S.T.A.R.: Student Transition And Recovery

The S.T.A.R. (Student Transition and Recovery) program continues to be at the center of much discussion here in Ontario County. The Department of Social Services, Probation, and ATI have teamed up to look at this program. S.T.A.R. is an educational program which focuses on keeping at risk young people and teens at home and in their home school district while focusing on teaching personal responsibility, self respect and as well as respect for others and success in school. Our neighbors in Genesee County have finished their first full year of S.T.A.R. and the preliminary statistics are both impressive and encouraging. During the first year 79 students completed the 1-day program. In the 30-day program, 41 students participated throughout the school year. These 41 students' overall G.P.A. went from 59.66 up to 71.62 (an 11.96 point increase). Their combined total of 222 days absent dropped to 40 days absent. Their combined 605 office referrals for misbehavior dropped to 20 referrals while in S.T.A.R. Physically, these students made dramatic improvements as shown by the increased number of sit ups and push ups done in 2 minutes and a significant decrease in time taken to run 2 miles. The statistics for the 12 students who participated in the 6 month court ordered program are similarly impressive but these students G.P.A. went from 55.9 to 74.05, an increase of 18.96 points.

S.T.A.R. features a strong educational component with tutoring after school every day, till 6 p.m. Counseling is available and parenting classes for all parents of S.T.A.R. kids is mandatory. This program is staffed by retired military people and there is a strong component of teaching self-respect, respect for others, consequences and discipline. The Genesee County schools like the program because kids are succeeding academically and behaviorally with the increased structure of the S.T.A.R. program. Secondarily, there are financial benefits for the schools in that they do not lose as much state aid due to absences or placement outside the school district and home.

S.T.A.R. staff are on call 24 hours a day/seven days a week. If the school or parents have trouble with a S.T.A.R. student, they call the S.T.A.R. Center and a S.T.A.R. instructor goes immediately to the school or home and deals with the situation at hand.

WHAT S.T.A.R. IS NOT: It is not an abusive, degrading or violent program. One visit to the Batavia program shows that. Yes, there is some raising of voices similar to a military experience but those quickly fade to remarks of praise and encouragement. The fondness the instructors develop for the students is evident. There is no swearing or profanity allowed. In short, it is NOT like some of the programs you may see shown on the Jerry Springer Show, etc.!

We absolutely recognize that this program is not a panacea and is not appropriate for all students. It is, however, a tool that can be utilized before a child is removed from their home and it fills a gap in current services.

The S.T.A.R. team has begun meeting with interested school officials from around the county and if the commitment is there, we hope to move forward toward implementation of this program.

I hope that if you have questions about S.T.A.R. you'll call either Joyce Fiorentino at the Department of Social Services (ext. 4130), Sharon Collins at Probation (ext. 4220), or myself (ext. 3061). I believe there are myths and untruths floating around about this program. If you want to know the facts, please pick up the phone and contact one of us. We'll be glad you did!

~Ginny Gumaer