News and Updates about the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative.
About the Safe Schools Healthy Students Initiative
Background
Albuquerque Public Schools has been awarded a 4-year grant from the Federal Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative (SS/HS) to reduce youth violence, increase mental health services, and create a safe environment for children in Albuquerque schools.
The purpose of this grant is to link and integrate existing and new services and activities into a comprehensive community-wide plan for change that will create safer schools and promote healthy childhood development.
Building on the Initiative’s collaborative framework, we are bringing together students, educators, mental health agencies, local law enforcement and community organizations to talk about solutions to youth violence and school safety.
Sustainability
The SS/HS positive outcomes should continue after the federal funding ends. Our initiative should leave a legacy of effective services, enhanced collaboration and service integration and improved health and reduced risk. Strategies include:
- Looking at how to better coordinate initiatives and programs
- Developing effective programs, monitor progress and outcomes
- Sharing data and evaluation results between programs,departments and organizations
- Decision-making based on results, lessons learned and what is working or not working
- Advocating for continuation of activities that have a positive impact on our community
West Mesa High School Mural Project
One SS/HS goal is to expand free, non-traditional after-school activities to all high schools.
Students participating in the first pilot focusing on mural art and breakdance at West Mesa High School are saying:
“This program has given me a reason to go to school”
“This program is teaching us how to use graffiti in a good art way and not to do it on walls”
“This program has made me motivated in my classes and keeps on improving my attitude towards life”
“This program has made a positive impact on my grades, attendance and also my confidence”
“This program keeps our mind occupied and isolated from trouble”
“SS/HS is providing activities for students that relate to their lives – we have never had that before” - Marsha Bankston, Dean, West Mesa High School