education

Back To School: Schools Play A Vital Role In Protecting Students Mental Health

Schools play a crucial role in increasing student access to health services, particularly mental and behavioral health care, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

By offering on-site services or establishing referral systems to youth-friendly community providers, schools can address students’ diverse needs. Assessing student health needs and available resources is key to developing effective support systems.

Creating safe and supportive environments is essential for student well-being. Schools can enhance connectedness by equipping teachers with the training to manage mental health issues, offering opportunities for positive youth development, and ensuring safety for vulnerable students through inclusive policies. Implementing LGBTQ+ supportive practices benefits all students, reducing emotional distress, harassment, and suicidal thoughts.

By fostering these initiatives, schools can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of their students, ensuring they thrive academically and personally.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Huron Academic Endeavors Expands To Full K-12 Program

Huron Academic Endeavors (HAE) is thrilled to announce its expansion into a full Kindergarten-12th grade program, becoming the Blue Water Area’s first hybrid learning center to offer a comprehensive educational experience for all community students and families. 

To celebrate the expansion, HAE invites the community to open houses on Monday, July 29th at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, August 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at the new campus, located at 3071 Commerce Drive, Suite C, Fort Gratiot. Staff will be available to provide tours and answer questions.

The expanded curriculum includes comprehensive middle and high school programs. These programs offer a blend of structured class time, electives, student clubs, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, personalized services such as speech therapy, tutoring, and music lessons will be available to homeschooling families.

For more information and to RSVP for the open houses, visit: huroncooperative.org or email admin@huroncoop.org.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Save the Date: Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Events Across St. Clair County

Mark your calendars for the upcoming back-to-school backpack giveaway events in St. Clair County, organized by local community groups to support low-income students.

In Port Huron, Blue Water Community Action will host the event on Wednesday, August 14th, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at McMorran Place Arena.

Capac’s event will be held on Wednesday, August 21st, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Capac Elementary School, organized by the Capac School District.

East China Area will have multiple events which include: all elementary schools on August 28th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Marine City Middle School on Wednesday, August 21st, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and at St. Clair Middle School on Wednesday, August 22nd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., organized by the East China School District.

Free backpacks will include school supplies, with children needing to be present to receive and proof of St. Clair County residency required. 

For more information and all participating schools, contact Blue Water Community Action at (810) 982-8541.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan Launches Initiative To Boost Child Welfare Workforce

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with five public universities to provide financial stipends to social work students who commit to working in under-resourced communities after graduation. 

This initiative, backed by $1.7 million in federal Title IV-E funds, aims to address the critical shortage of child welfare workers in the state. Students will receive $5,000 per semester to support their education in exchange for their future service.

The universities involved include the University of Michigan, Central Michigan University, Michigan State University, Wayne State University, and Western Michigan University. These institutions will provide financial support and educational resources to students pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degrees in social work, committed to careers in public, private, or tribal child welfare in Michigan.

For more information, email: marlamg@umich.edu. 

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

State Rep. Jaime Greene Condemns State Budget Cuts To School Safety And Mental Health Funding

State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, criticized the new state budget, highlighting its severe impact on local school districts due to significant cuts in school safety and mental health funding. The budget slashes per-pupil school safety grants by 92%, reducing the funds to $26.5 million after a $300 million cut.

“As a mom, seeing these reckless cuts and thinking about how they will affect the safety and well-being of our kids is absolutely infuriating,” Greene said.

Utica Community Schools is set to lose over $5 million, with Oxford and Romeo losing more than $1 million each. Other districts face losses in the hundreds of thousands, impacting their ability to maintain safety measures and provide mental health support.

The Michigan Education Association called for supplemental funding to address these cuts, emphasizing the need for safe learning environments.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell

Michigan SHPO Awarded $75,000 Grant To Survey African American Recreation Sites From The Green Book Era

The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has received a $75,000 grant from the Historic Preservation Fund’s African American Civil Rights History program, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation announced. 

This grant will fund a preservation consultant to survey properties listed in the Negro Motorist Green Book, a guide for African American travelers published from 1936 to 1966. The project aims to create a historic context on African American recreational tourism in Michigan and nominate a site for the National Register of Historic Places. 

State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker emphasized the importance of recognizing these sites to deepen understanding of African American history in Michigan. The project is part of a broader effort by the National Park Service to document and preserve Civil Rights history.

Reporting for WGRT – Choze Powell