WS/FCS to offer program for students with out-of-school suspensions

Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools is launching a new program in mid-September designed to provide a safe learning environment for students who have been suspended.

It's called Restore, Reset, Restart or R3. 

The program is designed to serve middle and high school students who have received out-of-school suspensions of up to ten days. Rather than spending that time at home, potentially unsupervised, students will have the option to continue learning in a separate classroom setting. 

WS/FCS Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Fredricca Stokes gave an update on the program at a Board of Education meeting last week. 

“Our goal is to decrease the amount of lost instructional time," Stokes said. "And having these additional supports for students, because students are going to get suspended for certain violations. And to be able to provide a safe environment, and to provide parents with options. That’s our goal.”

The program will be held at the Fulton YMCA and staffed by middle, high school, and exceptional children teachers, as well as social workers and behavior specialists. They will be trained in restorative practices, nonviolent crisis intervention, trauma resilience, and the district’s Code of Character, Conduct, and Support.

The staff will help students continue their academics, but also build self-esteem and conflict-resolution skills before they return to their schools. 

The $700,000 program doesn’t require board approval, but some members had concerns about how the staff will keep middle and high schoolers separate.

Superintendent Tricia McManus said that wouldn't be a problem. 

“It is not hard to do with 50 kids that come from one to 10 days," McManus said. "And they check in, they go to their room. They're either in the middle school room, or they're in the high school room. And it is a small enough number with enough adults that that is a non issue.”

There were also concerns about a lack of transportation to the program, but officials say they’re working to provide that in the future.

Amy Diaz covers education for WFDD in partnership with Report For America. You can follow her on Twitter at @amydiaze.