INDIANAPOLIS — The mental health crisis is an ongoing issue. At Indianapolis Public Schools, that issue will be tackled head-on by a financial boost from Butler University.
According to IPS, the Postsecondary Readiness Department within the district received a $100,000 grant from the university in the pursuit of addressing students' social, emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. The funds are dedicated to a project called "Rebuilding Stronger: Expanding Comprehensive School Counseling Programming in Indianapolis Public Schools.”
As the name implies, this project is tied to the broader Rebuilding Stronger Initiative at IPS, which works to close equity gaps and open new opportunities for students.
According to Aaron Munson, the Director of Middle School Academies and Pathways for IPS's Postsecondary Readiness Department, “This initiative aligns with IPS’s broader goals of improving student outcomes, including attendance and overall mental health."
Munson added that district leaders and partners alike will help carry out these goals in the most effective ways possible.
The long-term goal, IPS said, is to make systemic changes that create lasting impacts in the district. Butler's grant will enhance what are known as Tier 1 services that provide both widespread support and specific, intensive interventions, should a student need them.
Moreover, the Rebuilding Stronger Initiative aims to fortify IPS's partnership with Success Bound, which is the middle school advisory curriculum. It also will focus on giving school counselors and administrators the opportunity to attend the Hatchings National Conference, which will teach them how to improve the care they already provide.