During a recent government meeting, officials discussed several key initiatives aimed at enhancing student support and addressing behavioral issues within the school district.
One of the primary programs highlighted was Calvin, a survey-based initiative designed to gauge student well-being and attendance behaviors. Following training for counselors and administrators, the next step involves comprehensive staff training to ensure effective implementation across the district. This program has already been adopted by multiple districts in Solari County and is in partnership with Calhope and the California Department of Education (CDE).
Another significant program, Suite 360, focuses on social-emotional learning for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. This program addresses issues such as bullying and anxiety, and aims to retrain staff to better support students' emotional needs. The district recently renewed its contract for Suite 360, committing to its use for the next two years.
The meeting also introduced Project TAP, a collaboration with the Tulare County Office of Education aimed at early intervention for students exhibiting concerning behaviors. This program, which serves 6th to 8th graders, utilizes the YTRI curriculum to enhance social skills and family engagement. Last year, Project TAP served 65 students, and the district aims to expand this number significantly.
Additionally, two new programs, Bright Life and Solana, were discussed. Bright Life offers virtual support for parents, providing resources regardless of insurance status, while Solana targets youth aged 13 to 25, connecting them with necessary services.
The district also reported on the implementation of the \"Say Something Anonymous\" program, which allows students to report concerns anonymously via QR codes placed around campuses. This initiative aims to enhance safety and communication regarding potential threats.
Furthermore, the meeting addressed the Bulldog Bound program, which facilitates early college admissions for students at Fresno State, and the TRIO Works program from UC Merced, which supports first-generation college students. Both programs are designed to improve college readiness and access for students.
Finally, the district is considering the adoption of the Parchment program, which tracks student progress and career outcomes post-graduation, providing valuable data for future educational planning.
The discussions underscored the district's commitment to fostering a supportive environment for students, addressing bullying, and enhancing educational outcomes through various targeted programs and partnerships.