PULSAR: POLICE, PUBLIC EDUCATORS, AND PEERS UTILIZING THE LEADERSHIP SKILLS OF STUDENTS AT RISK/AS RESOURCESSchool Board Presentation July 9, 2012
What is PULSAR?
This intervention program identifies students at risk of school failure, disconnection, and negative behavior.
Students, selected by school staff, participate in a retreat, community projects, and a PULSAR Youth Club.
The RetreatThe 2-3 day retreat activities include:
Orientation and team-building Self-awareness and self-assessment Group process and dynamics Groups needs assessment School and community Formation of PULSAR youth club/product
groups Conference closing and graduation
One Study: Program EffectivenessA 2004 JMU study showed that the PULSAR
program facilitated self-reflection on participants’ negative
attitudes toward substance abuse and positive attitudes toward school;
allowed the students to gain skills that addressed individual needs; and
fostered relationships between the students and adult facilitators in a safe environment, but
these factors were not constant with each student.
The Retreat: A Participant’s Perspective “Affirmed support rather than punitive or
corrective responses to problems – What is the best long-range solution?”
Emphasized “collaboration, caring, commitment”
“Encouraged trust, building friendships, helping look at the other side of people”
PULSAR in RCPS 2001/2002 – program approved for middle
schools – PULSAR coordinator added to Supplemental Pay Scale (this year only)
Grant funded for a number of years Grant funding was no longer available; middle
schools tried to sustain program via floating stipend, fund-raising, teacher volunteers, etc.
Many similar PULSAR “activities” are included in Effective School-Wide Discipline efforts and Character Counts programs in our schools.
Elkton Middle School Approximately 20 at-risk students
chosen by teachers, counselor, and administrators
Components – retreat; some activities during the school year
Retreat – team building activities Funding – PULSAR stipend; school
funding; no current PULSAR program
J. Frank Hillyard Middle School Approximately 20 students – blend of
students from various clique groups Components – retreat; some special
activities during the year Retreat – team-building activities
designed to address student needs Funding – PULSAR stipend; school
funding; no current PULSAR program
Montevideo Middle School 20-30 students - blend of school leaders and
struggling students Components – retreat, monthly club meetings,
special activity each 6-9 weeks (dance, bowling, etc.)
Retreat – very structured; parent meeting prior to retreat; follow-up on goals and letters during retreat to stay connected
Funding – PULSAR stipend; grant; floating stipend; private donations and fund-raising; no current PULSAR program
Wilbur S. Pence Middle School 30 students – introverts; shy students; at-
risk students; students looking for a chance to bloom, belong, and make connections
Components – retreat in fall and spring, club meeting every 6 weeks, special activities
Retreat – activities geared to student needs Funding – PULSAR stipend; grant; school
funding; no current PULSAR program
Estimated PULSAR Expenses (per middle school/per county)Police, Public Educators, and Peers Utilizing the Leadership Skills of Students At Risk/As Resources
PULSAR Coordinator Stipend $678.25 (Level 8 – 0 years on Supplemental Pay Scale)
PULSAR Retreats (Fall and Spring) $6,000.00
PULSAR Retreat Teacher Substitutes $3,900.00 (10 subs x 3 days x 2 retreats)
PULSAR Retreat Supplies (2 retreats) $1,000.00Bus Driver/Travel for PULSAR Retreats $320.00PULSAR Club Supplies $1,000.00
(T-shirts, Career Interest Inventories, Activity Costs, etc.) _____________ $12,898.25
Total for 4 RCPS Middle Schools $51,593.00
Considerations/Concerns Program cost – funding source? Teacher, law enforcement, community, and parent
support for retreats Time commitment for teacher sponsors in light of
academic accountability/SOL pressure Are PULSAR program ideals/goals already
addressed in current school programs, such as ESD, Character Counts, Olweus, Amigos Unidos, restorative practices, etc.?
Program consistency among middle schools Program impact on others in school Retreat confidentiality issues
Other Programs/Approaches PBIS model – similar to our current ESD
programs Social-Emotional Learning Steps To Respect Second Step Safe Schools, Healthy Students
(Charlottesville/Albemarle Project Bully Busters T-BIP