NORTH VANCOUVER SCHOOL DISTRICT
THIRD STEP PROGRAM

The Third Step Program is an alternate school program for North Shore youth in Grades 8 to 10 who have previously experienced difficulties in attending mainstream schools. This program gives youth an opportunity to attend a day program in a safe, positive, and caring environment that facilitates change and growth. Third Step is committed to providing individual academic programming for each student to develop the necessary skills to integrate back into a mainstream school, pursue vocational/ job training programs, or secure employment. Third Step is a unique program, delivered by the North Vancouver School District, and supported by the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Hollyburn Family Services, Pacific Legal Education Association Community Services Society of BC (PLEA), Vancouver Coastal Health, North Shore Neighbourhood House, the City of North Vancouver, Squamish Nation, and the Burton Chill Program.

During the 2004-2005 school year, the Third Step Program provided services for 22 North Shore youth between the ages of 13 to18, with an average age of 15.6 years. All of our clients have special needs and are recognized as youth who are at-risk. Many of the students are involved with various ministries such as the Ministry of Children and Family Development, Youth Justice Services, and the Ministry of Health's Mental Health Department.

Some program highlights of the past two years include:

• Outstanding Supporter of Youth Award - The 2005 Outstanding Supporter of Youth Award was presented to Third Step Alternate Program by the City of North Vancouver in appreciation and recognition of achievements and contributions to the North Shore Community.

• Carving Project and Ceremony - the Third Step Carving Project was completed and a successful formal blessing ceremony took place in November 2004. Many people attended the ceremony and this was a great cultural awareness experience for both Third Step students and staff. The art piece is now displayed proudly in the main foyer of the Lucas Centre and welcomes all cultures to pursue their education. The media coverage was positive for Third Step, Squamish Nation, and other parties involved.

• Drug and Alcohol Poster Contest - students participated in a drug and alcohol awareness poster competition held by Vancouver Coastal Health's Youth Concurrent Disorders Program. A Third Step student was awarded 1st place and received a gift certificate.

• Video Projects - Third Step received video camera equipment from Youth Probation and was able to offer video production instruction and work on various video projects with the students. One student produced a video for an anti-smoking contest with Vancouver Coastal Health. Vancouver Coastal Health later acknowledged him for his work. Being able to produce videos with the students has proved to be a great motivational tool that can be tied into both educational and life skills. Two Third Step students obtained sponsorships to a Summer Visions film course that will give them the skills to seek employment in the film industry.

• Silk Screen Project - Third Step received a grant from the City of North Vancouver for a Silk Screen project. The class designed art with different community themes and a Third Step logo. Third Step partnered with John Braithwaite Community Centre to conduct a silk screen class with students. Students designed and silk-screened the Third Step logo onto T-shirts that they kept. This project was successful in building student awareness of the community and how their art talents can be used for possible career paths instead of just considered graffiti on public property.

The evaluation of such a program is not easily measured, however, a survey of families and students indicated that:

• Students liked the opportunity to participate in the planning of their curriculum and establishing their own short and long term goals
• All students felt welcomed and accepted in the program
• Students enjoyed the varied and diverse activities/opportunities provided by the staff
• Parents and families were complimentary of the open communication of staff and the access to coordinated services

The staff provided accurate educational and vocational assessments of student progress including the development of Individual Educational Plans (IEP). Fifty-nine percent of the youth were integrated into other schools, programs or employment. Students "graduating" from Third Step continued their education by enrolling at the Youth Learning Centre, Keith Lynn Alternate Secondary School, Tsleil-Waututh Nation School and Education Centre, and Eslha7an Learning Centre. Three students joined employment programs connected to businesses in the community.

North Vancouver School District, with the cooperation of inter-ministerial organizations, community partnerships, and a dedicated staff, does indeed support the adage "it takes a whole village (community) to raise a child."