Community Haven: Concerned Parents Group Offers Update

Since , I wanted to update everyone on our progress. I want to thank Gail Bruss from Starting Point. Paul Brady, Susan Miller and Mike Lappan from Ozaukee Counseling Services. Duane Woffel from Port Washington-Saukville School District. Chief Kevin Hingiss from Port Washington Police Department. And last but not least, our members from the Community Haven Group: Sandy Koziol, Katy Kruger, Wendy Fait, Lori Schultz, Julie Fosco and myself Jackie Cheyne. Without the communication and ideas, some of the changes would not have been possible.

Group member request for update from Duane Woelfel, Director of Special
Services. Duane Woelfel reported the following:

• There will be a liaison officer at and during this school year. Days and times are yet to be determined.
• Chief Bill Meloy of Saukville Police Department has been approached for their department’s possible participation. 
• Goals for the liaison officer include developing and improving relationships with students and community, doing special presentation and partnering on the Character Counts program.
• Principal Eric Burke will present a powerpoint that summarizes results from the PRIDE survey of last year to the Character Counts Community Group.
• Police department is interested in implementing a text notification system to report suspicious or criminal activity.

The Community Outreach Coordinator for Columbia St. Mary’s, Joanne Manion, shared their organization’s desire to address treatment needs for adolescents in the community.  Their suggestions include:

• hiring an AODA health educator to do assessments for a fee of $25.00;
• provide educational resources to the community;
• develop speaker panels;
• and to possibly add a psychologist who specializes in substance abuse to their staff for improving outpatient treatment.

The school district has committed themselves to forming a coalition based on the National Commission of Drug Free Schools with a tentative initial meeting date in October.

Community Haven parent group questions and feedback.

Parent requested that school revisit protocol for addressing students who have been identified as having a substance abuse problem or issue.  Parents expressed
interest in addressing options in lieu of expulsion.

Parents requested additional participation by district officials in order that they can better understand circumstances that have caused frustration and sentiments of unfair treatment for some students.

Parents requested clarification on what a "zero tolerance" policy is and stated that it should not appear in any school literature as it implies equal treatment for all rather than a case by case basis.

Parents expressed a need for a in-school support group that could help kids on probation feel supported in their learning environment.  Parents shared examples of unkind treatment of students by teachers.

Next Meeting and follow-up

Community Haven member, Wendy Fait and Susie Miller will attend upcoming PPI meeting in the Mequon-Thiensville School District.

Community Haven members will be updated on district progress towards this initiative.  Duane Woelfel has approached Wendy Fait to be a member on the District AODA Coalition, and she has agreed to serve this purpose.

Community Haven Group will discuss continued attendance of professionals and inform others of next meeting to attend.