A Chat, a Snack & a Chance to Cool Down: This School District Dropped Detentions Dramatically

SAN DIEGO — Upon a student’s arrival at the wellness center of Oceanside High School, clerk Emily Clement has the ability to instantly discern whether they wish to engage in conversation.

If someone wishes to converse, they have two options: they will either settle into one of those chairs over there, or they might choose to perch on one of the barrel chairs," she explained. "No one who intends to engage in conversation chooses to sit at the tables.

When a student requires some extra time, she provides it for them. She encourages them to feel comfortable and directs them towards the adult coloring books and puzzles. Frequently, once they have taken a breather, they may begin conversing—sometimes with her and sometimes within a group setting.

At times, they might seek out a counselor or social worker; alternatively, they could inquire about having a mentor assist them in resolving a conflict.

Further down the corridor, you'll find a food pantry where donations arrive every Wednesday. Adjacent to this is a clothing closet offering various choices—from helping students get new trousers during school hours to providing outfits like prom dresses on hangers.

The school’s wellness center, similar to its newer version at El Camino High, is an integral component of the Oceanside Unified School District’s continuous efforts to foster positive relationships among the staff and students at its high schools. Additionally, it aims to enhance disciplinary procedures and ultimately focus on early intervention when needed.

This initiative has included efforts to foster stronger bonds between students and teachers, providing different disciplinary approaches, educating instructors about unconscious biases through implicit bias training, and employing restorative justice coaches to enhance conflict resolution skills.

Admins acknowledge the progress marked by a significant decrease in student suspensions over recent years, along with an increasing trend toward school-based mediation. This academic year, the district has experienced merely a third of the student suspensions compared to what was recorded three years ago.

At Oceanside High, the number of suspensions has decreased significantly, falling to only 57 for this academic year from 323 three years ago.

The essence of this initiative, as explained by Principal Skyler Garrahy, involves fostering a strong school culture by increasing engagement within the community and building trust among students.

They notice me walking my dog," she explained. "And when they spot me at restaurants, they perceive me as a genuine person.

One of the initial points she emphasizes to newly joined staff. However, she similarly encourages them to gain deeper insights into the students.

They've made an effort to understand the students individually and attend various events. According to her, they have begun organizing festivities for academic achievements and punctuality or simply for being a commendable individual. Additionally, they have initiated post-school activities such as gaming clubs.

She attributes the development of these connections to the progress they've made in acknowledging students' requirements—knowing when they need conversation and when they require nourishment.

"I believe that's what has genuinely contributed to reducing those numbers, particularly regarding disciplinary actions on our campus—since we've significantly focused on fostering a strong cultural environment," she stated.

The district has similarly concentrated on revamping its disciplinary approach, as outlined by Jordy Sparks, who serves as the district’s executive director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and student supports. It offers choices between conventional suspension and in-school alternative measures, provided parents consent.

There is more work needed to inform families about alternative approaches. Sometimes, according to Sparks, parents might feel their children aren’t being held accountable for misconduct, so schools must demonstrate that there are still repercussions.

It can be somewhat complex and contentious, as many believe children aren't taking responsibility," he explained. However, he continued, "We can ensure accountability for students while still approaching it with compassion and maintaining their connection to the educational environment.

Certain parents prefer that their kids serve their suspension periods at home. However, there is a rationale behind why Oceanside Unified typically opts against this approach.

"We aim to impart these skills, but it's challenging to do so when they're at home rather than in school," Sparks stated.

Moreover, because suspensions tend to impact boys of color more significantly, the district is taking steps to educate teachers about unconscious biases they might hold. This year, across Oceanside High School and throughout the entire school district, boys faced suspension almost three times as frequently as their female counterparts.

We all function with various biases," Sparks stated. "However, when the information indicates that this impact is uneven across different student groups, we must take action.

The district has likewise been collaborating with restorative justice coaches.

Instead of imposing a conventional suspension, the school will have the student participate in a special one-day program. During this time, they'll collaborate with both a skilled professional and a teacher to contemplate their choices, address difficult scenarios, and acquire techniques to handle challenging circumstances effectively.

Oceanside High has implemented mentorship programs along with QR codes to enable students to seek assistance via its wellness center. He notes that this approach now encourages numerous students to request conflict resolution before conflicts or fights escalate.

Sparks noted that the school has excelled particularly in managing conflict resolution. Additionally, Garrahy mentioned that the reassessment and training of disciplinary actions have already enhanced the school’s procedures.

For Clement, it's crucial that the staff serve as calming influences and establish significant community connections. This isn’t just about aiding students currently; it’s also about equipping them with support they can benefit from throughout their lives.

"They will graduate and move on from this place. If they have learned how to constructively engage with their fellow students, then they will keep receiving the necessary support," she stated.

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