Latchkey-Kid’s Network

District 7 and the YMCA have worked together to develop a latchkey program at seven elementary schools. Students in grades kindergarten through five are eligible to enroll in the program. Childcare for days that District 7 does not have school is offered by the YMCA’s Activity Day Camp. Latchkey enrollment packets may be obtained at the YMCA or at your child’s school.

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DARE

DARE, the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, centers around “just saying no” to drugs and
violence as well as the issues of peer pressure, assertiveness, self-esteem, and consequences. The DARE
curriculum is a seventeen-week program that can be presented to fifth grade, seventh grade, and high
school students. District 7’s program targets the fifth grade class that is preparing to enter the middle
level school. The DARE program in District 7 is paid for by the City of Edwardsville and is taught by
specially trained police officers.

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In-District Suspension
The current plan for “in-district” suspension for middle level school and high school students was implemented in September 1999. Most suspended students now serve their suspensions on school property instead of out of school. Students may use regular bus transportation and purchase a sack
lunch, but they are not allowed to participate in extracurricular activities during the term of their
suspensions. A certified teacher supervises their study.

Middle level school students serve suspensions for most Level I and Level II offenses (as described in the District Handbook) on-site in a room located within each middle school. Most of these offenses involve impulsive behavior. Level III offenses, including aggravated battery or assault against staff, substance abuse, vandalism, mob action, repeat offenses, etc., still result in out-of-school suspension. High school students serve their suspensions in the high school annex located across from the high school on the south side of Center Grove Road. This program is designed for students whose suspensions result from tardies, truancies, and other nonviolent or non-threatening behaviors. Students involved in fights, drug or alcohol-related incidents, or other violent/threatening behaviors are still suspended out of school. Students who serve suspensions in-district receive full credit for work completed. They are responsible for getting assignments, completing the work, and turning it in.

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Student Assistance Program
The Student Assistance Program is designed to help students who are having difficulties in school
due to inappropriate behavior, poor attendance, health problems, or poor grades. Anyone may refer
a student to this program. Led by the school nurse, educators form a Student Assistance Program
team to review referrals from a variety of sources. The team o�en consists of teachers, counselor(s),
an administrator, a school psychologist, social worker, and substance abuse counselor.  All intermediate, middle level schools, and the high school have Student Assistance Programs currently in place.

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Alternative High School
Located in the community of Worden, the Alternative High School accepts referred students who are
so deficient in credits that they risk failing high school. The students may be truants, at-risk of dropping
out, or in need of special education in a more controlled setting. At the Alternative High School, students are able to take all of the courses required for graduation with the help of a full-time counselor, several classroom aides, and three teachers certified in special education and secondary education. While it is not meant to be a permanent placement, it can be. It is hoped that students can complete sufficient requirements to return to the regular high school to take higher level courses and graduate. If not, they can complete their requirements at the Alternative High School and graduate from there. The Alternative High School provides the opportunity for those at-risk students not suited to a traditional high school setting to successfully complete their high school degrees. However, if students do not succeed at the Alternative High School, they are recommended for help outside of the District.

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School Resource Officer - Web site
The School Resource Officer (SRO) program places an experienced law enforcement officer in the
schools to enforce the law, present the law, and counsel students and the school community on law.
First, the police officer enforces criminal codes and makes arrests. Second, and most importantly,
the officer goes into the classrooms to explain what laws there are that particularly affect students,
why those laws were enacted, and what consequences there might be for breaking those laws.
Thirdly, the police officer is a counselor who is available to students, parents, faculty, and administrators
on legal issues within the community.

The SRO helps students avoid problems with the law by helping them choose to act within the law.
The aim of the SRO program is to create and maintain a safe, secure, and orderly learning environment
for students.

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