Schools

New Program Identifies At-Risk Students, Keeps Them at Ridgewood High

District expected to bring two therapists from Sage Day School to provide early intervention therapy, identify at-risk students.

The Ridgewood school district is poised to approve a plan that will help identify and treat at-risk teens, one they believe can stave off absences and save a significant amount of money over the long haul.

School trustees are expected to approve an in-district therapeutic program with Sage Day School for Ridgewood High School, which Special Services Supervisor Kerry Huntington said will bring a therapist and clinical supervisor to the building to reduce the amount of students needing to leave the district as a result of emotional and psychological issues.

"We're seeing an increasing trend with kids who have such difficulties," Huntington told the school board on Monday. "I think it would be phenomenal to do this at the high school."

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At any given point, severe anxiety, depression and other emotional-social issues lead to about eight high school students needing home instruction, which typically lasts 60 days. The school is not currently equipped to provide more intensive therapy to students.

"I sign off on these every two weeks," commented RHS Principal Tom Gorman. "The hope is to not get to that level with a more proactive program.

Find out what's happening in Ridgewood-Glen Rockwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Many students who receive home instruction end up leaving the district for Homestead School and others, never to return.

The cost to remove a student runs roughly between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, a cost the district must cover per state statute. If three students who otherwise would have left the district remain (or those who have left return), the costs for Sage would be neutralized, officials said.

"We won't be able to avoid all costs but this will offset some costs and save money in the long-term," Gorman said.

Gorman identified about 25 students who would have benefited from the program this year, allowing many of them to remain at Ridgewood High School.

"Their goals are to retain students, shorten acute placement to maybe 30-46 days, and provide early intervention to at-risk kids," he added. 

The staff from Sage Day – which has similar programs in place in Glen Rock and Ramapo-Indian Hills – would be able to help teachers identify students exhibiting early signs of emotional troubles.

They can also provide family therapy, officials said. One therapist on staff could provide treatment to as many as 20 students.

The district hopes to have the program in place for the upcoming school year.


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