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FAQ
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Testimonial
Purpose
Reconnecting Youth is a peer-group approach to building life
skills for at-risk high school students. The course is designed
to foster four primary personal and social skills:
self-esteem enhancement, healthy decision making, personal
control and interpersonal communication. Participants are
encouraged to provide positive support for others through
acceptance, motivation, caring, problem solving, listening, and
shared group responsibilities. By the end of the semester,
students will worked on improved coping skills, supportive
communication skills, and improved personal relationships. Other
program goals include personal responsibility for improved
school attendance and performance, healthy choices around
substance use, and increased ability to manage their moods.
Accomplishments
Since 1998, Reconnecting Youth has been offered to more than 150
students in Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills, Corinth, Galway, Saratoga
Springs, and South Glens Falls.
FAQ
Who can participate in Reconnecting Youth?
Reconnecting Youth is developed for at-risk high school students
who have a 2.3 GPA or lower or who are behind in credits for
their grade level. Teachers or school personnel can also refer
students in the top 25% for absences, who are suspected or known
drug users, or who are at risk for dropping out of school.
Reconnecting Youth is not designed for students who need
residential drug treatment or students with very serious
behavior problems.
What are the classes like?
The classes are taught by a special teacher who is carefully
chosen and trained to work on curriculum units related to self
esteem, decision-making, anger management, and communication
skills. Classes include both males and females with varying
levels of maturity, who are from different social groups, and
who have various reasons for their referral to the course. Much
of the class is based on group discussion.
When does the class take place? Do I receive school credit?
Reconnecting Youth is typically a one-semester class that meets
daily or every other day. Students receive a grade and school
credit.
What is positive peer support?
Positive peer support can take many forms, including acceptance
of others, helping motivate someone to accomplish a goal, caring
for another person, helping someone work through a problem, and
being a good listener.
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Testimonial
Last spring, one of my students dropped out of school. I sent
numerous letters to this student, encouraging him to come back
to school. I also spoke with his mother on several occasions
about my concern for his future. At some point, I decided to
"step up" and take things in my own hands. I sat with a guidance
counselor to find out what his options were. I called this
student back and gave him the facts -- GED was his only option
-- and that it was his turn to "step up" and make a decision for
his future.
Months later, his mom called me to say she was in the high
school office and needed to talk to me. As worries went through
my head, I opened the office door and there mom sat with my
student next to her. They both stood at the same time with huge
smiles on their faces. My student handed me a dozen roses and
simply said, "Thank you." I was a little confused to say the
least! He then handed me a letter that informed him that he had
passed his GED.
After
I was done jumping up and down, my student informed me that he
decided to "step up" for himself and change his life. As he
turned to leave, he said, "If it wasn't for you I would never
have done this. My next goal is to go to Adirondack Community
College for more classes and someday be a nurse."
I
knew he could do it and I am so proud.
Jen
Jones
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For more information,
please call 518-581-1230. |
