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Student Wellness and Success Plan

 

Gallipolis City School District Student Wellness and Success Plan FY2024-2025 

Gallipolis City School District supports Ohio’s strategic plan for education. According to HB 166, we have created and documented critical components of the GCSD Student Wellness and Success Plan. We have identified areas of need through a district improvement review, district data, state report card, needs assessment and school surveys. 

Need Justification

·         Improving the healthcare opportunities for students and families in our community.  

·         Improving student attendance, academic achievement, and graduation rate.

·         Close the learning gap due to learning loss during the pandemic.

·         Improving and expanding access to mental health and drug counselors for our students.

·         Decrease problematic behaviors at school as a result of COVID isolation.

·         Provide drug prevention programs to combat increased vaping and THC usage among students.

·         Improve student behaviors and reduce disciplinary referrals through counseling and SEL programs.

·         Provide Trauma Informed Care throughout the district.

·         Improve the school climate through behavioral health programs and ensure teacher retention.

·         Provide and support strong family engagement opportunities for parents and caregivers.

·         Allow access to health care for staff, students and families (vision, dental, medical and mental health).

·         Provide much needed wrap around services for students and families.

·         Provide educational programs centered on prevention and improving health (sex education, drug prevention, SEL, physicals, hygiene, eye exams, well checks, professional development and parenting classes).

·         Allow for educational and career opportunities in the health care field with our students.

·         Establish a rapport with local businesses and health care providers for possible future job placements.

Gallipolis City School District Data

Year                             Attendance Rate                     Graduation Rate          Academic Rating

2021-2022                   91.2%                                      78.8%

2022-2023                   92%                                         82%                             2.5 Stars

Economically Disadvantaged: 59.7%

Budget

FY24 (remaining funds): $844,000

Initiative #1: Wellness Center Construction

Behavioral Health Offices

FY25 (now part of the General Fund): $395,157

Initiative #2 – Community Liaisons

Existing FTE – 1

Attendance Office (Barry Call)

Initiative #3 – Physical Health Services

Existing FTE-1

Nurse (JoBeth Bowcott)

Initiative #4 – Mental Health Services

New FTE - 1

Hopewell Mental Health Counselors Agreement

Expansion of Existing and New Partnerships

In partnership with Nationwide Children's Hospital and funded by the Appalachian Community Grant, we are establishing a school-based wellness center on our high school campus. This center will provide both the school and the wider community with access to comprehensive healthcare and mental/behavioral health services. Additionally, it will offer students hands-on experience in the healthcare field, paving the way for future career opportunities. The facility will include an optometrist, dentist, dental hygienist, nurse practitioner, nurse, mental health counselors, school psychologists, as well as public restrooms, a lounge area, a reception area, and a waiting room. This essential facility will help ensure that students are in school, ready to learn, and prepared for success. It will also offer the community access to healthcare, mental health services, parenting classes, student engagement initiatives, and opportunities for family involvement within the school community.

An attendance officer can help significantly decrease chronic absenteeism in our district by implementing a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. This includes early identification and intervention, where students at risk of chronic absenteeism are flagged promptly. The officer can work closely with families to understand and address the underlying causes of absenteeism, whether they be health-related, socio-economic, or due to school environment issues. Regular communication and support for these families, coupled with creating a positive school climate that encourages attendance, are crucial. Collaboration with teachers, counselors, and community organizations to provide resources and support services can also help remove barriers to attendance. Furthermore, setting up attendance incentives and recognition programs can motivate students to attend school regularly. By employing data-driven strategies and fostering a supportive and inclusive school culture, an attendance officer can effectively reduce chronic absenteeism in our district.

A school nurse can significantly enhance healthcare services for students by providing more immediate and comprehensive care. By having more school nurses on staff, the school can ensure timely attention to health issues, reducing the time students spend out of class due to illness or injury. This allows for better management of chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and allergies, ensuring students receive necessary treatments and monitoring. Increased nurse availability also means more capacity for health education, promoting healthier lifestyles and preventive care among students. Furthermore,  a nurse can contribute to mental health support, working alongside counselors to address emotional and psychological needs. This holistic approach not only improves the overall well-being of students but also fosters a healthier, more conducive learning environment, ultimately leading to better academic outcomes.

Contracting with Hopewell Health Centers to provide mental health services can greatly benefit students in our district by ensuring they have access to professional and specialized care directly within the school environment. This partnership can help address a range of mental health issues, from anxiety and depression to more severe psychological conditions, promoting early intervention and consistent support. By integrating these services into the school setting, students can receive timely help without the barriers of travel or scheduling conflicts. This accessibility can lead to improved emotional and behavioral well-being, better academic performance, and a more supportive school climate. Moreover, Hopewell Health Centers can offer valuable resources and training for school staff, equipping them to better understand and support students' mental health needs. Overall, this collaboration can create a healthier, more resilient student population and a stronger, more empathetic school community.

