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Board approves Valley Youth House ‘Bounce Back’ trauma‑counseling program for elementary students
Summary
The Northwestern Lehigh School District board approved an MOU to bring Valley Youth House’s ‘Bounce Back’ trauma‑informed small‑group counseling (K–5) to district elementary schools at no cost to families; parent consent required and county funds cover the program.
The Northwestern Lehigh School District board approved a memorandum of understanding to bring Valley Youth House’s Bounce Back small‑group trauma‑informed counseling into district elementary schools.
Administrators told the board the program is free to the district and families and is funded through Lehigh and Northampton counties. Bounce Back provides 10 structured sessions during the school day for K–5 students who have experienced stress or trauma; sessions are led by a licensed counselor and may include optional individual follow‑up. District staff said students would be identified by teachers and school counselors and require parent or guardian consent for participation.
District officials asked the board to approve the MOU at this meeting because parent consent forms needed to be returned to Valley Youth House by Jan. 30. After discussion, a board member moved to approve the MOU, a second was made, and the board approved it by voice vote.
Administrators said the program has evidence of reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and post‑traumatic stress while improving coping skills, attendance and academic performance. They added that county funding is currently available for the remainder of the school year and the district will hope that the county departments secure continued funding for future years.
Next steps: staff will distribute consent forms to parents and coordinate with Valley Youth House for program start and student identification.
