This school year, Hastings High implemented a new system to help students who struggle with grades, attendance, anxiety, depression, or minor behavioral issues. Derek Vargas is the intervention Specialist at Hastings High and is in charge of the new Check-In/Check-Out Behavioral System.
This system acts as a safe place for many students and strives to provide students with all the materials they need to be successful in the classroom.
“Students can choose to relax a little if they’re experiencing a bad day or work on studies if they need to catch up in a class. If a student is selected for this intervention I’ll make contact with them and hopefully try to find a way to assist them with school to make it a better experience,” Vargas said.
Vargas sees this new system as having great potential in not only helping with the students managing their grades now, but also helping them become better students as they continue their education.
“I’ve seen a few kids that have come a long way since the first couple weeks of school. Their attitudes have changed for the better, and it’s shown through their attendance and grades,” Vargas said.
While this new behavior intervention policy has helped many kids over the past few weeks, there has no doubt been some challenges.
“The toughest part is trying to assist kids that need help, but they don’t help you help them,” Vargas said.
Every teacher wants the best for their students and will work hard to help every student do their best work and become aware of what they are capable of.
“We all aim to help students to be successful at school, the best person they can be, and help students want to do better for themselves,” Vargas said.
