NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
October 25, 2007
(Click here for the brochure.)(192 kb)
Introduction
The Saturday Academy works as ombudsman between the school, the parent, the judicial system and the participant primarily as advocates, facilitators and presenters. The goal of the Academy is to be a positive force to help decrease violence, crime, and inappropriate behavior in
an effort to strengthen the family. Young men and women ages 6 to 17 years in the program are paired with mentors who assist the participant in the following areas:
- Academic achievement
- Behavioral stabilization
- Discipline problems at home and school
- Proper social and emotional development
- Crime prevention
- Appropriate interaction with authority
The five cornerstones of the program are Education, Empowerment, Encouragement, Inspiration and Support. The most important factor of the program is parents attending with their children.
Purpose
The Saturday Academy for Positive Self-Development, which has been created in an effort to construct an environment to combat today’s disinterest in an appreciation for learning; to negate the celebration of violence and self-destruction; to eradicate the need for substance abuse dependency; and to offset the enhancement of negative self-image reinforcement. The Saturday Academy assertively modeled and formulated an infrastructure that targets striving for excellence in mind, body and spirit as a paramount goal for daily living for youth and their families.
Selection
Participants can be referred by the judicial system or the school system, although any young person who
exemplifies two or more of the following criteria may be accepted:
- Two or more short- or long- term suspensions or expulsions
- Beginning to show promise or signs of losing interest in school
- Repeated detentions or problems establishing a positive rapport with one or more teachers
- Low self-esteem, self-concept, or lack of confidence
- Absenteeism, truancy, or poor participation in classroom setting.
- Low health status
- History of substance abuse or misuse by the participant or a family member pregnancy or sexual health problems.
- Poor home environment or parental neglect. Accused or convicted of one or more misdemeanors or felonies
Opening Session
Saturday November 3rd 11: 00 - 12:30
Cradock Recreation Center
4300 Geo Wash Hwy.
Fall Session
Saturdays 11: 00 - 12:30
November 10th,17th, 2007
Mondays & Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:00pm
November 5th, 6th, 13th, 19th
Cavalier Manor Recreation Center
404 Viking Street
Portsmouth, VA 23707 (757) 558-2805