BY RAY PRZEKURAT, District Administrator
The pandemic has been extremely tough on our families, students, and staff. Our school district has been working hard to provide an environment where everyone feels safe and supported during these difficult times. We are looking at bringing on three different individuals to help. These positions will provide mental health assistance. Each individual will be with us just one day per week. We are working with three other school districts in Waupaca County to make these positions possible. The positions will be funded through a mental health grant and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER).
The first position is a Mental Health Navigator that will be provided through Waupaca County CAP Services. This position will help students, families, and staff find the necessary resources to help with their mental health issues. This person will be available one day per week at both of our schools.
The second position is a Family Engagement Specialist that will be provided through Waupaca County. This position uses a strength based, family centered, and Trauma Informed Care model of engagement with an emphasis on assisting families and students to overcome identified needs through direct engagement and/or the linking of community-based services. This person will be available one day per week at both of our schools.
The third position is a Mental Health Therapist that will be provided through Compass Counseling Wausau, LLC. This position will provide therapy one day per week at both of our schools. They will also be able to set up other therapy on a needed basis. See page 11 for more information.
We are looking forward to bringing these individuals to our school district and to help in this time of need. If your student is referred to these individuals, the school district will contact families for consent. If you have questions about these services contact me.
ESSER III Plan and Funding
The Iola-Scandinavia School District will be receiving funding for the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER). We have received funding for the first and second round and most of that funding has been spent. The third round does require us to provide the community with a plan for remaining in school during the pandemic and how we will be using this funding. The plan is our reopening plan that we have shared with the community before the start of this school year. We are providing a link on our website for this plan. The funding plan will be part of this plan. We are asking for feedback on our plan through a short survey located at the end of the plan. Please take the time to review the plan and take the survey.
If you have any questions please contact me, przekuratr@iola.k12.wi.us or 715-445-2411 ext. 1401.