Southern Local officials begin YOU Matter Here planning

Southern Local officials took a step toward bolstering youth by holding a YOU Matter Here planning session Feb. 25.

District and school administrators gathered in the media center at Southern Local High School for a presentation by Melissa Galbreath, the Coordinated Action for School Health Coalition and Columbiana County PAX program director. Galbreath shared results from a developmental asset survey conducted by the Columbiana County Educational Service Center. More than 2,000 students ages 12-18 in all 11 county school districts completed the survey, and the results prompted the YOU Matter Here campaign.

Developmental assets are building blocks that help young people become healthy, caring and responsible citizens. The survey measures which assets students have developed and which areas need support. The most recent results identified three key areas of need: a sense of belonging and self-identity, parental presence and power, and community involvement.

Galbreath said the coalition is a group of education, health and social service professionals that promotes a “whole child” approach to wellness. The coalition administers the Search Institute’s Attitudes and Behaviors Survey every two years to seventh-, ninth- and 10th-grade students, except during the COVID-19 period.

“Southern Local is one of the districts that participates in Search Institute’s survey,” Galbreath said. “The Search Institute is a nonprofit organization in Minnesota that has a vast wealth of information for youth thriving. The more external assets they have, the less likely they will participate in harmful behavior and the more likely they will do well in school and become a productive adult.”

Galbreath said overall county results and Southern Local’s results were similar. In 2023, 2,205 county students participated, compared with 2,314 in 2018 and 1,528 in 2021.

She said Search Institute identifies internal assets, such as a commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and a positive identity. External assets provided by schools, families and communities include support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time.

Survey results showed about 72% of youth reported having family support, while 24% indicated a caring school climate. About 21% said they believed the community valued youth. In addition, 53% of males and 26% of females said they felt safe.

At Southern Local, 139 students participated in the most recent survey. Results showed 31% reported having a caring neighborhood and 39% reported positive family communication. Galbreath said risk-taking behaviors can increase when positive assets decrease because youth do not have the support they need.

Discussion followed, with administrators noting community dynamics have changed and many students have limited options outside of school. Survey results showed 68% of respondents spent their free time at home.

“We don’t have a lot for kids to do after school except for clubs, band, and sports,” said district Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson.

Galbreath said the YOU Matter Here campaign is intended to ensure youth feel seen, heard and valued.

“The sense of community is different,” Galbreath said. “Kids are looking for adult role models.”

“It starts with being the adult in the classroom,” said Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Smith. “If kids don’t feel safe or need an adult role model, that should be us.”

Galbreath said one plan is to restart Big Brothers Big Sisters and recruit mentors. A related event is set for March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Columbiana Arts Center in Columbiana. Superintendent Tom Cunningham said the district will promote the event on social media.

Other ideas included social media campaigns, Youth Appreciation Weeks, community projects, volunteer opportunities, a YOU Matter Here Week, peer recognition boards, and essay or art contests. Additional suggestions included inviting community organizations and businesses to share photos holding YOU Matter Here signs, distributing campaign decals, posting church bulletin messages and hosting Youth Town Hall Nights.

Southern Local Junior High Principal Jordan Wrask said the Principal’s Advisory Council will create a YOU Matter Here bulletin board to share affirmations. Sampson also asked Galbreath to speak to teachers during a professional development day March 9.