Cleveland City Schools has been selected as one of 18 school systems in Tennessee to receive the Stronger Connections Grant. This grant, totaling $1.1 million, is a testament to the district's commitment to the well-being of its students and will be instrumental in improving their social-emotional health over a three-year period.
The Stronger Connections Grant is an initiative aimed at bolstering the social and emotional support system within schools. Cleveland City Schools is partnering with the Tennessee Tiered Support Center at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to develop and implement this comprehensive plan. This collaboration will enable the district to effectively address the needs of students, educators, and families, fostering a positive and supportive educational environment.
The grant encompasses four main components:
1. Supports for Students: The primary goal of this component is to strengthen the framework for intervention and support for students who require additional assistance with their social-emotional well-being. By implementing targeted strategies and resources, Cleveland City Schools aims to ensure that every student has access to the support their need to thrive academically and emotionally.
2. Professional Development: Over the next three years, educators, administrators, and School Resource Officers (SROs) in the district will benefit from job training and summer institutes. This training will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively address the social-emotional needs of students, enhancing their ability to create a safe and nurturing learning environment.
3. Parent and Family Engagement: Cleveland City Schools recognizes the vital role parents and families play in a student's development. Through the Stronger Connections Grant, the district will provide opportunities for families to access valuable resources and participate in in-person sessions. By fostering strong partnerships with families, the district aims to create a collaborative support network that empowers students to excel.
4. Improving Climate and Culture: A strong mind leads to strong communities. The district will focus on improving the overall climate and culture within the school system. This component of the grant aims to create an environment where students feel valued, safe, and supported in their social and emotional growth.
Alicia Kahrs, the newly appointed Well-Being Specialist for the district, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Being awarded this grant allows Cleveland City Schools the opportunity to broaden the scope of the social and emotional support and services that we’re able to provide for our students and families."
Director of Schools Dr. Russell Dyer commented, "We are honored to be one of the recipients of the Stronger Connections Grant. This grant underscores our dedication to fostering a nurturing and supportive learning environment for all our students. We are excited about the positive impact this grant will have on our students' social-emotional health and their overall educational experience."
The district looks forward to working collaboratively with the Tennessee Tiered Support Center and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville to build a framework that will serve as a model for enhancing social-emotional health in schools across the state.