Mahoning County High School officials head to White House

By Denise Dick

denise_dick@vindy.com

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County High School’s policies and positive climate are being recognized as models for similar facilities throughout the country.

Judge Theresa Dellick of Mahoning County Juvenile Court and Jennifer Merritt, superintendent of the high school, will attend a conference this month at the White House.

The invitation came after a visit to the court and school by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. The visit followed the court’s receipt of a three-year, $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs to keep students in school by identifying those at risk for joining gangs.

“Suspension or expulsion is not an option here,” Judge Dellick said.

The high school, established in 2008, is for students who have dropped out of their home schools, are on the verge of dropping out, have been expelled or have had dealings with the court.

“They need to be in school for their education,” the judge said.

Merritt said part of the approach to ensuring those students remain in school and graduate is fostering a positive school climate.

Part of that involves teachers, administrators and staff understanding the population, she said.

“We start by addressing very basic needs,” Merritt said.

That includes food, clothing and safety.

“It’s understanding the hoops they have to jump through just to come to school,” Merritt said.

Some students have to care for younger siblings or work to help support their families.

“The last thing they want to hear when they get to school is, ‘You’re late,’” Judge Dellick said.

She said the school is based on a philosophy of restorative justice, explaining to students that their actions have effects on others.

Staff needs to understand how to deal with students who address problems from a “fight or flight” perspective, Judge Dellick said.

If a student calls a teacher or other employee a name, they can’t take it personally, she said.

The school embraces a culture of community where everyone from teachers to school security officers to custodians know students by name, the judge said. They know where students are supposed to be throughout the school day. They care, she said.

“So many students that come here have no hope,” Merritt said.

She recalled former students who when asked about their goals said they just wanted to survive to see age 18.

“Imagine being a teenager and having no hope,” Judge Dellick said.

MCHS and the people who work there try to offer that hope and show students they can have better lives, the superintendent said.