Southern Local School District officials held a YOU Matter Here planning meeting to show youth how vital they are in their school, home, and community. The campaign stems from a survey of countywide teens and officials discussed ways to improve offerings in the school and community. Pictured, in front, is Southern Local High School Principal Jess Krulik with district Director of Special Services Andrew Vulgamore and school nurse Heidi McIntosh completing an activity as presenter and CASH Coalition and Columbiana County PAX Program Director Melissa Galbreath looks on. (Submitted photo)

SALINEVILLE – Southern Local officials took a step forward in bolstering youth by conducting a YOU Matter Here planning session on Feb. 25.

District and school administrators gathered in the media center at Southern Local High School where they heard a presentation from Melissa Galbreath, Coordinated Action for School Health (CASH) Coalition and Columbiana County PAX program director, who shared results of a developmental asset survey conducted by the Columbiana County Educational Service Center. More than 2,000 students aged 12-18 in all 11 county school districts completed the survey and results prompted the “YOU Matter Here” campaign.

The developmental assets are building blocks for young people to be healthy, caring, and responsible citizens who contribute to their communities as productive adults and the surveys determine which assets students have developed and which ones still require support. The recent data indicated three main pillars, or categories: a sense of belonging and self-identity; parental presence and power; and community involvement as areas of needed support.

Galbreath explained that the CASH Coalition was a group of education, health, and social service professionals who champion “whole child” model of wellness, and it has administered the Minnesota-based Search Institute’s Attitudes and Behaviors Survey every two years to seventh, ninth, and 10th graders, except during the COVID era

“Southern Local is one of the districts that participates in Search Institute’s survey. The Search Institute is a nonprofit organization in Minnesota that has a vast wealth of information for youth thriving,” she continued. “The more external assets they have, the less likely they will participate in harmful behavior and the more likely they will do well in school and become a productive adult.”

Galbreath added that overall county results and numbers for Southern Local were similar. A total of 2,205 county pupils participated in 2023, compared to 2,314 students in 2018 and 1,528 teens in 2021. Search Institute has identified internal (personal) assets such as a commitment to learning (school engagement, homework, bonding to school, and achievement motivation); positive values (caring, integrity, honesty, and more); social competencies (planning and decision-making to peaceful conflict resolution); and positive identity (personal power, self-esteem, and sense of purpose). External assets, or those provided by the school, family, or community, include support (positive family communication, other adult relationships, caring neighborhood and school climate, and family-school relationships); empowerment (community values youth, youth as resources, and safety); boundaries and expectations (family, neighborhood and school boundaries, adult role models, positive peer influences, and more); and constructive use of time (creative activities, youth programs, religious or spiritual community, and time at home). Of the responses, about 72 percent of youth believed they had family support while 24 percent indicated there was a caring school climate. Additionally, 21 percent believed the community valued youth while 53 percent of males and only 26 percent of females said they felt safe.

Meanwhile, 139 Southern Local students took part in the most recent survey, and 31 percent said they had a caring neighborhood with 39 percent yielding positive family communication. Galbreath said that as positive assets go down, risk-taking behaviors increase because youth do not have the support they need. Discussion ensued and school leaders said times have changed from when neighbors looking out for kids and there were not many options for outlets outside of school. According to the main survey, 68 percent of respondents spent their free time at home.

“We don’t have a lot for kids to do after school except for clubs, band, and sports,” said district Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson.

Other concerns were that students may likely fall into harmful behaviors such as substance abuse or violence.

“The sense of community is different,” Galbreath said. “Kids are looking for adult role models.”

“It starts with being the adult in the classroom,” said Southern Local Elementary Principal Emily Smith. “If kids don’t feel safe or need an adult role model, that should be us.”

Galbreath said the YOU Matter Here campaign was launched so youth know they are seen, heard, and valued, and it really does take a village to help them grow. One plan is to restart a Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization and actively seek mentors, and an event is set on March 11 at 6 p.m. at the Columbiana Arts Center in Columbiana to aid the effort. Southern Local Superintendent Tom Cunningham offered to promote the gathering on the district’s social media to build interest.

Galbreath noted other ideas from social media campaigns and promotions to involving community leaders. More suggestions included holding Youth Appreciation Weeks; creating opportunities or safe spaces for youth; conducting community projects and volunteer opportunities; hosting a YOU Matter Here Week, peer recognition boards, and essay or art contests at schools; inviting police, fire, EMS, veterans, health districts, or businesses to share photos holding “YOU Matter Here” signs to demonstrate support; creating and distributing campaign decals throughout the area; posting church bulletin messages; and offering Youth Town Hall Nights, to name a few.

Southern Local Jr. High Principal Jordan Wrask said his Principal’s Advisory Council of students will create a “YOU Matter Here” bulletin board to share affirmations while Sampson asked Galbreath to address teachers during an upcoming professional development day on March 9.