Laker Elementary recently received word that it has been granted $1.83 million over the next five years from the U.S. Dept. of Education for positive behavior support (PBS) and behavior intervention.
According to Principal Kathy Dickens, this School Climate Transformation grant will allow Laker Elementary to fill a full-time psychologist / counselor position, two full-time behavior interventionists and provide PBS training for the entire staff. Dickens said the grant was written to better serve the most at-risk students in the building. However, it also will provide a better, safer learning environment for all students; hence, the title of the grant - School Climate Transformation.
"This will allow us to be less reactionary, which focuses on discipline, and provide more prevention," she said.
When it comes to behavior-related and mental health issues concerning students, the needs have risen over time, but funding has not met this increasing need. The grant is a welcome resource, as it will help the school use the data its been gathering and reviewing about behavior issues and put it to good use. The only way to do that is to have people available to help students, whether it's for a short period of time or for the long term.
"This grant will allow us to put more feet on the floor to help our at-risk students," Dickens said. "Paperwork (alone) doesn't solve behavior issues."
The grant will allow the school to take what it's already doing to promote positive behavior (character assemblies, Spotlight Breakfasts, etc.) and enhance it. The school also will be able to dig deeper into why students behave the way they do - this will help the school better serve its students.
The sooner students' behavior issues can be addressed, the less likely those students will end up being in the court system later on, Dickens added.
When catastrophes happen, such as violence at schools, people often ask, "Why didn't someone do something to prevent this?" Dickens said the best way to prevent such tragedies is to have strong preventative programs in place early on in a child's life before behavior and/or mental health issues become overpowering. Funding to put such programs in place is a real need for many schools, especially those located in areas where the economy is struggling - areas like Huron County. That's why Dickens is thankful Laker Elementary has this great opportunity to take positive steps forward in helping address students' behavior and mental health needs.
After all, a student who feels safe and secure in school will perform better academically.
Laker Elementary was one of only three schools to receive this grant in Michigan. The other two were in Detroit and Muskegon.
According to Laker Superintendent Bob Smith, this is the largest grant the district has ever received. For more information on this grant, including some background, visit here.
According to Principal Kathy Dickens, this School Climate Transformation grant will allow Laker Elementary to fill a full-time psychologist / counselor position, two full-time behavior interventionists and provide PBS training for the entire staff. Dickens said the grant was written to better serve the most at-risk students in the building. However, it also will provide a better, safer learning environment for all students; hence, the title of the grant - School Climate Transformation.
"This will allow us to be less reactionary, which focuses on discipline, and provide more prevention," she said.
When it comes to behavior-related and mental health issues concerning students, the needs have risen over time, but funding has not met this increasing need. The grant is a welcome resource, as it will help the school use the data its been gathering and reviewing about behavior issues and put it to good use. The only way to do that is to have people available to help students, whether it's for a short period of time or for the long term.
"This grant will allow us to put more feet on the floor to help our at-risk students," Dickens said. "Paperwork (alone) doesn't solve behavior issues."
The grant will allow the school to take what it's already doing to promote positive behavior (character assemblies, Spotlight Breakfasts, etc.) and enhance it. The school also will be able to dig deeper into why students behave the way they do - this will help the school better serve its students.
The sooner students' behavior issues can be addressed, the less likely those students will end up being in the court system later on, Dickens added.
When catastrophes happen, such as violence at schools, people often ask, "Why didn't someone do something to prevent this?" Dickens said the best way to prevent such tragedies is to have strong preventative programs in place early on in a child's life before behavior and/or mental health issues become overpowering. Funding to put such programs in place is a real need for many schools, especially those located in areas where the economy is struggling - areas like Huron County. That's why Dickens is thankful Laker Elementary has this great opportunity to take positive steps forward in helping address students' behavior and mental health needs.
After all, a student who feels safe and secure in school will perform better academically.
Laker Elementary was one of only three schools to receive this grant in Michigan. The other two were in Detroit and Muskegon.
According to Laker Superintendent Bob Smith, this is the largest grant the district has ever received. For more information on this grant, including some background, visit here.