Beatrice Public Schools recently received a “Stronger Connections Grant” from the Nebraska Department of Education.
This two-year grant will fund mental health services in elementary schools.
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Jackie Nielsen said the district is partnering with local mental health providers.
“We have a lot of partners who stop by with our students every week,” she said. “The nice thing about this grant is that we will have a therapist in the building as part of the staff. They will have daily contact with the students.
“Our goal is to help students build a strong foundation in elementary school and develop the skills they need when they move on to middle school and high school. We hope that they understand how it works. We hope that they will be more engaged in that learning environment and that they will be successful. Our goal is to develop good citizens.”
Others are also reading…
Carlina Grove was employed as a mental health counselor. She works as a guidance counselor at Lincoln Elementary School and Stoddard Elementary School.
Nielsen said Grove provided 956 individual school counseling sessions over the past two years. She met with her 204 students. Seventy-nine students were referred to the school community intervention and prevention program. Twenty-nine primary school students were assessed for suicide and safety risks. She led her 35 small groups with a variety of skills.
“Guidance counselors teach full time, so we can do small groups, individual sessions, whatever comes to mind,” she said. “This will allow not only teachers and staff, but also career guidance counselors, to support students and families.”
She pointed out that this positioning also reduces time loss.
“Students have to leave school when they have appointments. This will allow them to stay in school, get therapy and get used to the classroom,” she said. “This will continue to help our teachers.”
In the 2022-23 school year, 286 students at Paddock Lane Elementary School were absent for five or more days of the school year.
“Our goal is also to help reduce absenteeism rates,” she said.
Approximately a quarter of full-time positions at affiliated providers are currently recorded supporting teachers who seek support for students with mental health needs.
“Our teachers are looking for outside support,” she said. “They want their students to succeed.”
Nielsen said St. Paul Parish Schools will also have access to mental health grant-funded services for students and families.
Councilor Carlina Grove said she was looking forward to the new elementary school building.
“I’m looking forward to a space where students can relax and learn,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being able to control the lights. The whole team will have the opportunity to help students with regulation.”
Grove said she is looking forward to the time working with teachers, working as a team and helping students. She also plans to work with and support her family as part of her position.
“I want my students to think about their mental health as much as brushing their teeth.” I brush my teeth. I also take a shower and take care of my brain,” she said.
School-based mental health grants are scheduled to begin in the 2024-25 school year.
