School services and programming
Services and support for behavioral and mental health
A plan for providing safe and positive school environments
Dr . Eric Gallien Deputy Superintendent
Schools across the nation , including RUSD , are challenged with providing every student a positive and safe learning environment — one that ensures each individual child is successful . This means we must also support students ’ social-emotional development .
For some students , this is accomplished in a traditional school environment . For others , in particular those with significant behavioral challenges , alternative school placements appropriately address these behaviors . For students with mental health needs or other challenges , different supports and resources are needed .
We know these issues are important to you , our Racine community . Over the past three years , we have listened to your feedback and that of our students and staff regarding the learning environments in our schools . In response , we developed a three-year School Climate Strategic Plan .
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School services and programming
RUSD is increasing resources and services for students who exhibit aggressive behaviors . We are providing off-site services to re-direct these behaviors so students can return successfully to a traditional school setting . We are expanding learning environments for special education students with behaviors associated with their disability . We will also expand our alternative program offerings , including credit recovery , GED and At-Risk programming for transition students .
Services and support for behavioral and mental health
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RUSD , in collaboration with the Racine County Collaborative for Children ’ s Mental Health supported by the Johnson Foundation , has worked to develop a school-based solution for providing mental health services . Last year , we piloted school-based mental health clinics at two elementary schools ( S . C . Johnson and Wadewitz ). The clinics provide therapy services for students and families as well as mental health literacy and support for staff , students and families .