This ongoing investment ensures teachers feel valued and prepared to implement new initiatives effectively. EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND STUDENT SUPPORT GJCS embraces a comprehensive whole-child approach, ensuring every student’s needs are met. “We’ve made a targeted attempt to make sure that each school has at least one and in some instances, two social workers that can support our students,” explains Lorey. The district goes further with a unique wraparound coordinator who links school, home, and community services for at-risk youth. Addressing nationwide mental health concerns, the district combines proactive and reactive measures. “We’re not immune to these national trends,” Lorey acknowledges. Adding that school social workers “help them [students] regulate and be able to be ready to learn in the classroom.” For English learners, specialized programs provide essential academic support,“ensuring that they have what they need in order to find success academically in our system,” Lorey states.This multilayered support network, from mental health to language acquisition, creates an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY INNOVATIONS In addition to school safety plans, emergency protocols, and monthly drills, GJCS is pioneering school safety through its groundbreaking SafeEvac system, the first of its kind nationally.“The SafeEvac system is really the installation of smart evacuation exit signing,” explains Lorey. The system features 317 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 09 GREATER JASPER CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS
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