Alternative Suspension is an out-of-school intervention program.

The program establishes bonds of trust and creates a support network for students who have been or are at risk of being suspended from school due to problematic behavior while also supporting a consistent and strong academic focus. 

It aims to reduce future suspensions and disciplinary sanctions by offering participants an opportunity to turn their time away from school into a positive experience that encourages personal growth, the development of social skills, and autonomy. 

Students may be referred for any of the following concerns: 
  • Absenteeism/lack of participation in classes 
  • Apathy and lack of motivation 
  • Issues related to substance misuse 
  • Disruptive and impulsive behavior 
  • Physical, verbal or psychological violence 
  • Theft or vandalism 
  • Academic struggles or needing an adult to guide them with time management and motivation 
  • Needing additional support to help with mental health needs

To learn more about the program, please contact us at one of the emails below.

 

Program Details

  • Schools administer student referrals to the program 
  • Participating youth must undergo an individual assessment. A youth worker will develop a personalized profile of participating individuals 
  • Morning sessions focus on academic achievement and afternoon sessions on thematic workshops to reduce identified risk factors 
  • Youth may also participate in recreational activities 
  • Intervention sessions last an average of five days 
  • After the program is complete, students reintegrate back into the school/community and the youth worker will follow up to determine the impact of the ASP on the student
  • Youth workers provide regular communication with parents during the ASP

Program Outcomes

  • Self-awareness of problematic behavior 
  • Increased self-esteem and respect 
  • Expanded network of social support 
  • Reduced associations with problematic peers 
  • Decreased aggressive, impulsive, disruptive, and antisocial behavior 
  • Positive academic aspirations and motivations 
  • Increased school achievement and graduation rate 

You're invited!

We are excited to invite you to our open house to showcase our Alternative Suspension Program. These events aim to highlight our branch facilities, programs and accomplishments while fostering a sense of community among our dedicated educators. We look forward to connecting with you at the upcoming events!

Melcor YMCA at Crowfoot

September 7

4 - 6 p.m.

Saddletowne YMCA

September 14

4 - 6 p.m.

Shawnessy YMCA

September 21

4 - 6 p.m.

NW Youth Worker

Melissa Scheidt

melissa.scheidt@calgary.ymca.ca

403-651-6434

NE Youth Worker
Tessa O’Byrne 
403-463-2448 
tessa.obyrne@calgary.ymca.ca 

South Youth Worker
Scott Caithcart 
403-899-4125 
scott.caithcart@calgary.ymca.ca 

Youth Engagement Manager
Bailey Martineau
403-826-2757

Bailey.Martineau@calgary.ymca.ca 

The Alternative Suspension Program wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our partners:

  • Scotiabank
  • The United Way of Calgary & Area
  • Family & Community Support Services Canada (FCSS)