WCEF and Support Services at Walnut Creek Intermediate

Ensuring our children’s safety is a full-time commitment. It is also a task we expect our schools to fulfill in our absence. The middle school years present a particular challenge. As bullying, peer pressure and other issues surface, the need to protect students grows more pressing. Given that reality, Walnut Creek Intermediate offers a collection of programs that focus on safety.

“Many of these would not be possible without WCEF,” explains WCI Principal Kevin Collins. “With its help, we can provide services that many schools can’t, such as an additional counselor, after-school care and Squire Pride speaker assemblies.” Other programs include WEB (Where Everybody Belongs), campus supervision and WCI’s disaster relief effort.

WCI is fortunate to have two full-time counselors. “We provide a safe place for students to go, regardless of the reason,” says Counselor Jamey Carman. “We feel this is an important part of feeling safe at school.” The counselors also run a series of workshops with all incoming 6th graders to discuss bullying and how to deal with it.

While two counselors currently serve 1,150 students, one of those positions was threatened earlier this year due to budget setbacks. “WCEF stepped in to cover the cost of the additional salary,” says Collins, “but we don’t know if funding will be available in the future.”

After-school care is an important part of WCI’s safety curriculum. “Homework Help is a phenomenal service provided by the teachers at WCI,” explains Liz Davis, a substitute teacher and librarian. “It is so nice to offer a safe place for children to go after school and get help in whatever subject that is needed. For some students I really think it is the difference between success and failure at school.”

The Squire Pride assemblies provide a forum for guest speakers to discuss a myriad of health and safety issues. “WCI has been fortunate to have WCEF sponsor our assemblies each year,” says Vice-Principal Kevin Honey. “Students have learned about the downfalls of substance abuse, internet safety, cyber-bullying, gang influences on young people, the perils of drinking and driving, and the possibility that all students can achieve their own personal goals.”

The WEB program plays a vital role at WCI. WEB offers leadership training to nearly 100 8th grade students each year to help new students make a smooth transition into middle school. During the year, WEB leaders visit 6th grade classes to lead character-building activities. WEB forges a bond between classmates that helps younger students feel accepted and safe.

Students also feel comforted knowing that a campus supervisor is on hand before, during and after lunch to deal with any problems that arise. This “extra set of eyes and ears provides a valuable safety net,” says Principal Collins.

WCI ’s emphasis on safety extends to its disaster relief program. Should an earthquake or other emergency occur during school, each classroom is equipped with food, first aid and other necessities. The kits are replenished each year with funds provided by WCEF. Vice Principal Bridget Vorhees credits WCEF for sharing WCI’s commitment to safety. “WCEF has helped make our school a safe campus,” she says.

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