Hello from the CanTeen!
If your young person is entering 8th Grade this year, that means that they are eligible to start attending the CanTeen. But, what is the CanTeen?
We are a prevention based after school drop-in teen center located directly next to CNS High School, for young people in 8th to 12th grade. We are a violence, alcohol, drug, and smoke free environment (including vaping).
At the building teens have access to many different activities and opportunities to explore interests. On site we have 2 pool tables, a ping pong table, Foosball, tons of board games, a half basketball court, a gaga ball pit, a sewing machine, musical instruments (guitars, bass, keyboard, electronic drum kit, midi controller, etc), computer and sound recording equipment, paints and art supplies. We have a free table with food, clothing, and school supplies for teens who may be in need of any of these necessities. We offer dinner 2 nights a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays and teens have access to a 5:00 pm late bus provided by the district on these days to expand potential access for those interested in attending. We offer volunteer opportunities for teens looking to make an impact in their community, partnering with a variety of local organizations (such as the historical society and Gigi’s Playhouse). We host events and tournaments regularly such as open mic nights, Friday night fires, pool tournaments, and cooking classes. Over summers and occasionally throughout the school year we take teens on field trips into the community and offer overnight trips such as our yearly summer whale watch trip to Salem, Massachusetts. We hold Teen Council meetings, typically on a monthly basis, where teens get the opportunity to discuss and voice opinions on activity and event planning, things they’d like to see happen, changes needed, or any other types of ideas they may have. All teens who participate in the program are welcome to attend the Teen Council meetings.
The CanTeen holds programs throughout the year that cover a wide variety of topics that matter to teens who might otherwise engage in risky behaviors. We partner with a variety of organizations to offer presentations that address alcohol, drug use and relationships. Our speakers offer advice for college planning, resume building and other life skills.
This program is for all young people, and doesn’t cater to any specific demographic. All are welcome. We strive to provide a comfortable and safe environment for young people to be themselves and explore their interests.
In addition, over time the youth have established 3 main expectations in addition to our no violence, drugs, alcohol, and smoking/vaping policy:
- No PDA (public displays of affection), it makes people feel very uncomfortable & therefore this isn’t the place for it. We don’t mind hand holding, and hugging but we must be able to see where one body ends and another begins.
- Clean up after yourself. You are free to cook ramen noodles or mac’n’cheese (even a steak) however, it is expected that you will wash, dry, & put away any & all dishes that you use so that others may use them. This includes throwing away your garbage, wrappers, cup, etc.
- No foul language (i.e. swearing and slurs) & talking negatively about others either to their face or behind their back is not acceptable. This is a place where teens want to come to get away from judgments & drama. Respect of people at the CanTeen & the center itself is a must!
About our Policies and procedures
Breaking our expectations results in:
- A verbal warning, with a reminder of the expectations
- A sit down conversation in which a young person discusses what the expectations are
- A break from the program for two weeks (standard) or more (the school will be notified of the break and your young person won’t be allowed to use the shuttle during that time) and possibly a phone call home depending on the severity.**
**When young people push boundaries we often try to allow them to showcase an ability to change their behavior before parent involvement, as we want to foster trust and respect. We will always call if there is an immediate safety concern (We won’t call home for standard teen behaviors such as if they didn’t wash their dishes, dropped a swear word, or smooched their significant other… but if the behaviors are concerning or on the extreme end of these expectations you will hear from us).
If a young person is engaging in behavior that is a direct safety concern (physical altercations, suicidal ideation, etc) staff will call home immediately.
If a physical altercation occurs, our first call will be to the police.
We direct young people to resources that can assist them with issues they are struggling with. We are not therapists/medical professionals and are very open with young people about that. We encourage (but will not and cannot) force young people to communicate with parents about things they are struggling with; if it is an emergency or a legitimate safety concern you will be contacted, or asked to meet with us and your young person to help facilitate a conversation. Additionally we have partnered with Contact Community Services and have a Student Assistance Counselor who is qualified to provide mental health assistance at our building twice a week for group and/or individual counseling sessions. If you have any questions regarding their services please feel free to check out Contact Community Services https://www.contactsyracuse.org/student-assistance-program/ .
If your young person is not utilizing the program (just coming to sign in and leave) we will contact the school in addition to having a conversation here, as they are not only abusing our program but the shuttle service from the NSJH. Generally a warning is given for their first offense, and then a two week break will be given. If the behavior continues further that teen will not be able to attend the program for the remainder of the school year.
8th graders are not be allowed to leave the property to go to local stores. If they leave the property we will follow the procedure listed above for not utilizing the program. Starting at 9th Grade young people are allowed to walk down to local stores (such as the Dollar Tree, McDonalds, etc), if this is something you do not want your young person to do, please discuss this with your young person. We are not their alibi, if you call us we will let you know if your young person is here. Young people are also not allowed to spend time over at the high school (unless they have a legitimate reason to be there). We welcome you to call and ask us questions or talk to us about concerns.
We look forward to meeting you all, parents and young people!
The CanTeen staff,
Kiera + Wesley
(315) 699-1391
