Winter 2025

A Message From Our Director

Kate Shanks-Booth

    Weather prediction has always been a mix of science and folklore, from Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow to kids wearing pajamas backward for a snow day. While we still embrace these traditions, today’s meteorologists rely on advanced forecasting tools. According to NOAA, a five-day forecast is about 90% accurate, but that drops to 50% for predictions beyond ten days. Despite technological advancements, today’s five-day forecast is only as reliable as a three-day forecast from the 1990s. Ultimately, predicting the weather—like many things in life—depends on what we choose to believe.

     Guesswork may be fine for rain and snow, but what about the impact of weather on mental health? The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has studied seasonal affective disorder (SAD) for over 30 years, identifying its causes and effective treatments. SAD is more prevalent in northern regions, affecting about 10% of Alaskans but only 1% of Floridians.

     In Ithaca, where we see only 155 sunny days per year, that means 210 days without sunshine. Research suggests that 1.7% to 5.5% of children aged 9–19 may experience SAD. The good news? The days are getting longer! Exposure to natural light and outdoor activity are powerful remedies for seasonal mood shifts.

     On March 9, 2025, we "spring forward" for Daylight Saving Time—one more step toward brighter days. So, take advantage of the extra daylight! Get outside, soak up the sun, and enjoy some physical activity—it’s one of the best ways to boost your mood. And don’t forget to set your clocks ahead, or you’ll be late for everything!

• National Institutes of Health. “Beat the Winter Blues.” NIH News in Health, Jan. 2013, https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2013/01/beat-winter-blues.
• Rosenthal, Norman E., et al. “Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Description of the Syndrome and Preliminary Findings with Light Therapy.” Archives of General Psychiatry, vol. 41, no. 1, 1984, pp. 72–80, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7793436/.
• BestPlaces. “Climate in Ithaca, New York.” BestPlaces, https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/city/new_york/ithaca. Accessed 24 Feb. 2025.

Tompkins Weekly Feature

    In a recent Tompkins Weekly feature, the Youth Services Department outlined its goals for 2025, focusing on reviewing and updating indicators in the Achieving Youth Results framework to better track progress in youth development. The department also plans a countywide assessment to identify the most pressing challenges facing youth and families, including the impacts of COVID-19, trauma, and access to care. Kate Shanks Booth, Director of Youth Services, highlighted the importance of these efforts, emphasizing their alignment with the Tompkins County Strategic Plan and the department's data-driven decision-making process.

    Sustainable funding remains a major challenge for youth services, with agencies facing increased demand amidst financial constraints and workforce shortages. To address this, the Youth Services Department aims to advocate for strategic investments, improve resource allocation, and strengthen collaborations with local organizations. By fostering innovation and collaboration, the department seeks to ensure that all youth in the community have the support they need to succeed in the coming years.

Check Out Youth Service's New and Improved Website!

    Explore how we support and empower Tompkins County youth through a variety of programs, resources, and services. Our website features Town Profiles, which provide individual data on the municipalities within Tompkins County, with a focus on Achieving Youth Results (AYR). AYR is a collaborative initiative between our department and the community, aimed at setting clear goals for the well-being of young people and tracking progress through key indicators.

Rising Youth Homelessness in Tompkins County: A Growing Concern

Youth homelessness in Tompkins County has seen a concerning rise over the past few years, as reported by the New York State Education Department using data from the Student Information Repository System (SIRS).

    Between 2021 and 2022, the number of homeless youths in the county saw a dramatic increase, tripling from 71 in 2021 to 227 in 2022. This represents an increase of approximately 219%, highlighting a deeply concerning upward trend. The situation has continued to worsen into 2023, with the total number of homeless youths reaching 232, a slight rise from the previous year but still showing an ongoing escalation in the crisis. To further underscore the scale of the problem, earlier data from 2020 revealed that only 92 youth were homeless, marking a sharp rise of nearly 152% over just a three-year span.

