Entry #34: Getting to kids in middle school,
before it's too late to turn them around
San Diego, CA -- Question: What might a San Diego Padres
Baseball game, The Summit School for troubled high schoolers, and my son
Tyler have in common? The answer: Much concern about the seventh grade.
As many of us know, this is the grade that can be the best of times, but
is often the worst. Let me further explain.
Our family has now spent the last 300+ days closer together than most families
ever want to be, living and learning in a 30-foot trailer. This has allowed
me a very up close and personal look at Tyler, our resident seventh grader
(see photo), While he has done quite well with
school work "on the road" by learning US History via field trips
and reading, completing his math book on time, and honing his writing skills
through my "unorthodox" writing assignments (plan out a four-day
trip throughout New Mexico), he has struggled with interpersonal challenges.
Being away from friends and the comforts of home while adjusting to 11 different
communities has taken its toll.
At one point in Georgia, Tyler noted in his journal that "life sucks
but I am trying to make the best of things." Then there were the times
he wanted to run home while in Florida, Louisiana and Kentucky. Luckily,
he has also had some highlights such as catching his first fish in Corpus
Christi and having the big guy that wanted to "bash his face in"
take him horseback riding in New Mexico. But seventh grade can be really
tough on many kids, not just those traveling for a year.
After reading about Jeffra Becknell, an ex-lawyer-turned-teacher in the
San Diego Union Tribune ("Ex-lawyer
finds reward teaching troubled teens," 5/31/00), I decided to visit
the Summit School in San Marcos for high school students who have been expelled
and/or in trouble with the law. I talked with one engaging young man about
the particular path that lead him here. When I asked if there was a turning
point for him, guess which grade he mentioned? That's right, the seventh
grade. That's when his "friend" started him on pot, then grades
and attendance as he made the choices for which he is now paying.
Jeffra talked to me about getting to kids in middle school while it's not
too late for them; intervening before they get "lost" and being
sure they have enough adult interaction at this pivotal age. If this trip
has taught me anything, its that when kids are noticed, valued and given
direction in their early teens, they will have a much greater chance for
later success.
The Padres Scholars Program
What does this have to do with the Padres? Steve Finley, Tony Gwynn and
several other San Diego baseball players went to team owners John Moores
and Larry Luccino in 1995 to set up the Scholars
Program. According to Michele Anderson from the Padres' Community Relations
Dept., Steve's parents are educators and because of their experience, they
decided to start with seventh graders and select 30 each year from the county.
They promised them money for college if they maintained good grades, conduct
and attendance. To qualify, they need to be part of the district's AVID
program (a San Diego County Office of Education academic and motivational
support program) and be financially challenged.
The program is based on the idea that while middle schoolers are faced with
many obstacles, they might chose to stay engaged in learning and avoid the
negative if they have reason to believe -- or even better -- a promise that
their efforts will be rewarded with a college scholarship. With $5,000 being
banked for each scholar, they will have at least $7,000 available upon graduation.
At last Monday's game against the Cardinals, we were treated to seeing an
infield full of secondary students previously selected, as well as this
year's new scholars who will stay in contact with the organization all the
way through graduation.
While Tyler can't be a Padre Scholar, we try to give him the assurance that
this year won't last forever and these difficulties will pass even as new
ones emerge. There is no way to eliminate all the pitfalls and challenges
that our middle schoolers face. Instead, we have to find ways to reward,
encourage and support them while correcting and guiding. It up to our schools,
families and communities to see that this happens.
(Note, thank you to Tyler for proof-reading and suggestions.)
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