The Marshall Fire shined a spotlight on student mental health needs. In partnership with the Boulder Valley School District (BVSD) we’ve created a long-term approach to providing mental health supports during the school day.
Immediately after the Marshall Fire, mental health professionals from surrounding school districts came to BVSD to work with impacted students and families. During this time, it became apparent that providing students with ongoing mental health support during the school day was the most effective way for Impact on Education to support their recovery. Since January 2022 we’ve worked closely with BVSD staff to continue providing this additional level of support.
Mental Health Advocates (MHAs) focus exclusively on mental and behavioral health, supplementing what BVSD school counselors can provide. Within BVSD, MHAs:
The intensity of mental health concerns and the time required to provide support and intervention varies dramatically from case to case.
The additional MHAs ensure the schools impacted by the Marshall Fire have the intensive layer of mental health support needed, and expand the
district’s capacity to respond to mental health needs.
STUDENT IMPACT
August – December 2022
“Each person has a different starting point and a different social and community safety net, which means the same disaster affects each person differently.”
Center for disaster philanthropy
At Monarch High School, where 1 in 10 students was
impacted by the Marshall Fire, a Wellness Center was created to support students in August 2022. Staffed by
a full-time counselor, the Wellness Center provides
students a safe place to recharge and speak with a trained professional during the school day.
“When I learned about the Wellness Center, I asked my son if he knew about it. I was surprised to hear that he goes regularly.”
Parent of Monarch High School student
STUDENT IMPACT
August – December 2022
Mental health has a significant impact on a student’s academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being, and unfortunately mental health challenges have skyrocketed among children and teenagers. We’re working to raise both the awareness and funds needed to bolster youth mental health supports in our community.
We are committed to providing an elevated level of mental health support for all students, especially those affected by the Marshall Fire. From Wellness Centers to Mental Health Advocates, we’re working toward three goals that would allow us to serve 11,698 students at 12 schools across BVSD.
We know the needs of our community will continue and change through the 2023-24 school year, and there are four key ways we are supporting recovery for the BVSD students and educators.
With nearly 30,000 students in the Boulder Valley School District, our work addresses systemic barriers and prioritizes those furthest from resources. We’re eager to see what we can accomplish this year, and are already working in three areas where we can increase opportunity and academic success for our students.
info@impactoneducation.org
303.524.3865
Impact on Education
721 Front Street, Suite A
Louisville, CO 80027
Tax ID #84-0943046