Partnerships

Holzer Health Systems: Athletic Trainer, Telehealth, Part-Time Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Needs Meetings, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Leadership Trainings.

Hopewell Heath Centers: Mental Health Counselors and Staff Wellness Corners.

Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMHS Board: Drug Prevention and Recovery, Suicide Prevention and OHYES.

Health Recovery Systems (Gallia-Athens): Drug Prevention Education, Drug Counseling, and Second Step Program (K-8).

HOPE: Gallia County together for Healing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education Community Group: Anti-Human Trafficking, Suicide Prevention and Youth Led Programing.

Gallia-Jackson-Vinton ESC: Summer School Program, After School Program, Family/Parent Engagement, Career Palooza and Administrative Network Meetings

Ohio I See Program: Free Eye Exams and Glasses.

Ohio University: Health and Wellness Education.

Gallia County Health Department: Vape and Tobacco Prevention, CHIP Workgroup, and Vaccinations.

Gallia County Family and Children First Council: Help Me Grow, Youth Programing, Community Health Assessments, Service Coordination and Wrap Around Services.

Buckeye Hills Career Center: Vocational Education, Career Coaches and Drug Free America Program.

Jobs and Family Services: Level Up Program, After School Program, Summer School and CPS.

Gallia County Sheriff’s Office: Operation Street Smart, Trauma Informed Care, Therapy Dog and Drug Prevention Education.

Sustainability Plan

Gallipolis City School District has always had longstanding relationships with our community partners. This new wellness center will be located on the new high school campus and will be equipped to meet the needs of our school and community for many decades to come. This uniquely centralized facility will not only be able to serve the residents in Gallipolis, but instead better serve all resides which reside in Gallia County.

Funding Sources for the GAHS Wellness Center

Appalachian Community Grant

Our district was awarded a 2.6 million dollar grant through the Appalachian Community Grant in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Holzer Health System.

Student Wellness and Success Funds

We are using our remaining Wellness Funds to contribute to this project. As of today, we have around $844,000 of unused 467 funds to supplement the project and cover the behavior health offices.

GCSD General Fund and Donations

We are also incorporating other district needs into this project that will cover the extra costs not included in the grant. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gallipolis City School District Student Wellness and Success Plan FY2023-2024 

Gallipolis City School District supports Ohio’s strategic plan for education. According to HB 166, we have created and documented critical components of the GCSD Student Wellness and Success Plan. We have identified areas of need through a district improvement review, district data, state report card, needs assessment and school surveys. 

Need Justification

·         Improving the healthcare opportunities for students and families in               our community. 59.7% of our students and families are considered               economically disadvantaged.

·         Improving student attendance, academic achievement, and                           graduation rate.

·         Close the learning gap due to learning loss during the pandemic.

·         Improving and expanding access to mental health and drug                          counselors for our students.

·         Decrease problematic behaviors at school as a result of COVID                       isolation.

·         Provide drug prevention programs to combat increased vaping and                THC usage among students.

·         Improve student behaviors and reduce disciplinary referrals through            counseling and SEL programs.

·         Provide Trauma Informed Care throughout the district.

·         Improve the school climate through behavioral health programs and            ensure teacher retention.

·         Provide and support strong family engagement opportunities for                  parents and caregivers.

·         Allow access to health care for staff, students and families (vision,              dental, medical and mental health).

·         Provide much needed wrap around services for students and families.

·         Provide educational programs centered on prevention and improving            health (sex education, drug prevention, SEL, physicals, hygiene, eye             exams, well checks, professional development and parenting                       classes).

·         Allow for educational and career opportunities in the health care                field with our students.

·         Establish a rapport with local businesses and health care providers              for possible future job placements.

Gallipolis City School District Data

Year                             Attendance Rate                     Graduation Rate          Academic Rating

2021-2022                   91.2%                                      78.8%

2022-2023                   92%                                         82%                             2.5 Stars

Economically Disadvantaged: 59.7%

Existing Partnerships

Holzer Health Systems: Athletic Trainer, Telehealth, Part-Time Nurse Practitioner, Community Health Needs Meetings, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Leadership Trainings.

Hopewell Heath Centers: Mental Health Counselors and Staff Wellness Corners.

Gallia-Jackson-Meigs ADAMHS Board: Drug Prevention and Recovery, Suicide Prevention and OHYES.

Health Recovery Systems (Gallia-Athens): Drug Prevention Education, Drug Counseling, and Second Step Program (K-8).

HOPE: Gallia County together for Healing, Outreach, Prevention, and Education Community Group: Anti-Human Trafficking, Suicide Prevention and Youth Led Programing.

Gallia-Jackson-Vinton ESC: Summer School Program, After School Program, Family/Parent Engagement, Career Palooza and Administrative Network Meetings

Ohio I See Program: Free Eye Exams and Glasses.

Ohio University: Health and Wellness Education.

