Turning “time out of class” into time for growth.
Traditional suspension often removes students from the classroom without addressing what’s really going on. Our School Suspension Support Program transforms those days into structured, therapeutic learning time—so students return with new tools, not the same patterns.
This program is best suited for:
High school students (with adaptability for middle school)
Students with moderate to high risk factors, including:
Repeat suspensions or disciplinary incidents
Truancy or chronic absenteeism
Drug and alcohol use or experimentation
Emerging legal concerns
Mental health challenges and/or special education needs (IEP/504, related services)
Students in low-income and minority-based communities who often face compounded barriers and stigma around mental health.
Referrals typically come from:
Principals, deans, school administrators, counselors, social workers, and teachers. Whenever possible, we also involve parents/guardians to support change at home, not just at school.
Who This Program Serves
What the Program Looks Like
Full-day, structured suspension alternative
Students spend the full school day in a small, supportive group (capped at 12 students) for the length of their suspension.
Clinical + Curriculum-Based Approach
Group sessions led by OVS and 1st Step Counseling professionals
Social-emotional skill-building (self-awareness, emotional regulation, communication)
Psychoeducation around stress, trauma, substance use, and decision-making
Space to reflect on the incident, take responsibility, and create a plan for change
Integrated Professional Development for Staff
In addition to student services, we offer training for faculty and staff on:Trauma-informed discipline
De-escalation and relational approaches
Supporting students with complex needs in the classroom
This creates a shared language and strategy between the adults and students, rather than treating the program as an isolated intervention.
Why Schools Partner with OVS
Schools choose this program because they’re asking hard questions like:
“What are our students actually doing during suspension?”
“Are we changing behavior—or just removing kids from class?”
Our program helps schools:
Improve school culture and climate by addressing underlying issues instead of only enforcing consequences.
Reduce repeat suspensions by building coping and problem-solving skills.
Support students with mental health needs who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
Align with equity goals, especially in districts where suspensions disproportionately impact students of color and students with disabilities.
Logistics & Partnership Structure
Interested in bringing this model to your school or district?
Format: In-school, full-day program running concurrently with suspensions
Group Size: Up to 12 students per cohort
Contract: Typically contracted for the full school year to support staffing and consistency
Staffing: Led by OVS/1st Step Counseling clinicians, with the goal of integrating graduate-level counseling interns under supervision to extend impact and manage costs
Funding Options: School budget allocations, potential grants, and partnerships with 1st Step Counseling