Youth Services Advisory Board Minutes
SIMSBURY YOUTH SERVICE ADVISORY BOARD
MINUTES
December 11, 2023
On December 11, 2023, the Simsbury Youth Services Advisory Board met in person at Simsbury High School.
Present: Erika Cleveland (SSS), Mary Richardson (SPL), Story McCarty (student), Officer Trevor Brittell (SRO), Officer Mike Lantiere (SRO), Amy Papale (School Psychologist), and Diana Yeisley (Board Liaison.)
The meeting was called to order at 2:33 PM.
Lori Boyko was present for a public audience member but had no comments for the board.
Introductions were made for our newest board members, School Resource Officer Mike Lantiere and Board Liaison Diana Yeisley.
Erika reviewed the previous quarter YSB programs and statistics. Social Services and the Dept of Aging & Disability partnered together to host a Sensory Santa event at the library on December 2 with a total of 53 participants. Social Services received positive feedback hosting the event at the library compared to Eno Hall as the space was more sensitive to sound and lighting. All the children were very excited to get their photo taken with Santa. Social Services offered a sensory program “Drumming all about you” at the library with a total of 31 participants, in addition to, 45 participants for Sensory Trunk or Treat.
Social Services offered three Intergenerational programming: Tie Dye in October with 64 participants, Lotus Lantern with 38 participants, and Intergenerational Drumming with 4 participants on Election Day which is an area of improvement for next year.
Lastly, Social Services continues to have a positive response for a weekly Life Skills Cooking Class on Thursdays where statistics range from 3-8 students signed up each week. Curious Creatures had 16 participants in November followed by a Youth Paint Class with 20 participants. For December, Social Services offered a Sensory Beading Craft with 3 participants and a Holiday Craft program with 11 participants.
All department updates were provided. Story informed the board of some frustration students were feeling over college and SAT prep courses. Students feel overwhelmed and unsupported on how to navigate college applications and the financial costs for each application. Additionally, once students discovered supports, the deadline had already been reached.
School Resource Officer Trevor Brittell reported receiving positive feedback for attending Simsbury Celebrates accompanied by local Cadets interacting with the public. Simsbury Police Department will host their annual “Stuff a Cruiser” event at Tractor Supply from 10 am – 2 pm on December 15th and 16th. Additionally, three Simsbury families will receive support from Simsbury Social Services and Simsbury Police Department for “Shop with a Cop.” Simsbury Social Services and Simsbury Police Department are co-sponsoring an Internet Safety program at the Public Library in January. Lastly, Officer Lantiere openly discussed presenting at our local Elementary Schools to discuss vaping and cell phone safety starting in January.
School counseling office Amy Papale had no issues to report to the board.
Simsbury Teen Librarian Mary Richardson reported Fall programming is going really well. New programs are offered such as Cookies and Coloring to promote mindfulness and relaxation. The Coffee Shop and the library are collaborating a silent book club for students which continues to receive positive feedback. Mary has begun offering one evening program each month for students occupied in clubs or sports can attend. This month, Mary will offer a teen arts and crafts program for students to learn how to make a mug in the craft space. Mary reports ½ days are going okay, but notified the board that the library has implemented new food rules, enforcing quiet rules in certain areas, and redirecting kids to the teens space when needed. Last week’s ½ day, the library held a Spiderman movie event with 36 teens present. Additionally, the library will implement a study break in January. Once midterms start, students will have the opportunity to meet with therapy dogs to offer mental and emotional support. A Kindness & Mindfulness program is a collaboration between the library and Social Services that will occur on January 20th from 10 am – 11 am for all ages. This quarter, Mary hosted an outreach “Get Carded” event at SHS to support students in obtaining a library card. Lastly, Mary has begun planning for the Spring consisting of a team photo contest and a summer employment job fair to support students interested in obtaining employment.
Diana Yeisley informed the board in April she plans to offer a Sensory Movie at the Library for the community. Additionally, she informed the board of a Simsbury Rock Giving excursion that was spotted on social media where painted rocks will be placed along Iron Horse and Hopmeadow. If any member from the community finds a rock and tags social media, the family creating this fun excursion will donate funds to several local charities including the Library and our local food pantry.
Having no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 3:01 PM.
Erika Cleveland, Chair