Rohnert Park, Calif., schools have long used the Stop, Cite and Return program to get truants back in school. Patrol officers issue citations as they return truants to schools, where the students must meet with their parents and a vice principal. After a third citation, students are referred to social agencies. The education department report said the daytime burglary rate in Rohnert Park is 75 percent less than in 1979 as a result of the program. The district teamed up with Memorial Hospital and assigned part-time health aides to 13 of its schools.
Nurses spend time educating students and parents about good health habits.
The program links parents with medical services to get students back in school. Data from the program during the 1996-97 school year show the average number of unexcused absences in elementary school was reduced from nine days to two days, said Barbara Duncanson, administrative assistant to the superintendent. In Eugene, Ore., Kennedy Middle School's Second Step concentrates on empathy, problem-solving and anger management to deter violence. At McCormick Middle School in McCormick, S.C., Students Against Bullying promotes character education and student mediation. And in Fort Wayne schools, there is increasing emphasis on making sure parents have parenting skills.