This morning I was reading about what do do with a troubled teen. This article begins about a kid who went,...or should I say goes to the same High School my daughter is registered to go to- North High School in Bakersfield CA.
I don't mind mentioning the name because it's a really good school in US standards stats, and California stats. Kinda proud of it really because we almost moved to a school district which was a lot less desirable in many ways. (we wont get into that here)
Anyway, after reading the article, below a thought came to my mind. If she's truly on the road to being a juvenile delinquant, and there's nothing in my power I can do to dissuade her is turning her into a cadet the best option? Read on.
Here's the article, if you're interested, found in the Bakersfield Californian:
At-risk teens get second chance
BY MARYLEE SHRIDER, contributing columnist | Friday, Aug 4 2006 10:45 PM
Updated: Friday, Aug 4 2006 11:16 PMOne more second chance. That's all Richard Core wants. He's only 17 but knows he's already used up his share of second chances.
Grizzly Academy cadet David Sohoza performs push-ups as punishment for poor behavior in formation before returning to class after meal time.
It's a story we parents have heard before. Richard started hanging out with the wrong crowd his freshman year at North High School. He stopped confiding in his mom about what he did and where he went. He made the wrestling team, but was cut because of poor grades. He made it to school in the mornings, but never to class, preferring to hang out in the bathrooms, where he whiled away the hours laughing and joking with friends.
He started independent study classes last year, but was on track to drop out. His exasperated parents were looking "anywhere and everywhere" for help, and wondering where they would find the money to pay for it, when a friend of a friend told them about the California National Guard Grizzly Youth Academy.
The academy, at Camp San Luis Obispo, a National Guard training base, is a five-month, quasi-military residential program for at-risk teens ages 16 to 18 looking for that second chance.
The best thing about the academy is that desperate parents don't have to go broke getting their teens into the program. Grizzly is federally and state funded, so tuition, room and board are free.
Richard's parents were quickly sold on the academy, but Richard hated the thought of leaving home. After learning more about the academy he gradually warmed up to the idea, enrolling three weeks ago.
Now he says it's the last second chance he'll ever need. "I'm here to change," he says. "Of all the chances I've had, this is the best and I'm gonna to take it."
He says it like he means it. He'd better -- this program takes heart.
Richard and his fellow cadets -- all 179 -- start their days at dawn with light physical training before reporting to the mess hall for breakfast at 6. Then they double-time it back to the dorms where lockers and bunks are made inspection-ready before morning classes.
Credentialed civilians teach core classes and electives at the academy -- which is chartered through the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education -- but camo-clad sergeants stand ready to "address" any discipline problems that may come up.
In most public schools the sight of students pumping out push-ups would send legions of horrified parents rushing for legal counsel but at Grizzly, the mild discipline sets clear boundaries and allows teachers to do their jobs.
"It's the best job ever," says teacher Dee Dee Tish. "We get to teach -- no crowd control, no baby-sitting."
Afternoons are spent in physical training or life-coping classes like anger management or Alcoholics Anonymous. Dinner is served at 5, followed by a mandatory study hall. Lights are out at 9.
At Grizzly, rules and regulations are the order of the day. Cadets are allowed five minutes to eat at meal times, they march or run wherever they go and boys and girls are strictly segregated -- fraternization is one of the school's most serious offenses.
Given the daily demands, it's hard to imagine why any teen would actually want to go to Grizzly, but for 16-year-old Kayla Senoran, it's all about catching up and moving on.
"I didn't go to school like I was supposed to and fell behind in my credits," says Kayla, who now expects to graduate on time with her classmates at North High School. "I miss my mom so much, but I want to get my credits."
Academy Capt. John Oberg says teens intuitively know when they're missing the structure and self-discipline they need to succeed.
"Once they're here, there are no distractions like drugs, alcohol, dysfunctional families or whatever they struggled with at home," he says. "Here, they're safe and can spend the time they need working things out."
About two-thirds of those who start the academy graduate. Those who don't are generally sent home or leave of their own accord within the first two weeks during the academy's "pre-challenge phase."
"Some are not mentally, physically or socially ready to do what they need them to do, or don't want to make changes," he says. "We say, 'OK, we'll get you right home.' That's how we're different from a correctional camp."
Academy officials estimate the combined federal and state cost per graduate is about $16,500, but that's a pittance, they say, compared to the cost of housing and educating a teen in juvenile corrections facilities.
It's a sound investment.
Those who do graduate tend to do well. The academy, which mentors and tracks its grads after they leave the program, found that 12 months after their graduation, 85 percent of the teens are either gainfully employed or in school, says Oberg. Ten percent to 15 percent go on to enlist in the military.
Richard, who celebrated his 17th birthday the week he started the academy, is so inspired he hopes to make it into a U.S. military academy after high school, says proud mom Robin Pettingill.
"Before he came here he didn't care about himself, he didn't know where he fit in," she says. "Now he's planning his future -- the determination I see in our son now is something I didn't think I'd ever see."
For more information about Grizzly Youth Academy, call 800-926-0643 or visit www.ngycp.org.Marylee Shrider's column appears Tuesdays and Saturdays.
For comments or questions please contact her at mshrider@bakersfield.com or leave a voice mail at 395-7474. Well, not quite ready for any of that. Actually I will try just about everything to make sure my daughter goes the right path, even if it is less travelled. Step By Step, One Step at a Time I see positive changes in my daughter.
At times I may be the only one who sees it but see it I do!
There are only a mere sixteen days until High School starts for her. We've been reading everything Student Rights Parents pamphlets, dress code, Holidays, you name it!
Still, the anxieties of a future 9th grader are becoming obvious as my 14 year old daughter prepares for the 9th grade. She's becoming more nocturnal; than ever and having trouble sleeping. She was spotted up and in the living room, in the dark at 3:45 AM night before last for no apparant reason.
It's weird, she becomes anxious and I want to help her feel at ease. Maybe it's good for her to find out how it is to walk to school if you're late. Figure the best route by trial and error. Wind up in the wrong place at the...wrong time just to get her ready for life.
I have been far too helpful I am thinking this morning and maybe, just maybe that's why she's somewhat lazy and spoiled. I have been too overprotective.
Don't worry, I've already talked with her about this so it wouldn't be any surprise if she saw it here (-;
Another Big Step- Lately have been giving 1StepSystem
Marketers Dream the old college try. I decided, since it was such a well put together program I'd give it a chance. I want to have extra money for the vehicles and anything that might arise especially if we're going to plan any more legal run-ins or vacations.
Anyway, I vowed to do everything it said, because face it, there's no selling, no cold calls, nothing I really wouldn't do anyway...so 1 month 1stepsystem and we'll see where it goes.
I'll keep ya posted. Have a nice weekend (-; S
