Thames Valley District School Board Classroom- UTURN
Launching later this year, U-turn offers an alternative to suspended/expelled students in the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB). The program takes place at St. Leonard’s Community Services London Region, 405 Dundas street.
The program is a collaboration between the TVDSB and SLCS. The following structured programs are available through U Turn:
- Choices
- Time to Think
- Get a Grip
- Gender Specific Programming: Health Nurses and SLCS staff co-facilitate groups for young women.
- Substance Abuse: An eight session program based on harm-reduction/relapse prevention
SLCS will assist in transporting students to and from the program when the need arises. A breakfast program provides both nutrition and a less formal opportunity to practice skills, build relationships and monitor behaviours.
Program determination is based upon student assessment. SLCS services are easily adapted to address the needs of the suspended or expelled student and may include:
- Peer Power Centre: proven to be very successful in engaging at risk youth
- Youth & Community Outreach Program: Currently located at Ross, Thames and Clarke Road Secondary Schools offering additional support for students
- Restorative Justice: providing a workshop to U-Turn staff and developing a 2 day training session for administrators
- Community Service: experiencing in delivering the CSO program will complement the "Service Learning" for youth in the U-Turn program
- Summer School: establishing contact during summer months maintains growth achieved during the academic year and prepares the student for the return in September
- Parent Support Group: engaging parents with the program and offers an opportunity to connect with their youth.