   This alarming trend not only reflects the growing need for resources and intervention but also highlights a critical gap in support for these vulnerable individuals. Homeless youth face unique challenges that include a lack of stable housing, limited access to education, and increased exposure to physical and emotional risks. Many of these young people are also eligible for protections under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, which provides rights to children and youth experiencing homelessness. These rights include access to free public education, immediate enrollment in school without barriers, transportation services, and support for academic success. The Act ensures that homeless youth have the same opportunities as their peers, despite the obstacles they face. As the numbers continue to rise, it becomes increasingly urgent for communities to address the needs of homeless youth and ensure their rights are upheld under McKinney-Vento.

Youth Opportunity Map: Connecting Tompkins County Youth to Valuable Resources

   The Tompkins County Youth Services Department is proud to spotlight the collaboration between Workforce Development and the Youth Employment Resource Team (YERT) in creating the Youth Opportunity Map. This powerful tool is designed to help young people in Tompkins County easily access the services and resources they need.

    The Youth Opportunity Map features a variety of support options for youth, including job training, educational assistance, housing aid, health services, mental health care, and much more. Whether you're seeking employment opportunities, career guidance, or essential community services, the Youth Opportunity Map is your go-to resource for finding support in your area.

Do Cell Phones Belong in the Classroom?

Photo is A.I. generated

    In recent years, many school districts have taken a firm stance on regulating cellphone use in the classroom, recognizing that these devices are often the root of disciplinary issues. Debbie Jones, superintendent of Bentonville, Arkansas, observes that nearly every disciplinary infraction in her district starts with a student’s phone. This trend is not unique to Bentonville. Across the country, many educators have rolled out restrictions to combat the distractions that phones create, and the results are often telling.

     A survey conducted by Education Week's Savvy Principal newsletter found that 62% of school leaders believe enforcing cellphone restrictions leads to better student behavior. Administrators report fewer disciplinary referrals, with students being less distracted and more focused during lessons.

   For example, in the North Adams district in Massachusetts, Assistant Superintendent Timothy Callahan noted a striking 75% drop in referrals during the last quarter of the 2024 school year compared to the previous year. This significant improvement is attributed to a cellphone ban, coupled with a system of pouches designed to securely hold students' phones throughout the school day. Callahan explained that not only had referrals decreased, but students also seemed to be more engaged. Issues like skipping class or wandering the halls without permission have also significantly reduced, along with conflicts that often escalated into physical altercations.

     Teachers in the district have reported that they are able to cover more material in less time and incorporate more long-term assignments, thanks to fewer interruptions from student devices.

Source:

    These findings are in line with the increasing movement toward cellphone regulation in schools. Governor Kathy Hochul of New York recently addressed the growing concern surrounding student phone use with a clear call to action:

“From parents and teachers, to social justice and law enforcement leaders, New Yorkers agree that our young people succeed when they’re learning and growing, not clicking and scrolling.”

- Governor Kathy Hochul

      In response to these concerns, Governor Hochul has proposed a statewide plan to restrict cellphone use in K-12 classrooms across New York. This initiative aims to limit distractions and promote a more focused, disciplined learning environment in schools. By taking a strong stance on cellphone usage, New York joins a growing list of states that are prioritizing student well-being and academic success by reducing phone-related disruptions.

     These efforts across various districts suggest that limiting cellphone use in schools may not only reduce distractions but also foster a more effective and engaged classroom experience for both students and teachers.

Check out these events happening soon in Tompkins County!

Rural Youth Services

Cornell Cooperative Extension

The Learning Web

Stay Connected with Youth Services on Facebook!

    Are you following Youth Services on Facebook? If not, you're missing out on a great way to stay informed and engaged with the local youth community! We’re constantly sharing interesting facts, helpful information, and updates on youth programs, as well as highlights from other local agencies doing amazing work in our area.

    In addition, we post occasional inspirational messages to brighten your day and keep you motivated. Whether you're a parent, educator, or just someone who cares about the future of our youth, our page is the perfect place to stay in the loop about resources, events, and initiatives that support young people in Tompkins County.

Make sure to follow us today and be part of the conversation! We’d love to have you join our growing online community.

320 West State/MLK Jr. Street
Ithaca NY 14850
607-274-5310

www.tompkinscountyny.gov/youth

The Tompkins County Youth Services
Department invests time, resources, and funding
in communities to enable all youth to thrive in school, work, and life