Civil Municipal - June 2024

platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and a district newsletter to keep our community informed. Our strategic tagging of business partners and initiatives, such as working with the local pet adoption agency, promotes our programs and supports our partners.” PRIORITIZING HOLISTIC STUDENT DEVELOPMENT Recognizing the intertwined relationship between academic performance and emotional well- being, Fenton Area Public Schools has adopted a comprehensive approach to education that prioritizes the holistic development of its students. Lane explains the district’s initiatives to support students’ social and emotional well-being: “We’ve been able to enrich our resources significantly in recent years, particularly in mental health. This includes adding general education social workers at the elementary level and partnering with organizations like Easter Seals to extend these services to older students.” Lane further emphasizes the district’s efforts to monitor and respond to student needs effectively. “Our approach is data-driven; we regularly analyze academic and emotional health data to tailor our support services effectively. This ensures that every student benefits from our Positivity Project, integrated into our core curriculum district-wide.” The support extends beyond the students to their families as well. “We also host Parent University nights,” Lane continues, “where we bring in mental health professionals to discuss pressing concerns with parents, such as anxiety about school or managing their child’s worries. It’s about strengthening the community’s capacity to support our young learners.” Superintendent Ciesielski then shares the financial strategies underpinning these initiatives, particularly considering recent challenges posed by the pandemic. “A significant portion of our Esser and Covid relief funds have been allocated towards mental health services to address the severe impact of the pandemic on our students’ well-being.” Ciesielski also details the district’s broader investment in infrastructure, which is made possible www.auchconstruction.com Builders since 1908 Innovative Planners & Construction Managers Fenton Area Public Schools, Students and the Fenton Community Proud to Support This program allows students to gain hands-on experience and complete coursework necessary to join a union after graduation.” This new initiative with Niles Industry represents a significant step forward in directly linking education with industry requirements, ensuring students are knowledgeable and practically skilled. Barry Tiemann, Director of Communication and Innovation, elaborates on how innovative educational technologies support these practical experiences. “Our innovations primarily focus on STEM and STEAM areas. For instance, the upcoming drone course and our use of VR headsets in grades seven through twelve revolutionize how our students engage with math and science. These tools simulate real-world scenarios, allowing students to experience virtual job skills.” On the promotional front, Tiemann explains how the district communicates its successes and opportunities to the community. “We leverage social media 154 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06