Arcata High’s Girls Group, which has been previously run by the Humboldt Independent Practice Association (Humboldt IPA) for the last two years, is under new leadership of the school’s newly hired social worker for the 2024-2025 school year.
Humboldt IPA is a local organization whose goal is to improve healthcare and mental health resources in the community. In addition to Girls Group, they also previously led the Young Men’s Council and LGTBQ Group. None of these groups are running at the Arcata High campus this year, but are still present at other local, middle, and high schools.
A Girls Group is a unique experience different from talking to a therapist or school counselor because members have the chance to connect over similar things they’re experiencing while knowing everything shared is completely confidential. One former member of the Girls Group, Sam Martinez, found the group valuable to our school community.
“It’s good to have a safe space like a Girls Group because you never know what people are going through and if they have someone safe to talk to at home, so it’s important to create that environment at school,” Martinez said.
Humboldt IPA offered Charlotte Masaki the opportunity to work with the organization as a Peer Educator working alongside Vanessa Vrtiak, the School-Based Wellness Center Program Director, who made a connection with the girls over the years of directing Girls Group.
“Vanessa Vrtiak is my personal mentor,” Masaki said.
The district’s Director of Student Services, Gayle Conway said that “an analysis of the situation last Spring resulted in a decision wherein the District would assume responsibility for the groups.”
Many previous members are deeply disappointed by the school’s decision.
“A lot of the girls were really sad about it, which made me feel disappointed like I could have done more to keep the group alive,” peer leader Charlotte Masaki said. Parents and students protested to the school board about the decision but the ultimate decision was that they would not be able to continue the Humboldt IPA run groups.
There will be a new program run by the Arcata High administration. According to Gayle Conway, school social worker Meghan Watts will be conducting Girls Groups, Healthy Choices Group, Healthy Relationships Girls Group, Rhythm Group, and LGBTQ+ Groups, which will be starting in October. Watts is “excited and looking forward to providing this support for the students.”
