As dean of students, I’m sitting at my desk passing time one morning when my radio crackles. “There was just a fight in the courtyard,” says a teacher. “I’m bringing both of the students in right now.” I sigh in frustration and turn to watch the security-camera footage on my computer. Sure enough, there are two students facing off in the courtyard. Oh no, I think. Please don’t let that be who I think it is.
“Hi, Ms. Ryan” says Adam, as our security guard brings him and another student into the waiting area by my office. “Come on in, Adam.” I say.
This is Adam’s third fight of the school year. I fear he is on the road to expulsion if he can’t get his aggression under control. He is immature for a ninth-grader and always seems to have energy to burn.
Adam tells me what happened, and I return him to the sitting area to wait for his parents. What interventions, I wonder, will save him from expulsion? Short of additional counseling sessions or alternative school, there aren’t many options. Several minutes later, Adam returns to my office, eyes wide with excitement. He shows me a packet of recruitment materials for the upcoming wrestling season. The clouds part, and I can see clearly again. Of course! The perfect solution! Wrestling is a no-cut sport and is the perfect outlet for Adam. Plus, the wrestling coach is an outstanding mentor to his athletes. I can hear trumpets blaring and am about to dance around when Adam’s face falls. He’s looking at the list of costs associated with joining the team. I know there is no way he can afford it. When his father enters my office, he confirms it. “No way,” he says. End of discussion.
Feeling disheartened, I visit our athletic director. He knows of Adam and his troubles and tells me he’ll try to think of something. Usually students who can’t afford activity or athletics fees participate in fundraisers to cover the costs. Unfortunately most of the wrestling fundraisers are over, leaving Adam with little opportunity to participate. Some years there are extra funds to cover students, but after multiple years of budget cuts, money is tight.
I’m considering writing a check for the costs myself when the athletic director calls: “We have Adam’s wrestling fees covered if he still wants to join the team.” He had approached each of Adam’s teachers, as well as several members of the front office staff, and had raised the funds. It turns out that I wasn’t the only one who saw the benefit of Adam’s participation on the wrestling team.
Two months into wrestling season, I’m told Adam hasn’t missed a practice. He hasn’t been involved in any fights, and his grades have improved. No student should have to depend fundraisers for an effective intervention. But thanks to the commitment of our athletic director and staff, now each time I see Adam, he has a smile on his face. I wish we could impact the lives of all of the Adams in our building this way, but for right now, we’ll do it one student at a time.
Fear is a high school dean of students in Oregon.
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