Ongoing projects, new grants, and everyday work in MCPASD’s Student Services department are all making a meaningful impact on students’ school engagement and overall well-being.
Student Services is a multidisciplinary team that includes school psychologists, social workers, counselors, nurses, and health assistants, who all collaborate to support students’ academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and physical health. Their dedication and success have earned several grants in recent years, but those awards reflect the work that’s already happening in our schools.
“Grant funding allows us to address barriers to learning proactively and create meaningful, lasting opportunities for students, staff, and families,” said Director of Student Services Chris Mand. “It builds on the important work our teams do in schools every day, helping us expand our reach and make an even greater impact.”
The Student Services team provides school-based mental health supports, attendance interventions, health services, family engagement opportunities, connections to community resources, and much more throughout the District. Mand said the strong partnerships that the team creates between school communities, families, and local organizations are “essential” to student success.
One grant that the team received is the Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) grant – a three-year, $120,000 award that the team applied for in April 2026 and earned in August. Student Services previously earned this grant three years ago, and with this renewal, the department will strengthen the systems and practices that already exist to support students who are experiencing homelessness, including professional development on trauma-sensitive practices.
Amy Poole, District Social Worker and Homeless Liaison, said there will also be a greater focus on breaking down barriers to engagement and consistent attendance.
“Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that students have the support they need to stay connected to school and thrive,” Poole said.
The department also received the three-year, $350,000 Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA)’s Stronger Connections federal grant for the 2024–2026 funding cycle. While the funding from this grant is complete, its resulting resources built an infrastructure that is part of how Student Services operates today.
The Stronger Connections grant funded long-term internal capacity for Student Services to train other staff in Restorative Practices, which the team will continue using during the 2026-27 school year. It also funded Responsive Classroom training at scale, which has translated into more stable school routines, stronger classroom instruction, and more independent self-regulation among students.
“Many of our building Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) coaches and their universal SEL teams are offering refresher professional development to their staff to continue strong implementation practices,” said Melanie Moorehill, the District’s Multi-Layered System of Supports (MLSS) and SEL coordinator.
The grant’s impact data also showed improvements in student engagement outcomes. This includes students’ sense of belonging in their school communities, peer-to-peer respect, and access to trusted adults.
“Continuing to monitor and build on those gains, rather than letting them fade once grant funding ends, is a specific goal for this year,” Mand said.
While these grants are essential in providing additional funding and resources for the department, it’s ultimately the people and partnerships behind them that ensure all students are engaged and empowered to thrive.
“The grant outcomes get the spotlight because they’re measurable, but they’re only possible because of the consistent, relationship-driven work happening in classrooms and offices across the District all year long,” Mand said.
Learn more about the department’s work and how to connect with team members on MCPASD’s Student Services web page.
Photo caption: Glacier Creek Middle School Student Services staff recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2026.