YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES
The Youth and Family Services (YFS) Program is a school-based support service that assists students with their social, emotional and academic development. The Youth and Family Services Coordinator, a licensed school social worker or counselor, provides an array of services. Some of the services provided are: short term counseling for individuals and groups, crisis intervention, parent consultation, information and referral to community based service agencies as well as a variety of prevention programs tailored to meet the special needs of each school building.
Our goal is two-fold; first to help students and families cope effectively or eliminate a problem so the student can focus all of his/her attention in school and second to implement the kind of support programs that prevent students from engaging in risky or unhealthy behavior. The YFS Coordinator provides state mandated health lessons for all students in grades K-5 through classroom presentations.
HEALTH
Smart
is the foundation for the elementary health curriculum as well as other resources to enhance the presentations. The curriculum focuses on developing and practicing healthy behaviors in the areas of Personal and Family Health, Safety and Injury Prevention, Nutrition and Physical Activity and Tobacco and Alcohol Prevention. All lessons are developmentally appropriate for each grade and is evidence based.
PEER MEDIATION/CONFLICT RESOLUTION
is a program open to all fourth graders. Conflict is a normal part of life. Through training, students learn to find peaceful ways to solve conflicts with their peers. The training is voluntary but we encourage the students to take part in a three session training after school. They will learn a skill set that can be applied to any conflict situation, especially at home.
PEER LEADERSHIP
is a program open to all fifth graders who have been trained in Conflict Resolution. The students meet during lunch and recess to learn active listening and leadership skills. Students plan and emcee our Leaders of Tomorrow Flag Raising event in October, our monthly Character Education Assemblies as well as helping with our food pantry and recycling efforts and other community service projects.
LEADERS OF TOMORROW/UNITED WE STAND FOR A DRUG FREE COMMUNITY
is a program designed to underscore the shared school and community commitment to making healthy lifestyle choices. During the last two weeks of October, several community organizations present drug and safety prevention programs to the students. Some of the presenters are: Good Samaritan Hospital, Suffolk County Department of Health and Child Abuse Prevention Services known as CAPS. One week is devoted to Spirit Week where each day has a theme related to drug prevention. Our culminating event is our “Leaders of Tomorrow” Flag Raising Ceremony which demonstrates our commitment to living a drug free life to ourselves and the community.
BULLIES ARE RESTRICTED
is a home grown program that was developed at Bosti nine years ago. Affectionately known a B.A.R., Bosti has been at the forefront of Bully Prevention. Workshops, classroom lessons, role plays, staff and student training play a major part in our prevention efforts.
MENTOR PROGRAM
is designed to help students who might need another adult in their life to help them through some rough times. Students are recommended by their teacher, another staff member or a parent. Faculty and staff members volunteer to be a mentor for a student. Students are then matched to a volunteer mentor. They meet from 10-30 minutes a week in school to promote positive behavior, attitudes and motivation.
These are some highlights of the Youth and Family Services Program offered at Bosti. In an effort to be the best we can be, I welcome your input. Please feel free to contact me at rmcguckin@ccsdli.org or 631-244-2291 ext.3010. Come back and visit my page for future updates and information.
BULLY PREVENTION
Bosti supports the District’s commitment to provide a safe and constructive learning environment that honors the dignity and worth of every individual.
It is the responsibility of the Connetquot Central School District to address bullying and harassment issues that occur. District staff members are to create an orderly environment within the Connetquot Central School District through training, monitoring and intervening when bullying and harassment occur.
Bullying and harassment are forms of dangerous and disrespectful behavior that will not be permitted or tolerated. Bullying and harassment may involve a range of misconduct which, based on the severity, will warrant a measured response of corrective action and/or discipline. Behaviors that do not rise to the level of bullying and harassment, as defined below, still may be subject to intervention and/or discipline under another section of the discipline plan or a discipline policy. A formal complaint may be made by completing CCSD Policy #0115-E.1 which can be found on the district website and should be submitted to the building principal.
Bullying
Bullying means any overt act or combination of such acts directed against a student by another student or group of students and which:
Harassment
Harassment means any gesture, written, verbal or physical act that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental, physical or sensory handicap, or by any other distinguishing characteristic, that occurs during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity and which:
Bullying and harassment can take various forms:
It is important to note that a single negative act as enumerated above may also constitute bullying (if not more serious misconduct) based upon the particular circumstances such as the seriousness of the act and/or the intent of the alleged perpetrator.
Conduct that might otherwise be considered bullying and harassment but does not occur during the school day on school property, on a school bus, or at a school-sponsored activity, or before or after the school day on a school bus or at a school-sponsored activity event may still be subject to disciplinary action.
Reporting of bullying and harassment
Staff:
Using the bullying prevention policy as a guide, use this document to outline what steps you, as a parent, should take if your child is involved in bullying.
Chain of Command
If you believe your child is involved in bullying, contact the following school personnel, in the order indicated, to discuss the situation:
Discuss the Facts and Details
To find out the details of a particular situation, ask the following questions:
If you think your child has been involved in more than one bullying episode, consider the following issues:
If your child is accused of, or has been confirmed of bullying, consider the following:
If your child has been the target of bullying consider the following:
This guide, along with your insights and suggestions, will help school personnel, parents and students work together to ensure all students are safe and to maintain a positive learning environment. If you are having an issue with bullying, please contact Mrs. Slovin or Dr. Cholden. In addition to the policy, various programs are scheduled to further support the District's Anti-Bullying Initiative.
Bosti Elementary School's YFS Coordinator is Mr. Ryan McGuckin. He is a licensed social worker. If you have any further questions regarding any of the programs your child will participate in, you may contact the YFS Coordinator at 631-244-2291 ext. 3010.