Manitowoc Public School District. PC: Fox 11 Online
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) — A recovery-focused high school is coming to the Manitowoc Public School District.
Thanks to a $75 thousand Department of Public Instruction grant, a new school inside Stangel Learning Center will help students struggling with drug use.
“This program will provide structure for academic support with AODA [Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse] counseling, and a therapeutic educational setting,” said Stephanie Boncher, MPSD personalized learning programs administrator.
According to the 2022 Manitowoc County Health Assessment, 25% of high school students currently drink and 10% of those students report binge drinking. Additionally 2% of eighth graders, 4% of ninth graders, 9% of tenth graders, 13% of eleventh graders and 13% of twelfth graders report marijuana use. Of the high school students who reported using marijuana, 15% say they started before the age of 13.
Students also reported legal drug misuse. 4% of sixth graders, 5% of seventh graders, 7% of eighth graders, 9% of ninth graders, 11% of tenth graders, 10% of eleventh graders and 10% of twelfth graders reported legal drug misuse.
Boncher says students often turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for stress, and they’re not often aware of all the consequences.
Students will have to apply for the school with their current counselor. It will also be offered to students who face expulsion from their current school as an alternative.
The goal of the school is to have students attend for one year, then return to their regular school with the tools and recourses they need to be successful. However, some students will be able to stay longer if necessary.
The plan is to have the school ready to open by next school year.
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