I am an AACPS:<\/strong> School Social Worker, Annapolis Middle School<\/em><\/p>\n Across the county, 25 school social workers* are assigned to specific schools and are the link between home, school, and the community. As a team, we are always looking for new school-based initiatives to meet our students\u2019 needs. We collaborate with school personnel to reduce barriers to learning and to provide specialized services that include individual and group counseling, crisis prevention and intervention, and consultation regarding behavioral management, mental health and substance abuse concerns.<\/p>\n As the School Social Worker at Annapolis Middle School, one initiative that I am excited to be involved with is the new El Joven Noble<\/em> program. El Joven Noble (The Noble Young Man) is a youth leadership and character development program for male students in grades 6 and 7 at Annapolis Middle School that supports and guides Latino youth through a \u201crites of passage\u201d process. Developed by Jerry Tello in 1988, the program utilizes a 12-session curriculum focusing on the prevention of substance abuse, teen pregnancy, relationship violence, gang involvement, and school failure.\u00a0We currently have two El Joven Noble groups at Annapolis Middle School–one led by myself and Maria Baez (school social worker from Mary Moss at J. Albert Adams Academy) and one let by Jackie Munoz (AACPS Bilingual Facilitator) \u00a0and Joe Hudson (Hispanic Liaison, Annapolis City Police).<\/p>\n One important element of the El Joven program is a home-school connection. Prior to the first session with students, Ms. Munoz, Mr. Hudson, and I held a parent information night. Seventeen parents along with their students attended and completed the required intake form. Within the first few minutes, one father commented how much he appreciated the opportunity for his son to learn more about his culture. Several single-mothers joined the discussion and were grateful for additional support as they try to raise \u201cresponsible young men.\u201d<\/p>\n Nine students attended the initial session on Tuesday, October 25. The primary objective was to welcome everyone to the Joven Noble Circulo, a traditional talking, teaching circle used in indigenous Chicano\/Latino cultures. To gain an understanding of each other, students were asked to share who they represent and what is their purpose in life. The first few members were quick to \u201cpass\u201d but as the circle process continued, one boy commented: \u201cI represent my family.\u201d Another shared his purpose in life was to be \u201ca good person\u2026make my family proud.\u201d These simple statements were very powerful and led to a positive discussion about group norms. Students agreed to be respectful toward one another and welcomed the opportunity to increase their knowledge and gain new skills. For us, this is a critical first step in the learning and healing process. Future lessons\/discussions will focus on life skills, cultural identity, health and character development, and leadership\/community service. Embracing our new role as \u201cCircle Keepers,\u201d Ms. Baez and I look forward to guiding these young men towards being Hombres Noble, Men of their Word.<\/p>\n