Full slate of juvenile programs available during school year

BELMONT -- Belmont County Juvenile and Probate Judge Al Davies concluded his visits to county school districts with a stop at Union Local in Belmont last Thursday.

He spoke about new and ongoing programs, as well as a county-wide presentation planned for Nov. 2 for all Belmont County students.

"At the juvenile court, we've got lots of programs for kids and families," he said. "We do stay busy, and like you all, the start of the school year is one of our busiest times."

Davies said the virtual learning program is starting for the school year along with the alternative school.

The virtual learning program is based at Belmont Career Center and is an option for students who are having difficulties in a typical classroom setting.

"It is a virtual classroom. All the kids come there with their computers, which are provided, and their lessons and their classes are online," he said.

Retired Shadyside school teacher Melanie Haswell is operating the program.

"She's very dedicated to the kids that are trying to progress in that virtual learning environment," Davies said.

He added that 42 students went through the program last school year. Twenty-three earned sufficient credits to advance to the next grade level and, of those, 10 earned enough credits to graduate. Three did not complete the program.

"This year we have about 30 kids in the program. About half of those are seniors," he said.

They will be using a new online teaching program called Edmentum. The classes also include a mental health counselor to assist with coping skills and a representative from the health department who teaches life skills. This year, the Ohio State University Extension Office will offer a nutrition class.

The alternative school is also held at the career center for students who have been suspended. Of last year's 402 suspensions at county schools, the average length of suspension was four days and 26% were subsequently suspended again. Davies expects to meet or exceed those numbers this school year.

"The primary reason for suspensions is vaping," Davies said. "Many folks just don't understand the dangers of vaping and what it's doing to our kids."

Another program is the Parent Project, now in its fifth year.

"That's a program where we provide services for some parents who have some children who have some challenges with their behavior and truancy, drugs or alcohol," he said. "The goal is for the participating parents to gain some insight and learn some new interventions they can implement in their home."

Davies also noted the CrossFit for Change program is proving popular, giving young people a constructive outlet for their energies and encouraging physical fitness.

"We have a summer program and we have a school-year program, and that's going on right now every Tuesday and Thursday after school," Davies said.

Classes are held at Ohio Valley CrossFit at the Ohio Valley Mall and began in 2022.

Davies said he also hopes students will again join the Belmont County Schools Staying Clean Club, which aims to prevent drug use and offers incentives for student members who stay clean.

About 2,000 members are anticipated this year, since many districts have made sixth-graders eligible to participate.

"We have a lot of activities going on with this club. You can see how these programs are relevant to your goals concerning the health, welfare and education of your kids," he said.

Fundraisers, particularly the yearly Staying Clean car show, have enabled juvenile court to bring a host of nationally recognized speakers to the area. The latest will be "Rapping Dad" Derek Clark, who speaks about coping with trauma. There will be two presentations on Nov. 2 at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling for all high school students.

"His story is an amazing story about recovery and overcoming some very difficult challenges," Davies said.