Newly formed support group helps Chardon heal
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Matt Chauby, Team B Staff Writer
May 9, 2012
Filed under News
For the last two months, all Chardon High School students have seen are the various cards and signs from communities all over the country and even the world. Though they will begin to be taken down, some flyers have been posted in recent weeks. Our school as a whole has been coping with the events of February 27th and a group is being created to help.
Most have seen the black-and-white flyer with a picture of a ribbon-covered tree on the square. The heading of the flyer reads “Chardon High School One Heart Beat”. Despite bearing the same saying as many other banners around the school, the flyer sticks out as it goes on to give vague details of a new, supposed coping group.
The flyer asks two main questions: “why a group now?” and “why a group?”. It explains that the spring season is a time of transition, listing sports, prom and graduation. The group intends to help with the “roller coaster” effect of emotions that is caused by this period. Obviously, the group intends to use creative methods to understand normal grief while improving coping skills. The flyer guarantees refreshments to be served and, in dark print, confidentiality to be insured.
To learn more about the group, one would go to the guidance office to find out that the group meetings are actually held in various classrooms around the school, such as the library and cafeteria, and during the school day, during study halls and lunches. The newly formed group was actually started by an organization known as Beach Brook. Beach Brook, a mental health agency that deals with behavioral issues, was actually contracted by the school at the beginning of the school year. After the events of February 27th, the organization stepped up, creating this group for students to cope. Besides that, the organization also provides counselors on call for any and all students that need them.
Although the group is for all students, Beach Brook intends to help specific groups such as students who had classes with victims or students who actually witnessed the tragic events of February 27th.
When asked if this group would benefit them, most students responded that they were not interested. Junior Billy Weaver said, “For kids who are traumatized, it’s a good thing.” Sophomore Juliana Myers, who attends meetings, added, “It’s fun and you get food. It’s good for students who need it.” However, there are students who think differently, like sophomore Jeremy Farris who said, “Some people just need to be left alone.” Sophomore Michael Chauby, who looked at both sides, said, “It’s good for people who may need it, but they shouldn’t push it on anyone.”
Our school administrators are not necessarily pushing anything on any students. However, it is understandable that the flyers, like other banners around the school, can create a distraction for some people. The group exists and is available for students who are looking for help. If one needs more information or is interested in signing up, make a trip to guidance to obtain the details.
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