Dear Parents and Students,
SSC is committed to providing not just educational, athletic and artistic opportunities to our students but also social emotional support in order to help students maintain a healthy mental state. Most of these supports have been provided for years, but have not been needed as much as they are currently. This new heightened need has left parents and students wondering where they can get help. This monthly email will provide you with places and people to reach out to get the help you may need for a variety of situations. Continue reading and see attachments to learn more about SSC’s mental health programs, anonymous bullying report programs, and restorative practices.
Attendance Policy Reminders - As we approach the end of the first semester, I would like to remind students and families that attendance hours need to be made up before exams or your student will receive and F in the class they owe hours in. They can earn the credit back by making up the hours but the F will affect their GPA and status for extracurriculars. If you have missed more than 5 unexcused days you owe hours. If you have any questions contact Mr. Hadd. Hours can be made up in the library after school.
Vaping Resources
See Something Say Something
Anonymous Standish-Sterling Jr/Sr High reporting system. By scanning the QR code you can use the form to report something directly to Mr. Hadd and Mr. Fegan. Codes are posted throughout the school for easy access.
Ok2Say is an anonymous reporting service provided by the state of Michigan. If it is a school situation they will work with the school to help solve it. Outside of school problems can be reported too. Tips can be reported by phone, text, Ok2Say app or their internet page. Check out the attachment to learn more.
Restorative Practices
Restorative practices offer schools an alternative to traditional disciplinary actions that center on punishment for misbehavior and breaking rules. These punishments push kids out of their classroom and school community. They may be suspended or simply sent to the principal’s office, but students who are pushed out may drop out of school altogether.
In contrast, restorative practices focus on resolving conflict, repairing harm, and healing relationships. They support a positive and safe school climate, prevent bullying, and reduce disciplinary incidents. A restorative culture can mitigate the negative effects of punitive discipline policies that exacerbate inequity.
Students that disrupt the learning environment are asked to answer the restorative questions giving them time to reflect on the harm they have done and how to repair the relationships that were strained. Students then discuss and problem solve with our restorative liaison and finally present these relationship building solutions to the teacher, student, or staff member involved in the incident.
This year we have included a tracking program for these restorative cases. Through skyward these are reported as class referrals. Parents will receive an email when their student had to go through the restorative process. If they are receiving a punishment for behavior you will be contacted by administration.
Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS)
SSC has implemented a PBIS system which is an evidence based, multi-tiered program for student intervention which helps to improve the daily practices directly impacting students. PBIS has a similar basis to what you are used to at the elementary in the PAWS program. Students at the high school are nominated by a teacher in a monthly drawing for their citizenship. The PBIS program also works closely with restorative practices to ensure that teachers are able to address the cause of certain behaviors so that teachers, students, and parents can work together to create the least restrictive environment for students.
Thank you for your support as we work to educate and support our students.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hadd
Assistant Principal
989-846-3662
Mr. Fegan
Principal
989-846-3661
Mrs. Porhaska
SEL Counselor