Concerns expressed about student safety disparities in Sonoma Valley

The percentage of Sonoma and Creekside high school students who selected a 4 or 5 on the scale increased from December 2019 to January 2024 to 41% from 36% for engagement, 16% from 14% for culture, and 24% 17% for college and career readiness, while falling to 33% from 37% for peer affiliation and collaboration, and to 26% from 28% for relationships.

Additionally, 39% of Sonoma Valley and Creekside high school students surveyed in January 2024 agreed or strongly agreed that when they feel upset, stressed, or having problems, their school offers programs or services that can help them, compared from 22% in January 2022. The percentage of middle school students who strongly agreed or agreed with this item also increased over this period to 44% from 38%.

“High school students have access to several support staff, including counselors, school psychologists and clinical mental health staff,” said Camille Garcia, a social worker for the school district. “School programs have also been expanded to raise awareness of how to seek support and how to do so.

“We are amplifying student voices to lead the way in creating greater school-wide opportunities to destigmatize students’ mental health and seek help when experiencing difficult situations.”

Winders praised Beall, as well as the district’s wellness centers and staff, for making progress in helping more students feel supported.

“They put in countless hours and were very committed to their work,” Winders said. “Our curator (Jeanette Rodriguez-Chien) has shown incredible leadership. She is on campuses, meeting with students and staff, listening to students in empathetic circles, and engaging directly with students about their feelings, needs, feedback, and making sure they have a voice and feel heard.

“I think our students see, feel and, most importantly, believe that they are important to us and that we see them as whole people. It is a team effort to make sure our students know and feel how much we care about them.”

The study shows that the proportion of students at El Verano, Flowery, Prestwood and Sassarini elementary schools who feel positive (on a scale of 1 to 3, where 1 is positive, 2 is neutral and 3 is negative) was 82% when it comes to engagement, 42% in learning challenges, 75% in relationships, 21% in culture, 59% in teaching methods and 33% in belonging.

“We are pleased that students report high levels of engagement and relationships,” Beall said. “As a core team, we will continue to delve deeper into the areas of culture and belonging, particularly in the area of ​​positive peer connections.”

Beall said that overall, the study also shows that elementary, middle and high school students feel happier and more relaxed than they did in 2023.

“This is important because we know that emotional well-being is closely linked to academic success and overall development,” she said.

Beall said the Youth Truth Survey is valuable because it allows the district to track progress on several activities on an annual basis, thereby identifying strengths and needed growth.

“While having a mechanism to provide anonymous feedback such as Youth Truth is an integral part of our improvement process, it is equally beneficial to offer opportunities for more open feedback through processes such as listening circles,” she said. “They allow for the expression of more detailed experiences and thoughts, which leads to a better understanding of the experiences of a specific individual.

“These individuals are then able to express thoughts and clear ideas about how best to move forward in a particular area.”

Winders said the district must be precise, thoughtful, intentional and inclusive when addressing issues of concern.

“You have to do this work carefully and keep up with it,” she said. “This is work we are doing and it must continue. It’s about honesty at work and the willingness to admit when something isn’t working and then fix it, while ensuring that the voices of those who have historically not been included and have not had a seat at the table are included.”

Contact reporter Dan Johnson at [email protected].