REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action to Authorize the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the Santa Clara Unified School District for the BRAVE Program and Approve the Related Budget Amendment
Report
BACKGROUND
On October 8, 2024, the City Council approved the implementation of the Building Respect, Awareness and Values through Education (BRAVE) pilot program with the Santa Clara Unified School District (School District) for the 2024/25 school year (RTC #24-630). The BRAVE program was designed to align with the evolving landscape of laws (e.g., use of marijuana and vaping) and youth challenges (e.g., peer pressure, bullying, cyberbullying, substance use prevention and education.)
The 2024/25 pilot program delivered BRAVE curriculum to approximately 480 4th grade students in the School District. The seven-week pilot program engaged students through a combination of classroom instruction, discussions and interactive activities. Key highlights include:
* Interactive Learning: Classroom lessons focused on topics such as respect, empathy and making responsible choices. Student participation was encouraged through discussions, group activities and question and answer opportunities.
* Age-Appropriate Discussions: Lessons included sensitive but age-appropriate conversations about cybersecurity, peer pressure, bullying and substance use prevention and education helping students develop healthy coping strategies and responsible online behavior.
* Anonymous Question Box: Each week students submitted anonymous questions for officers to answer the following week. The number of questions significantly increased as the program progressed, showing growing trust and engagement.
* Student Learning Assessments: Students participated in short tests designed to gauge learning progress and reinforce key concepts of the program.
* Written Essay Activity: Students completed an essay reflecting on how they could apply the lessons of respect, kin...
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