Join us in creating a safer, more supportive learning environment in the Appleton Area School District. Your support is essential to kickstart this initiative. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in students' lives and community well-being.
WEA Member Benefits Foundation has backed the AASD in a statewide pilot project with a $60,000 Challenge Grant to boost school-based mental health. A challenge grant (also called a matching grant) is their commitment to award dollars to the AASD based on the amount of new or incremental private funds raised in response to their challenge. Your contribution is essential to this challenge.
Student Mental Health
Mental health matters in student success. Without adequate support, students may face challenges in their academic and personal lives, leading to negative outcomes such as poor grades, missing school, social isolation, and even self-harm. However, with effective mental health supports, students can thrive and achieve their full potential.
Mental health support in schools
- provide early intervention for mental health issues. By identifying and addressing these issues early on, students can receive the support they need to avoid more serious mental health problems in the future.
- help students develop the skills they need to cope with stress and adversity, as well as improve their emotional regulation and social skills. This, in turn, can lead to better academic performance and improved relationships with peers and teachers.
Mental health challenges are a growing concern for students and educators across the country, and our school district is no exception. With your support, we can make a meaningful impact on the well-being of our students.
The challenge grant will support initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes for students, including counseling services, support groups, and mental health education programs. We believe that by investing in these efforts, we can create a safer, more supportive learning environment for our students.
Year One Impact - 2022-2023 School Year
AASD has used the $57,500 gained through the Path for Funders pilot to establish “Building Connections”. This program supports community-based therapists for two elementary schools and provides access to mental health support for individual students. Help us expand these options for our students, donate now!
These efforts, along with other mental health-related services in the AASD, have reached approximately 1,300 students and 150 staff members. AASD has also worked to strengthen relationships with funders, including the Community Foundation of the Fox Valley Region.
Year Two Impact - 2023-2024 School Year
Our priorities for year two are:
- Increasing access to mental health supports
- Encouraging mental-well-being/connectedness
- Working to remove barriers to access
- Resources for students
- Expanding Building Connections to five additional schools
In the 2023-2024 school year, AASD will continue fundraising and strengthen school-based mental health with more community-based therapists, mental wellness screeners, and enhanced referral processes.
Our fundraising goal is $120,000. With your help, we can provide crucial early intervention and skills development to avoid academic and personal setbacks.