The project will (1) train school personnel and educate students on preventing school violence, including strategies to improve a school climate, and (2) hire school support personnel such as…

The Mckenzie Special School District received a $999,829 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance under the STOP School Violence Program (CFDA 16.839). The funding will be used to (1) train school personnel and educate students on preventing school violence and improving school climate, and (2) hire a licensed clinical social worker and three behavior interventionists to provide mental health services and support to students. The new staff will implement evidence-based programs like Zones of Regulation, Conscious Discipline, and Character Strong to enhance social-emotional learning and positive school culture. Through the grant, the behavior interventionists will also become registered behavior technicians to deliver more specialized behavioral health support. Additionally, the funding will increase the district's use of curriculum and programs like Conscious Discipline, TeachTown, and Character Strong to help students succeed academically at all grade levels.

The project will (1) train school personnel and educate students on preventing school violence, including strategies to improve a school climate, and (2) hire school support personnel such as climate specialists, school psychologists, school social workers, school-based violence interrupters, and others directly supporting the prevention of school violence. The district will hire a licensed clinical social worker and three behavior interventionists. These new positions will examine disciplinary practices, interview staff, create alignment across the district, and provide training for teachers and principals. Trainings include aces and mental health first aid, as well as evidence-based social-emotional learning programs zones of regulation, conscious discipline, and character strong. These will improve school climate and help children succeed. Through the program, the behavior interventionists will become registered behavior technicians, allowing them to provide even greater mental health services to students struggling with various behavioral problems. The project will also increase the use of evidence-based curriculum and programs in the district to help students at all levels succeed; these programs include conscious discipline, teachtown, and character strong.