On November 6, Project SEEK SES hosted a virtual community of practice meeting centered on Quaker Valley’s Youth Court/Peer Jury program. Quaker Valley School District’s Youth Court/Peer Jury program was recognized by the Allegheny County Juvenile Court as their Community-Based 2024 Program of the Year. A recording of the meeting can be accessed here. Furthermore, Quaker Valley's powerpoint presentation and peer jury tool kit can be accessed here and here.
Aaron Vanatta (Chief of School Police/Safety and Security Coordinator) Dr. Deborah Riccobelli (QVHS Principal), and QVHS seniors/peer jurors, Thomas Fuener and Kwilai Karto discussed how the Quaker Valley School District has established a school-based court diversion program designed to keep first-time offenders out of court by capitalizing on the most influential relationships in their lives – their peers. This model program is a cooperative effort by schools, peers, parents, and other stakeholders.
Project SEEKS SES's next community of practice meeting will occur on December 5