Youth on their own Cholla high school HIDDEN YOUTH: Experiencing homelessness from a Young Person’s Point of View Youth on their own Cholla high school

What sort of supports does a teenager need to graduate high school? Write one word or phrase on each sticky note

What does youth homelessness look like? STUDENT STORIES

1. PETER Peter is a new student to the school, he has been in your class for about three weeks. He is quiet and shy, but is also focused and trying to catch up on his work because of his late start in school. He looks disheveled and has poor hygiene habits, his classmates object to siting with him when assigned partner or group work. You notice that his clothes are often unwashed and that they are ill fitting. You have tried to reach out to his parents but have not had success in contacting them.

2. MARIA Maria has been in your class from the beginning and is a hard worker and a straight A student. She is helpful to others and is always willing to help her peers understand class topics. She is on-time to class, participates, and is not disruptive. She likes to talk with her friends about the latest fashion trends and share make up tips. She is a popular girl, but is also kind to others not in her social circle.

3. JOHANNA Johanna is outgoing and funny, she loves to be the center of attention and is often the class clown. She is on the girls’ basketball team this year and she is a talented athlete. She struggles a little bit in school, but is really motivated to keep her grades up so she can still be on the team and get court time. She loves it when her grandma watches her play basketball and one day hopes to play for a college team. She often will come say hello during passing period and asks if you have snacks.

4. LUIS Luis is a new student in your class this year and you don’t know much about his background. He is learning English and so tends to be quiet and self-conscious about speaking it in front of others. Even with his Spanish speaking peers he seems to not converse much with them and doesn’t seem to have any close friends. When you asked him after class if everything was ok, he mumbled yes and walked away. You have asked other staff members about Luis and they have all observed the same things.

5. LILIANA Liliana is a handful. She is disruptive in class and distracts the learning of others. She is negative and angry when her behavior is called attention to and you have to often send her to the hallway to talk to her about her actions. She has been involved in fights with other students before and been suspended for it. She is doing poorly academically and seems to not be interested in tutoring or make-up work. You have tried to reach parents to discuss her grades and behaviors, but have only been able to reach an aunt who does not seem to care about Liliana’s progress.

7. MICHAEL Michael is graduating early in December, he has worked hard to get his credits done quickly. He goes to an alternative school that allows him to work part time at a popular fast food place to he can save money to buy his dream car. Despite working at his job, he is always on time to class, turns in his homework, and will be graduating with a 3.5 GPA. He is planning on attending community college and be a veterinary technician in the future.

Active Listening: Opening the lines of communication with youth CRAIG WUNDERLICH

What supports are lacking? CREATING THE GAP

Available Resources FILLING THE GAP

Panel Discussion CRAIG WUNDERLICH

Q & A

Become and advocate!

Contact Information Kim Flores: kflores@yoto.org 520.545.0567 Matt Schmidgall: mschmidgall@yoto.org 520.545.0601 Craig Wunderlich: richard.wunderlich@tusd1.org