completion, school preparation and decision making
skills. They also promote the mental health of students and build
connections between students and schools through activities.
Students also visit Oakland University, where they engage in
individual and small group instruction through exclusive
University activities and mentoring opportunities. The ACE
Program has been highlighted as the third place recipient for the
Oakland Press/Oakland Schools Excellence in Education award in
2010.
View the
2010 Excellence in Education recognition.
Incredible Years Program:
Incredible Years is an
evidence-based program that initiates parent training and child
social skills training. It is proven to be effective in reducing
children’s aggression, behavior problems, and increasing social
competence at home and school. Catholic Social Services, a grant
partner, conducts the training over a twelve-week period at
elementary schools. Two to five classes occur each year,
including one Spanish speaking session. Elementary aged students
and their families are able to participate, and may complete a
participation form located within each elementary school.
Juvenile Justice Liaison:
The Juvenile
Justice Liaison works to transition adjudicated youth back into
community schools. The Liaison acts as a link between Waterford
Schools and the Oakland County Circuit Court by providing an
additional layer of resources and support for students, families,
and staff.
4. Provide
additional mental health awareness and services
Goal: Improve students’ mental health through increased access to
services
The
following programs and services support enhanced integration,
coordination, and resource sharing among education, mental health,
and social service providers.
Counseling Connections Center
(CCC):
The Counseling Connections Center (CCC) is a
school-based mental health service that provides free services to
students regardless of their need or income status. The CCC
serves Waterford children and adolescents in grades preK-12, with
an emphasis on elementary students. It is staffed by one
Therapist and one Case Manager, and provides individual treatment
plans, individual and/or family and group therapy sessions,
coordinates referrals to outside agencies, and assists school
staff in early identification of mental health issues.
Visit the
Counseling Connections
Center website
Mental Health Awareness
Training:
Waterford School District staff
is provided with information on mental health issues by school
mental health professionals in order to better recognize and
understand such concerns. This awareness helps to facilitate the
District’s referral process to mental health services.
5. Provide early childhood social and emotional
learning programs
Goal: Improve early childhood psychosocial and emotional
development
The
following programs and services provide support to families with
young children who are not yet enrolled in school.
First Families Program:
The First Families Program,
which services families with children birth-3 years old, is
expanded to service families who qualify for support based on an
income level within the 200% poverty level, have children
certified with a disability, or have children who are considered
at risk for learning. Families meet for weekly, playgroup
sessions to learn about child development, nutrition, and assist
with additional services that families may need. Tuition payment
for participation is available to families who are recognized as
being within the 200% poverty level.
Head Start Outreach Program:
The Head Start Outreach Program
services students who are eligible for the Head Start Program, but
are unable to participate due to the shortage of federally
allotted spaces in the program. Head Start Outreach delivers
early education services, including home visits on a weekly basis,
parent education, assessment of children’s developmental needs,
and referrals to community agencies. The program takes place at
the Stepanski Early Childhood Center, and prepares children and
parents for school activities and expectations.
Hispanic Pre-school Program:
The Stepanski Early Childhood
Center has expanded the Hispanic Preschool Program to include an
additional pre-school teacher, provided by the Hispanic Outreach
Program of Catholic Social Services (a grant partner). Parents
are provided with parenting programs focusing on child
development, social and life skills.
SSHS Initiative
Strategies |
Safe Schools/Healthy Students Presentation
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