Student Support Programs

Case Management
BASC’s Student Support Program staff include the Student Support Specialist and Attendance Support Case Manager at Bemidji Middle School. Engagement Case Manager at J.W. Smith Elementary School and Intervention Prevention Specialist at the Bemidji High School.

Missy Thomas
BASC Student Support Specialist
Bemidji Middle School
218-333-3215 ext. 57203

Kristina Ulve
BASC Engagement Case Manager
J.W.Smith Elementary
218-242-2251
Brittyn Reierson
BASC Attendance Support Case Manager
Bemidji Middle School

Trisha Hoeger
BASC Intervention Prevention Specialist
Bemidji HighSchool
Purpose
BASC’s school-based services include attendance support, student support, engagement services, and intervention and prevention. Students may face a range of challenges that affect their attendance, engagement, and success in school. Across these services, BASC staff work with youth and families using a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach to identify needs, address barriers, and connect them with school and community resources. This support can also help prevent court involvement.
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BASC recognizes culture as an important protective factor for students and families. Our staff honor the role culture plays in each student’s life and work to provide support that respects their identity and experiences.
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“My daughter has blossomed so much this year! Love seeing my happy, confident kid coming home from school again. Thank you for everything you did for us!”
– BMS Parent
“Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.”
– Rita Pierson
"Good attendance helps boost students’ self-esteem and keeps them engaged, successful and on track for graduation.”
– AttendanceWorks.org
This program is funded by:
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Community Crime Intervention and Prevention grants administered by the State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs, a division of the MN Department of Public Safety
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Bemidji Public Schools, Independent School District 31

Attendance Incentives
BASC provides mini-grants to schools in Beltrami County to encourage student attendance and engagement. Each year, schools apply to receive the funding, proposing a plan that suits their particular building’s needs. They share their results with BASC and other schools at PASS K-12 meetings.
This program is funded by a Community Crime Intervention and Prevention grant administered by the State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

Be Present Beltrami
Be Present is a campaign to foster healthy youth engagement with school, family, and community. The campaign is coordinated by Beltrami Area Service Collaborative and funded by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
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Follow “Be Present” on Facebook
This program is funded by a grant administered by the State of Minnesota Office of Justice Programs, a division of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Resources
Attendance Works https://www.attendanceworks.org/
Attendance Works promotes equal opportunities to learn and advances student success by inspiring and catalyzing policies and practices that prevent and reduce chronic absence. Visit this website for the latest research, resources and ideas for building a culture of engagement in schools.
National Dropout Prevention Center https://dropoutprevention.org/
Promotes awareness of successful programs and policies related to dropout prevention. Effective, research-based strategies that are trauma informed.
Seven Steps to Good Digital Parenting
Reduced academic performance is one of the most important consequences of social networking overuse for students.
Live More Screen Less
Anti-Vaping Campaign
Vaping has become increasingly popular among youth in recent years, but it's important to understand the harms associated with it. Studies have shown that vaping can have negative effects on brain development, respiratory, and overall well-being. It's crucial to educate young people about these risks and encourage them to make informed about their health.​
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Tips for Parents:
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​Have an open and honest conversation with your child without judgment
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Listen to your child's perspective and try to see their point of view
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Educate yourself on the risks and consequences of vaping
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Consider seeking professional help if necessary
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Prioritize your child's health and well-being above all else
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Visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/e-cigarettes/youth.html for more information

