Airdrie, AB / TheNewswire / November 15, 2016 - Students in Rocky View Schools that are in need of enhanced support for Mental Health have the opportunity to attend a divisional (classroom) therapeutic space to support their individual needs. Students are referred based on school-based team meetings to divisional staff that work to ensure student needs will be met through the Enhanced Supports for Mental Health initiative.

A lead teacher and education assistant from Rocky View Schools are supported with additional divisional staff including a school psychologist, family school liaison worker, success coach, learning specialist, and Boys and Girls Club outreach worker to create and supervise a therapeutic space, meeting the mental health needs of students. Programming in the space is individualized based on each students’ needs and the lead teacher works with students’ classroom teachers to ensure that academic needs are balanced with social emotional needs. Programming in the space also includes field trips to places of interest for the students (most recent being the University of Calgary), Equine Assisted Therapy, and other forms of expression including art enhance the supports in the space.  

This grant supported by The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) will go towards a student led project to provide therapeutic and comfort necessitates that create an ambiance of safety and security. Students currently attending the space have generated a list of needs including soft lighting, food items for a weekly crock-pot luncheon, and therapeutic interventions such as florescent lighting covers, art supplies, and harm-reduction items (ice packs, sensory objects). A goal of the activity is for the students to advocate for their needs and engage in self-awareness with respect to learning about their own mental health needs. Students are currently working on a presentation to share with divisional staff on what works in our space to create a school culture that is responsive and flexible to their needs. “TEPF is extremely proud to support these students and teachers through their journey of enhancing mental health” explains Din Ladak, President & CEO of TEPF.

For further information:

Greg Roberts, Director of Learning, 403.945.4500; John Laing, School Psychologist, 403.945.4500; Teresa Fowler, Lead Teacher, 403.948.4297

About The Educational Partnership Foundation: Founded in 1991, the The Educational Partnership Foundation (TEPF) was established as a registered not-for-profit organization to provide support for the students and teachers in Calgary and the surrounding area. Over the years, TEPF's influence has broadened. It now offers educational initiatives to six partner school districts in central and southern Alberta, reaching almost 200,000 students.