Alternative Suspension is an out-of-school intervention program.
The program establishes bonds of trust and creates a support network for students who have been or are at risk of being suspended from school due to problematic behavior while also supporting a consistent and strong academic focus.
It aims to reduce future suspensions and disciplinary sanctions by offering participants an opportunity to turn their time away from school into a positive experience that encourages personal growth, the development of social skills, and autonomy.
Students may be referred for any of the following concerns:
- Absenteeism/lack of participation in classes
- Apathy and lack of motivation
- Issues related to substance misuse
- Disruptive and impulsive behavior
- Physical, verbal or psychological violence
- Theft or vandalism
- Academic struggles or needing an adult to guide them with time management and motivation
- Needing additional support to help with mental health needs
To learn more about the program, please contact us at one of the emails below.
Program Details
- Schools administer student referrals to the program
- Participating youth must undergo an individual assessment. A youth worker will develop a personalized profile of participating individuals
- Morning sessions focus on academic achievement and afternoon sessions on thematic workshops to reduce identified risk factors
- Youth may also participate in recreational activities
- Intervention sessions last an average of five days
- After the program is complete, students reintegrate back into the school/community and the youth worker will follow up to determine the impact of the ASP on the student
- Youth workers provide regular communication with parents during the ASP
Program Outcomes
- Self-awareness of problematic behavior
- Increased self-esteem and respect
- Expanded network of social support
- Reduced associations with problematic peers
- Decreased aggressive, impulsive, disruptive, and antisocial behavior
- Positive academic aspirations and motivations
- Increased school achievement and graduation rate
NW Youth Worker
Phoebe Koenig
403-651-6434
NE Youth Worker
Tessa O’Byrne
403-463-2448
tessa.obyrne@ymcacalgary.org
South Youth Worker
Scott Caithcart
403-899-4125
scott.caithcart@ymcacalgary.org
Youth Engagement Manager
Bailey Martineau
403-826-2757
The Alternative Suspension Program wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our partners:
- Scotiabank
- The United Way of Calgary & Area
- Family & Community Support Services Canada (FCSS)
Alternative Suspension Open House
Join us at the Saddletowne YMCA on October 17th from 5:30 to 7:30 PM for an informative Open House focused on our Alternative Suspension program. This event is designed for principals, assistant principals, parents, and community partners.
Come and learn about the Alternative Suspension program, including its goals, strategies for supporting students who are suspended, and prevention methods to reduce suspensions. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our team, discuss our daily activities with students, and explore the resources we use.