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Leverage ESSER Funding to Address Student Mental Health and Incident Response

Experts Warn Schools Must Prepare for Increased School Violence

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act includes an Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER), which allocates $126 billion for K-12 schools. This K-12 COVID-19 stimulus fund gives districts the resources to address the pandemic’s impacts on students’ social, emotional, and mental health.

ARP ESSER Fund Requirements

Districts can spend ARP ESSER funds to implement strategies to meet the social, emotional, mental health needs, especially of students hit hardest by the pandemic.

The Pandemic’s Impacts on Student Mental Health

Experts warn that we will see an increase in violent behavior as schools reopen and students return to the classroom. Students experiencing long-term emotional, behavioral, and psychological effects from the pandemic may be defiant and aggressive. Some students may also be in crisis depending on the stressors of their various situations.

To help students and staff navigate trauma and stressors, schools should:

Support

Build strong relationships, establish a safe learning environment, and encourage students to speak with counselors and psychologists.

Communicate

Remove the stigma around mental health programs by giving students the opportunity to speak openly about their challenges.

Educate

Share educational resources with staff and students and let students know they are not alone in their struggles.

Coach

Provide regular coaching for staff to strengthen their skills and resources staff need to address personal health and wellness needs.

ARP ESSER Fund Requirements

Districts can spend ARP ESSER funds to implement strategies to meet the social, emotional, mental health needs, especially of students hit hardest by the pandemic.

Raptor Emergency Management has a panic alert system for localized incidents and school- or district-wide emergencies. Raptor links directly to law enforcement and first responder agencies so you can get the right help—as quickly as possible—if a situation escalates.

Long after the pandemic, Raptor Emergency Management will continue to be a core component of your school safety. Purchasing Raptor is an allowable expense under CARES, CRRSA, and ARP ESSER COVID-19 Funds.

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