Youth Services Advisory Board Minutes
SIMSBURY YOUTH SERVICE ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
October 17, 2022
On October 17, 2022, the Simsbury Youth Services Advisory Board met in person at the Simsbury High School.
Present: Kristen Formanek (SSS), Erika Cleveland (SSS), Tom Tyburski (SCP&R), Mary Richardson (SPL), Trevor Brittell (SPD), Todd Kushman (SPD), Jeslyn Gao (student)
One member of the public was present, a student who is interested in joining the YSB.
The meeting was called to order at 2:27 PM.
No public comments were submitted for the meeting.
Introductions were made.
Kristen noted that the proposed meeting calendar was not on the agenda and asked for a motion to add it. Tom Tyburski made the motion to add a discussion regarding the proposed meeting calendar, motion was seconded by Officer Kushman. All present and voting in favor, motion passes. The calendar was discussed and all dates were confirmed. Officer Kushman made a motion to accept the proposed calendar as presented. Tom Tyburski seconded the motion. All present and voting in favor, motion passes.
Kristen reviewed programs that were presented over the past year and highlighted new programs that were well received by the public.
Jeslyn and student guest discussed current issues that are being seen at school. They noted that vaping continues to be a concern. They also noted that there is an increase in alcohol abuse and students are “glorifying” passing out and being hung-over. They also noted that cyber bullying is a large concern faced by students.
We had an open discussion on potential programs and services as well as a theme. Kristen also briefly discussed funding received from the opioid settlement and potential ways YSB could support the spending. We discussed the possibility of holding Narcan trainings and providing Narcan to town buildings and departments. We discussed contracting a session with A Courage to Speak as well as possibly Lynn Lyons who previously presented on anxiety. Officer Brittell has a connection with a State Trooper who provides a presentation on cyber bullying and social media. He will be reaching out to her to see if she may be able to present here. A potential theme for the year is “communication is key”.
There was a conversation regarding the ongoing impact of the pandemic on our youth. It is widely seen that our youth have returned to school with a loss of social skills and lack of maturity that was lost during the course of the pandemic. Also discussed the roles parents play in their children’s behaviors. Youth are also spending an increased amount of time on screens, which is potentially negatively impacting their social skills.
A conversation was had regarding the concerns around half days and students who tend to converge on the center of town and at the PAC. We discussed ways in which we could engage these students in a positive activity on half days in hopes of preventing behavior issues or destruction of playground equipment. We also hope to help return our youth to normalcy after the pandemic.
There is an opening for a second student member. Our guest student is interested in joining and Kristen gave him information on how to move forward with this.
Updates were provided:
The Police Department reports increased behavioral concerns among students. There is a significant lack of respect and rule-following.
Culture Parks & Recreation reports a similar experience with the youth in their programs. It was also noted that there has been a significant decline in job applications, which is a universal issue.
The Library discussed half-day programming. Our Youth & Family Social Worker will be working with both the library and CP&R regarding half-day programming as well as other programs.
Having no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made to adjourn by Officer Brittell. The motion was seconded by Officer Kushman. All present and voting in favor, motion passes. The meeting was adjourned at 3.25 PM.