SUPPORT SERVICES

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program -The problem of school bullying is one of growing dimension and is of great concern to teachers, parents, and children.  While not a new problem at schools, bullying can have lifelong consequences for both bullies and victims.  Children who continue to bully will not develop proper social skills.  Likewise, children who see that aggressors get what they want through bullying are more likely to accept or imitate this undesirable behavior.

The Solanco School District promotes a proven bullying intervention program based on the studies and research of Dr. Dan Olweus, Professor of Psychology.  The results that can be achieved by implementing this “whole school” approach to bullying are:

• A reduction in bully/victim problems.
• A reduction in anti-social behavior in students such as truancy, fighting, and even drug and alcohol abuse.

An improvement in the school social climate that reduces anxiety, provides safety, invokes respect, and builds confidence for all students Bullying Parent Brochure

Individual Counseling – A student can meet with the school counselor to share his/her academic or personal concerns, review his/her cumulative file, set goals, receive future educational and career information, etc…

Group Counseling – In this type counseling small groups (8-10 students) meet with the counselor to discuss similar concerns ranging from how to improve grades to developing life skills. Other support groups are geared toward students dealing with death or illness in their family or divorce and separation. Students must volunteer to participate in a group and parent permission is needed.

Parent Conferences/Consultations – Parents can call or send a note to make an appointment to see the counselor and/or teacher(s) to discuss their child’s academic progress, behavior or any other aspect of his/her development.

Instructional Support Team (IST) – The purpose of the Swift IST is to see that each child has the support necessary for a successful school experience. Members of our Instructional Support Team may include grade level teachers, unified arts teachers, parents, school counselor, nurse, principal, school psychologist, reading teacher, and learning support teacher. The IST develops instructional or behavioral strategies to help a student experience success in the school environment.

Student Assistant Program (SAP) – The Swift Middle School Student Assistant Program links students and families with community mental health and drug/alcohol counseling and support. SAP Referral and Acceptance of Services (SAP)

Peer Tutoring – Students who are experiencing academic difficulty can arrange to be tutored by a student who has volunteered his/her services.

“The Bridge” Program – This program consists of 10-14 eighth grade students who are trained by the school counselor to help classmates in a variety of situations. These students serve as the Bridge between teachers and students.  They are trained in leadership development and mediation. Students are selected for this group by the teachers and administration.

ATHLETICS

Fall Sports – Cross Country, Field Hockey, Football and Soccer

Winter Sports – Basketball, Wrestling

Spring Sports – Intramural Track

CAREER DAY

Every school year, 8^th grade students will have the opportunity to listen, ask specific questions and interact with professionals from many different career fields.  Students choose from among a list of 35 speakers, 6 that they are interested in.  Students look to identify with each presenter, how their job has impacted their life, the education needed for that job, and the salary.  Career Day is in the Fall. 

SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY DAY

Every school year, 6^th grade students have the opportunity to learn about numerous community opportunities.  The day starts off with a K9 officer talking to students about the down sides to making poor choices.  Students then spend the rest of the day hearing about community organizations and high school clubs they can get involved in. School and community day is in the Spring.

CAREER CRUISING

All students starting in 6^th grade, will be exploring careers using career cruising.  Parents can access career cruising, using www.careercruising.com.  Students will create portfolios with long and short term goals, activities, awards, and careers of interests.  Students in grade 8 will complete career surveys that will aid them in choosing electives for the high school.  For more information about career cruising or to receive the username and password for access, please contact the guidance office at 548-2187.