PULSAR: POLICE, PUBLIC EDUCATORS, AND PEERS UTILIZING THE LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF STUDENTS AT RISK/AS RESOURCESSchool Board Presentation July 9, 2012

What is PULSAR?

This intervention program identifies students at risk of school failure, disconnection, and negative behavior.

Students, selected by school staff, participate in a retreat, community projects, and a PULSAR Youth Club.

The RetreatThe 2-3 day retreat activities include:

Orientation and team-building Self-awareness and self-assessment Group process and dynamics Groups needs assessment School and community Formation of PULSAR youth club/product

groups Conference closing and graduation

One Study: Program EffectivenessA 2004 JMU study showed that the PULSAR

program facilitated self-reflection on participants’ negative

attitudes toward substance abuse and positive attitudes toward school;

allowed the students to gain skills that addressed individual needs; and

fostered relationships between the students and adult facilitators in a safe environment, but

these factors were not constant with each student.

The Retreat: A Participant’s Perspective “Affirmed support rather than punitive or

corrective responses to problems – What is the best long-range solution?”

Emphasized “collaboration, caring, commitment”

“Encouraged trust, building friendships, helping look at the other side of people”

PULSAR in RCPS 2001/2002 – program approved for middle

schools – PULSAR coordinator added to Supplemental Pay Scale (this year only)

Grant funded for a number of years Grant funding was no longer available; middle

schools tried to sustain program via floating stipend, fund-raising, teacher volunteers, etc.

Many similar PULSAR “activities” are included in Effective School-Wide Discipline efforts and Character Counts programs in our schools.

Elkton Middle School Approximately 20 at-risk students

chosen by teachers, counselor, and administrators

Components – retreat; some activities during the school year

Retreat – team building activities Funding – PULSAR stipend; school

funding; no current PULSAR program

J. Frank Hillyard Middle School Approximately 20 students – blend of

students from various clique groups Components – retreat; some special

activities during the year Retreat – team-building activities

designed to address student needs Funding – PULSAR stipend; school

funding; no current PULSAR program

Montevideo Middle School 20-30 students - blend of school leaders and

struggling students Components – retreat, monthly club meetings,

special activity each 6-9 weeks (dance, bowling, etc.)

Retreat – very structured; parent meeting prior to retreat; follow-up on goals and letters during retreat to stay connected

Funding – PULSAR stipend; grant; floating stipend; private donations and fund-raising; no current PULSAR program

Wilbur S. Pence Middle School 30 students – introverts; shy students; at-

risk students; students looking for a chance to bloom, belong, and make connections

Components – retreat in fall and spring, club meeting every 6 weeks, special activities

Retreat – activities geared to student needs Funding – PULSAR stipend; grant; school

funding; no current PULSAR program

Estimated PULSAR Expenses (per middle school/per county)Police, Public Educators, and Peers Utilizing the Leadership Skills of Students At Risk/As Resources

PULSAR Coordinator Stipend $678.25 (Level 8 – 0 years on Supplemental Pay Scale)

PULSAR Retreats (Fall and Spring) $6,000.00

PULSAR Retreat Teacher Substitutes $3,900.00 (10 subs x 3 days x 2 retreats)

PULSAR Retreat Supplies (2 retreats) $1,000.00Bus Driver/Travel for PULSAR Retreats $320.00PULSAR Club Supplies $1,000.00

(T-shirts, Career Interest Inventories, Activity Costs, etc.) _____________ $12,898.25

Total for 4 RCPS Middle Schools $51,593.00

Considerations/Concerns Program cost – funding source? Teacher, law enforcement, community, and parent

support for retreats Time commitment for teacher sponsors in light of

academic accountability/SOL pressure Are PULSAR program ideals/goals already

addressed in current school programs, such as ESD, Character Counts, Olweus, Amigos Unidos, restorative practices, etc.?

Program consistency among middle schools Program impact on others in school Retreat confidentiality issues

Other Programs/Approaches PBIS model – similar to our current ESD

programs Social-Emotional Learning Steps To Respect Second Step Safe Schools, Healthy Students

(Charlottesville/Albemarle Project Bully Busters T-BIP