Gallia County Health Department: Vape and Tobacco Prevention, CHIP Workgroup, and Vaccinations.

Gallia County Family and Children First Council: Help Me Grow, Youth Programing, Community Health Assessments, Service Coordination and Wrap Around Services.

Buckeye Hills Career Center: Vocational Education, Career Coaches and Drug Free America Program.

Jobs and Family Services: Level Up Program, After School Program, Summer School and CPS.

Gallia County Sheriff’s Office: Operation Street Smart, Trauma Informed Care, Therapy Dog and Drug Prevention Education.

Expansion of Existing and New Partnerships

As a District, we are looking to expand on the existing programs and allow for more availability of services for our students. There is a great need for more mental health counselors and behavioral supports district wide. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have experienced a dramatic increase in behavioral issues, discipline referrals, vaping, drug usage, absenteeism, homelessness, student dropouts, mental health issues and learning loss.

We are currently in the process of starting a sports medical program with an emphasis in health care where students can be exposed to curriculum and hands on experience related to the medical field. This new facility will complement the growth of educational opportunities and career development for our students on our high school campus.

We would also like to extend these services at some point with our families and community members. Successful schools understand the importance of establishing good and harmonious relationships with their surrounding community. That’s because community involvement in schools can help increase access to learning opportunities, employability, enrolment, boost student retention, promote optimism among students, and improve attendance rates of children at school.

Essential Staff and Partners

5 School Nurses (2 RNs and 3 LPNs)

6 Mental Health Counselors (Hopewell Health Center Contracted Services)

Drug Counselor (HRS Contracted Services)

Nurse Practitioner (Holzer Health Systems)

2 School Psychologists (GCSD)

3 Guidance Counselors

2 Career Coaches

Goals for DPIA and SWSF:

Initiative #1 - Instructional Technology or Blended Learning

FY24 Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid

Existing FTE - 5

5 Building Techs paid with funds

Initiative #2 – Academic Interventions

FY24 Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid

Existing FTE – 3

1 Intervention Specialist at GAMS & 2 Intervention Specialist at GAHS

Initiative #3 – Reading Improvement and Intervention

FY24 Disadvantaged Pupil Impact

Existing FTE – 3

1 Intervention Specialist at each Elementary

Initiative #4 – Community Liaisons

Remaining Student Wellness and Success Funds (Prior to FY24)

Existing FTE – 1

Attendance Office

Initiative #5 – Mental Health Services

Remaining Student Wellness and Success Funds (Prior to FY24)

New FTE - 1

School Psychologist

Initiative #6 – Mental Health Services

Remaining Student Wellness and Success Funds (Prior to FY24)

No FTEs

GoGuardian program to identify students in need and Second Step – Social Emotional 

Initiative #7 – Physical Health Services

Remaining Student Wellness and Success Funds (Prior to FY24)

No FTE’s

Vape Sensors & Nicotine Intervention Programming

Initiative #8 – Before and After School Programming

Remaining Student Wellness and Success Funds (Prior to FY24)

No FTE’s

After School Program at Rio Grande

Initiative #9 – Mental Health Services

FY24 Student Wellness and Success Funds

Existing FTE’s – 2.8

Guidance Counselors

Initiative #10 – Physical Health Services

FY24 Student Wellness and Success Funds

Exisiting FTE’s – 2

Nurses 

Gaps Identified

Improvement Review: Domain 3 – Culture and Community

Areas of growth:

·         Limited community health supports available

·         A need for professional learning on how to enforce and build social traits and conflict resolution in kids.

·         Interventions in place to target regular and chronic absenteeism rates throughout the district, at the high school level.

Our region has identified a gap in services with social services, mental health, and substance abuse. We are addressing these issues with both Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid and Student Wellness and Success Funds as noted in Initiatives 1-10.

Remaining Funds

Disadvantaged Pupil Impact not yet been spent at end of FY24? 0.00

Student Wellness and Success Funds not yet been spent at end of FY24? $848,470.70

Summary

Through the use of Student Wellness and Success Funds, we have implemented the Second Step Program in grades K-8 District wide. We currently have a nurse and a mental health counselor in each of our five buildings. In addition to that, we have three guidance counselors and a drug counselor that serve students in grades 6-12. Instructional technology and online platforms have been incorporated to improve instructional practices and ensure equitable access to learning for all students. Intervention specialists have been added in all buildings in order to close the learning gaps due to COVID-19 pandemic. 

Success Story

Due to incorporating vape sensors and nicotine intervention programming, we have seen a dramatic decrease in student vaping offenses and usage district wide. During the 2022-2023 school year, there were a total of 157 disciplines for vaping between both schools. Gallia Academy High School had 94 and Gallia Academy Middle School had 63. During the 2023-2024 school year, there were a total of 53 disciplines for vaping between both schools. Gallia Academy High School had 23 and Gallia Academy Middle School had 30.