JJC Career Fair Gives Detained Students an Opportunity For a Fresh Start
A lot of organizations and political groups talk about the importance of rehabilitation and make dramatic calls for criminal justice system reform that will turn real or potential criminals into productive citizens and stop the seemingly endless loop of crime begetting crime. Then there are programs that actually do something to address the issue.
Today, the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center held its first Career Fair for students between the ages of 10 and 17 in an effort to prepare those students to be quality, contributing members of society.
“The purpose is to emphasize the importance of college and career readiness to our students, in line with our vision statement for the JJC school,” said Principal Ivars Spalis. “It also ties in with the social-emotional learning standards, specifically teaching the students the process of setting and achieving positive goals and making responsible decisions.”
About 50 students participated on Friday, with most students in ninth and 10th grade.
“We serve a wide range of ages and from many surrounding counties like DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall and McHenry as well,” Spalis said.
Many students were excited to talk to U.S. Marine Corps recruiting professionals and representatives Fox River Countryside Fire/Rescue District. They participated in pushup and pull-up contests and enjoyed learning about the physical requirements to lug pounds of equipment on their backs.
“This is a great opportunity to inspire these kids,” said Sgt. Giechen from the St. Charles Marine Corps recruiting location. “It’s never too late to turn them around.”
Also present were representatives from Waubonsee Community College, Spa Vargas Massage Therapy University, and John Hall Custom Homes. While the schools shared quality, fast-paced programs with the students, some shared inspirational words of advice.
“It’s not about the money at first. If you come to the office on time, every day and get your work done, you will be promoted,” John Hall Jr. said to a student. “If you’re interested in the home-building industry, I will introduce you to the right people.”
Superintendent Rick Anselme and Assistant Superintendent Amy Sierra were also present, discussing students’ career goals and plans for the future.
As part of the JJC education program, educators are working to improve the program every day.
“We have an incredible group of teachers, administrators and counselors here,” said Director of Professional Development Shirley LeClere. “Two weeks ago, one of our students passed her GED with the assistance of Instructional Assistant Steffanie Weil and Special Education Coordinator/Data Analyst Rich Grenda. This team is really guiding these young students to success.”
To guarantee that students in juvenile detention continue to be educated and make a successful transition back into their public school program, the Kane County Regional Office of Education runs the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center Education Program. An agreement between the St. Charles School District, the office of Chief Judge Judith Brawka and the Kane County Regional Office of Education makes this possible. Certified teachers give daily instruction year-round in language arts, math, science and social studies. The Education Program coordinator serves as administrator and communicates with the students’ public schools to help with transfers.
- This article was written by Ellen Kamps of the Kane County Regional Office of Education, made possible by Regional Superintendent Patricia Dal Santo.