The goal is to help students reflect on challenges, build independence, and set positive goals
A new program at the Brockville YMCA is giving suspended students a fresh start. Back on Track is an alternative to school suspension for Grades 7 to 12.
Launched on October 1, the program is a partnership with the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario. It supports students from six local schools: St. Mary, St. Luke, St. Michael, St. Mark, and St. Joseph in Gananoque and Toledo.
Instead of staying home, students attend the YMCA for three to five days. They complete schoolwork, take part in recreation and life-skills activities, and receive one-on-one mentoring from youth workers.
The goal is to help students reflect on challenges, build independence, and set positive goals.
The program has already seen success in Kingston. According to the YMCA, 78 per cent of students did not return for a second referral and attendance is over 90 per cent.
Plans are underway to expand the program further.
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