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Pilot program to handle bad behavior

ALPENA, Mich.— Alpena Public Schools is implementing a restorative room at Besser Elementary School in efforts to help students with behavioral problems. The new program may start as early as next month.

The restorative room is lead by a student support facilitator to help children manage stress, anger and physical aggression. The new program will teach students behavioral skills without taking them out of the classroom.

According to Besser Elementary School principal, Stephanie Hitchcock, she’s seen an increase in misbehavior and violence. Hitchcock says, mental health has also played a factor.

The restorative room not only allows counseling for students, but also relieves teachers from a disruptive classroom. The APS Assistant Superintendent, says student support is a community effort.