RALEIGH, N.C. --There is good news for parents in Orange County with a child who has been suspended from school. Instead of staying home, kids can attend Boomerang, a program designed for middle and high school students who are short-term suspended.

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Boomerang staff members provide a supportive out-of-school environment for students that help get them back on track.

 

According to the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency prevention center, one out of ten children are suspended from school for a period of three to ten days. Educators say that time out of school could be used to redirect children to being more successful for when they return to school.

 

“As students kind of get thrown out of school, our intention is to steer them back to the positive people and places that they already had established in their life,” said Boomerang Director Julie Wells

 

The students spend their suspension time at the YMCA in Chapel Hill learning about strengths, completing schoolwork assignments, community service time and most importantly - learning new skills that will help them be successful when they return to school.

 

This year, more than 200 students have attended Boomerang. Only about one-third of those students have been suspended more than once. Compared to the 50 percent rate of repeat suspensions that occur when students spend suspended time at home, students said this program makes a difference.

 

“Try to make the best of it. Try to stay out of trouble and still having fun with what you do,” said Cain Philbrook, Carrboro High freshman.

 

 

Established in 1984 by the National PTA, the first week in May is set aside to honor people who work with children.

 

Jan Harpe Domene, National PTA president, said in an open letter posted to the group’s Web site, “Teachers can instruct our students in math, science and language, but more than that, teachers can give our children the will to continue learning for the rest of their lives. The gift of never-ending education is one for which we cannot show enough gratitude, but we can certainly try.”

 

Teachers said the gift they appreciate the most is a card. Including a gift card from a restaurant, teacher supply store or the mall is an added treat for teachers who have gone out of their way to help children achieve success.

 

Another good way to show appreciation to teachers is to volunteer in your child’s school. Most schools have a parent teacher organization (PTA) that works on behalf of the children. If you aren’t already involved, now is the time.  PTA groups are actively seeking volunteers to serve as officers for next year.

 

 

On May 9 and 10, PTA leaders from across the state will gather at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel in RTP for the annual N.C. PTA convention.

 

This conference is open to all PTA members and child advocates. Registration can be done the day of the event at the Sheraton. Both conference days and meals cost $100. If you want to attend one day of the conference without a meal, the cost is $45.

 

On Friday, the group will have a special town hall session with the gubernatorial candidates at the North Carolina Museum of History. Following a luncheon at the museum, members will explore downtown Raleigh. That evening there will be a special dinner back at the Sheraton.

 

On Saturday, exhibit booths are open for PTA leaders who want to learn more about fundraising options, programs, and community groups that support child advocacy efforts.

 

During the morning, the N.C. PTA will hold a general session meeting to conduct business followed by workshops.

 

 

Network: Break out of your comfort zone, and network with your fellow advocates by sharing ideas, asking questions, and exchanging contact information.

 

Adapt and Share: Think about how you can adapt and use what you have learned when you return home. Share the information you received with your PTA Board, members and the community.

 

Listen, Learn & Participate: Be an active listener. Learn as much as you can from workshops, speakers, and those around you.

 

For more education events and tips, visit the Precision Parenting Blog.