Regina YMCA offers alternative to school suspension

Some students don't see getting suspended from school as much of a punishment.

Regina Public Schools knows this and has partnered with the YMCA to offer an alternative suspension program.  

"If you're sending someone who's struggling at school away from school, nothing good really comes of that," John Bailey, general manager of community development and childcare at YMCA Regina, told CBC Radio's Morning Edition.

He called suspension a failure on both the student and the school.

Changing behaviour

The YMCA program lasts three days for students that have either been suspended or are at-risk of being suspended. Both parents and the school can request the program if they feel it is appropriate. 

It involves supervised homework sessions in the morning, where kids can catch up on work or prepare for tests using practice exams. 

The afternoon consists of workshops in which kids learn perseverance skills, goal-setting and get a chance to socialize with other students.

The YMCA takes students on trips to Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the University of Regina to get the wheels turning on what next steps could be "if they start changing some of their behaviours at school," said Bailey. 

That behaviour can range from drug use, violence or skipping class. As such, a big part of the program is keeping students on a schedule and getting them some one-on-one time.

Bailey said one of the best bits of feedback they've had from a student was: "I've really enjoyed my time here. I learned a lot and I never want to come back."

"For us, that's a win," he said.