Student credits Restart program with improved attendance and engagement

Corey Reeves, Restart program leader, updated trustees on the districts Restart program on Feb. 23, describing the semester-long, small-cohort intervention for disengaged 7th- through 10th-grade students.

Reeves told the board Restart serves eight students per semester to maintain intensive supports (the programs van seats limit field-trip participation). He reported that semester 1 produced a 90.25% attendance rate for participating students, up from lower baseline rates, and enumerated wraparound services the program provides: meals (1,168 served), hygiene kits, food boxes, individual counseling for some students and community field trips tied to life-skills lessons.

Kia, a recent Restart graduate, described her experience: “Restart helped a lot with my social anxiety, with going to school, getting my work done. I was more comfortable, less people, and they helped and explained a lot more than regular school did.” She told trustees she had been referred after not enrolling in regular classes and that she had missed only one day in four to five weeks after joining Restart.

Reeves said Restart partners with local agencies including Alliance for Youth (meal support), youth court services (savvy living and life-skills curricula) and Alluvian Health (therapist services), and that some students received individual counseling beyond the Restart classroom. Reeves acknowledged the programs small size limits enrollment but emphasized the value of intensive, consistent contact with students and families.

Trustees praised the program and asked questions about capacity and partner roles; Reeves said he would welcome more referrals but is limited by program seats and transportation constraints. The board received the presentation as part of the superintendents report.