If we increase access to mental health supports for staff and students, then we will create a learning environment that fosters inclusivity, connectedness, and well-being, which will increase student engagement and improve academic outcomes.
Why focus on Mental Health & Belonging?
Surveys of our students and staff show that many are struggling with mental health issues regularly (following national trends), and they want easier access to support and resources. Mental health is an important part of our overall health and well-being. Addressing these issues and supporting students will help them do better academically and be engaged in activities, with their community and in life.
We’ll increase student access to mental health providers and resources to help students care for their overall well-being and be more engaged academically and in their community. Staff from the Student Services Department, along with the assistant superintendent of schools, and the Communications Department make up the team working on Mental Health & Belonging projects.
Year one: 2023-24 accomplishments
Both PSD middle school and high school students who took the 2023-24 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey were more likely than their peers statewide to say their stress level is manageable most days, they have an adult to go to for help with a serious problem, and they usually feel comfortable talking to a friend about their feelings.
During the first year of the Strategic Plan, PSD supported Mental Health & Belonging by:
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Adding 29 positions that support mental health and starting a partnership with Colorado State University to bring Master of Social Work students and graduate into schools as interns and fellows; Efforts are supported by $13.9 million in grants
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Increasing access to community partners
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Aligning mental health services, including cross-training
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Creating communications and materials to increase student awareness of mental health resources and wellness tips
Year two: What we're excited about in 2024-25
Goals - By the end of the 2025-26 school year, PSD aims to decrease the number of incidents of harassment and bullying due to ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disabilities, physical appearance or other protected classes by 10%.
Plans - In order to create affirming environments, PSD will:
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Provide direct education for fourth- and sixth-grade students about fostering positive and respectful school environments
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Train and support staff and students in disrupting and reporting incidents of bias and harassment
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Align investigation procedures, responses, interventions and supports
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Provide additional training for mental health staff on supports for students who report bullying and harassment and provide professional learning about harassment and discrimination investigation and decision-making for school administrators and central office leaders
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Provide equitable leadership practices training for leaders
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Provide professional development on inclusive climates and culture for all staff
Measuring success
Success of these tactics will be based on data from the PSD Mental Health Specialists team, PSD Research and Evaluation Department, PSD Connections and Healthy Kids Colorado surveys, along with information about referrals to community support providers and website and social media engagement analytics.