By Christy Dzubay

Surely by now we’ve all heard about the new program called Talk About It that is being launched here at Pomperaug. This is a nationwide program in which students can send messages to selected faculty members about problems that they are having in an attempt to get help. The Phoenix talked to Mrs. Kosicki, the PHS Director of Guidance, to learn more about what our school is hoping to get out of this program.

Phoenix: Though most people have at least heard about Talk About It, what are the most important things about this program that you would like students to know?

Mrs. Kosicki: I think one of the most important things I want students to understand is that there are different outlets and different avenues to get some help. This is a very large high school and not a lot of people know where to go. This will give them some sort of avenue and get a dialogue started with someone who can help.

Phoenix: What made you want to have Pomperaug become part of such a program?

Mrs. Kosicki: My understanding is that we are the only ones in Connecticut that are currently using this program…it was actually by the PTO.

Phoenix: Why do you feel that it is important for students to have this sort of access to help regarding bullying and other types of situations?

Mrs. Kosicki: [There is only one] counseling department and there are 1400 students in the building. We have six counselors, a psychologist, and a social worker. The more avenues we give them to access help, the better. Some people don’t want to say “I’m being bullied” and some students don’t want to come to the Counseling Department, so it’s just giving them an extra avenue.

Phoenix: How were the four faculty members chosen to be the ones to respond to questions?

Mrs. Kosicki: They just seemed like a natural fit [because they are part of departments that already have that type of experience].

Phoenix: What do you think student reactions have been like so far?

Mrs. Kosicki: We’re getting some very good questions, both anonymous and not anonymous from students. Students that are accessing it are accessing it appropriately. There are definitely mixed reactions, but the students that we want to have accessed it at this point have done so…We’re not expecting to have every single kid in the building, every single person, accessing it.

Phoenix: How do you plan to tell the fake reports from the real ones, if such a situation should occur?

Mrs. Kosicki:At this point, we’re still going through that. I think we’ll deal with that when we get there. Over time if we do see that [there is a problem] we have the option to take action. We want this to be a safe environment for students and don’t want it to be a place for false reporting.

Phoenix: We’ve come across some students that are concerned about this program pitting students against each other and think it could actually end up being used to bully other students. Do you think this could be a potential problem?

Mrs. Kosicki: Questions [so far] have been specific to [students’] own needs. I don’t really see it as an issue; I do see their concern and I think as professionals we can see [a false report from a real one]. Just because it’s in writing doesn’t make it any different than what students would be saying to my face.

Phoenix: Besides bullying, what other student concerns will be addressed through this program?

Mrs. Kosicki:There are a lot of different concerns on [the program]. There’s a drop-down menu with about 25 different areas that [students] can start looking at…problems at home, students who are stressed…we’re really looking at the entire spectrum of what students are dealing with. There’s no problem that is too big or too small. It’s that first step students can take to get some help.

Phoenix: Is there any other information students should know about Talk About It?

Mrs. Kosicki: I want students to know that the program should be taken seriously. We want them to use the Internet as a useful tool…We’re not really looking to see who’s making the report, but if we don’t know what’s going on we can’t help.

Though the program is still in its early stages, there have been many mixed reviews as to how much it will truly benefit the school. Some people have clearly been using it as a tool to get meaningful and direct help, but others don’t feel that Talk About It will have any lasting effects. Junior Caitlyn Lewis said, “I think that Talk About It will be very beneficial for those who are keeping issues locked inside because they are afraid of the reaction that others will give…Talk About It creates a gateway through which students can get over that embarrassment and fear in order to receive help that could be crucial to their happiness. After having seen that others react in a much less scary way than we had expected, students might be more willing to meet with someone in person, which will be a great benefit to them as well as to the morale and atmosphere at Pomperaug High School. Overall, I find that the Talk About It program will be a great improvement in the communication at PHS.”

On the other hand, another Pomperaug student said, “I don’t think it really makes a difference. It’s just kind of another thing to joke about.” These mixed reactions have been common among Pomperaug students. Some have started sending in questions already, but others are questioning how they would even go about submitting messages when we aren’t allowed access to computer and cell phones throughout the hours that the program is running. However, the people who are working on the program do feel that it has been a help to students who need that extra outlet for support. Many high school-aged kids don’t necessarily feel comfortable talking face to face with adults, so it is hoped that they will find other ways to get the help and support that they need through programs like Talk About It.