Partnering for Success

As we all get back into the routine of the school year, I’m confident that you join us in our concern about the fact that in Minnesota over 40% of African American boys don’t graduate from high school on time.

One of the things St. Paul Youth Services has been doing for over 10 years to address this concern is to partner with St. Paul Public Middle Schools to reduce suspension rates – which disproportionately affect African American boys, particularly in their middle school years. Being out of the classroom means that students aren’t learning. The result is that they fall behind their classmates and if a pattern develops, they never catch up. Years ago Principal Mike McCollor told us that in a school of approximately 700 middle school students, we lose about 100 per year due to behavior problems in the school/classroom.

Through our Behavior Intervention Program, we place staff full-time in middle schools to provide one-on-one intervention, support and accountability for youth who would otherwise be suspended. We also work with teachers to understand the needs of these student and develop the skills to better engage them in the classroom.

An example of our success is that at Washington Technology Secondary School, we have been able to help the staff reduce the number of discipline referrals by 72% and the number of students suspended by 50%. Ninety-five percent (95%) of teachers report that our staff are a source of information/support and 97% said we help establish appropriate behavior norms for all students.

We know that as students improve their behavior, teachers improve their skills, and buildings establish clear expectations for all students, schools become a place where ALL students can learn.

Our Behavior Intervention Program depends on financial support from people like you who are interested in these kinds of results that lead to more of our students succeeding in school. So today, I’m asking you to join us as a partner in these efforts by making a financial contribution to the program.

You can contribute in one of two ways:

(1) Send a check to St. Paul Youth Services, 2100 Wilson Avenue, St. Paul MN 55119

(2) Via credit card at GiveMN

Thank you so much for your support!