The 色中色 has been awarded an up to nearly $4 million New York State grant to address student well-being in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New York State RECOVS: Recover from COVID School Program grant money will allow the district to sustain many of the mental health supports put in place over the last several school years, including several staff positions such as a social-emotional learning coach, student support and conduct personnel, additional social workers (four at the Grades 3-8 level and one at the Grades 9-12 level) and youth development coordinator.
In addition, the district will expand its partnerships with Liberty Resources and Promise Zone.
Starting in the fall, Liberty Resources will have a presence in all LCSD school buildings. Liberty Resources School-Based Mental Health therapists provide treatment to children and families in the school setting. Its goal is to improve the quality of life for clients and to improve their ability to succeed academically.
The district also will bring the Promise Zone program to district middle schools. Promise Zone is a school-based mental health program that matches students' emotional and behavioral needs with effective, targeted interventions designed to develop skills and increase engagement in instructional time through a multi-tiered system of support.
“This grant money will allow the district to sustain the programs we currently offer our students so that they don’t lose these critical connections,” said LCSD Superintendent of Schools Daniel Henner.
“Academic success for each child is our primary goal, and we work to create a healthy environment that allows children to learn and grow into the leaders of tomorrow,” he added. “By working with our community, we can ensure that our children will be equipped to make their world a better place and leave a positive legacy for future generations.”