The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that it is awarding $5,540,875 in grants to 60 school districts, educational collaboratives and charter schools across Massachusetts to improve student access to behavioral and mental health services and support.
Lowell Public Schools is one of those districts, garnering a $100,000 grant from the initiative.
According to Drew Rosenshine, Lowell Public Schools’ Director of Mental Health, SEL (Social Emotional Learning), and Behavior, the funds will be used to continue a variety of initiatives taking place in the district aimed at supporting the mental and emotional health of students, including: training for staff on the district’s SEL curriculum; support for Elevate New England, a non-profit partner that provides mentoring in our schools; training around increasing inclusivity and a sense of belonging in the classroom; and continued cultural competency training for district social workers.
“We are working to build our classrooms out for classroom teachers to meet students where they are,” said Rosenshine. “Kids come to us from all different places and have different things going on in their lives and we need to do our best to meet them where they are. We are also constantly trying to understand other people’s experiences around school and how to make our schools more accessible to them.”
“These funds will allow Lowell Public Schools to continue to provide the high level of programming and services our students, families, and staff deserve and have come to expect and rely on,” said Superintendent of Schools Liam Skinner. “We are thrilled to have the ability to continue these important programs and are grateful for the support of DESE in assisting us in meeting and exceeding our goals.”
In announcing the awards, the Governor’s office outlined the funding can be used to create or expand comprehensive, integrated systems of student support and aims, through collaboration with families and educators, to build strong local school partnerships with community-based mental health agencies and/or providers. In addition, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) will be providing related professional development for school district staff.
“We have a mental health crisis that was only made worse by the pandemic, particularly for students. That’s why improving students’ access to behavioral and mental health care is a priority for our administration,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants will help districts connect students with the services they need to be safe, healthy and successful today and into the future.”
“We are grateful to the educators and community-based providers who are partnering and innovating to improve supports for students,” added Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These services are essential for helping students be successful academically and to build healthy relationships with their peers and teachers.”
