In an interview edited for clarity and length, Hughes shared what it’s like to be in his shoes.
A huge percentage of people I saw in jail hadn’t finished high school. I’d ask them about their educations and hear they’d made it through 10th, 11th grade or just didn’t get all the way to graduation.
In pre-truancy work, I have a chance to reach kids before they become truant. I give them real examples of what I’ve seen. Having coached kids in gymnastics, I know to talk to them as equals, not belittle or baby them.
Doug Hughes does a lot of his work as a truancy officer from his truck. (Renée Jones Schneider/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
First thing each morning, I send texts and say, “Have a great day,” which really means, “Get up and get to school.” Then I check attendance at every school in Brown County. School secretaries let me know within minutes which kids aren’t there. I’ll directly contact those students to see if they’re running late or need a ride. I’m not a taxi service, but if they reach out, I make sure they get to school. If a parent hasn’t noticed their child isn’t in school or has forgotten to call in [an excused absence], I’m in touch.
During the day, I confirm kids are in class and not wandering the hallways, and that they’ve returned to school after lunch. I meet one-on-one with students weekly when they’re new [to the pre-truancy program], and then less often as they go along. The less they see me, the better. Once they’ve finished the program and are consistently staying in school, I tell them they’ve done great. They get a certificate, a letter, sometimes a gift card [provided by the Optimist Club of New Ulm] and definitely a fist bump, a pat on the back and lots of praise.
Last year, I had 90 kids in the program, and most made it through. Our teachers and school staff do terrific work, but a small handful of kids needs more help, including from family services and the court system.
0 Comments