In the Summer of 2019, the TSC was awarded the North Central Health Services Resilient Youth Initiative Grant in the amount of $1,057,313 to implement evidence-based supports for Social-Emotional Learning and Substance-Use prevention. This grant was awarded to the TSC to be used over three years and is supporting the implementation of Conscious Discipline (K-12) and Youth Message Development (9-12) district-wide. The goals of the grant are:
Goal I: We will provide support through a comprehensive program for our social and emotional strategic plan to meet the needs of our diverse population and different school cultures.
We have the potential to reach more than 13,000 students to increase resiliency, knowledge of coping skills, and life readiness through the use of programming and common language. Purchasing the Conscious Discipline and Youth Message Development programs would provide a best fit practice based on the needs of each individual school.
Goal II: We will bridge the gap of reported substance usage and perceived danger of that use.
Existing data suggests that students do not perceive a danger associated with many of the substances that they are reported to be using. Our goal is that our post-survey data will show that they grasp an understanding of risks associated with substance use.
Goal III: We will provide the necessary tools for our staff to address the SEL needs of our students. These tools will not only support our staff members in reaching students, but will provide support for the well being of our staff thereby encouraging staff member retention.
Our staff survey at the beginning of this journey indicated that staff felt that they did not have the necessary tools to address the current needs of our students. Our goal is that our post-survey data will show that teachers report having the necessary tools to support SEL needs.
Currently the grant is underway and is being utilized through the purchase and implementation of the Conscious Discipline Framework and Youth Message Development/Real Media Curriculum, several collaborative partnerships within our community, the hiring of an NCHS Grant Coordinator/Mental Health Liaison and intensive Professional Development for staff within each TSC building.