Board green-lights teen mental-health curriculum, environmental-education MOU and student trips

The Franklin Pierce School Board unanimously approved three partnership and program items at the March 17 meeting: a Teen Mental Health First Aid agreement with the Tacoma–Pierce County Health Department, a memorandum of understanding with Pierce County Public Works’ environmental education team, and multiple out-of-state or overnight student travel requests.

Tim described the Teen Mental Health First Aid curriculum as a six-session program offered primarily in ninth-grade health courses (and in Gates health curriculum where applicable). He said the county provides instructional materials and regional instructors; the program carries no direct district funding but is supported with materials and trainer access under an annual MOU. The board approved the agreement unanimously.

The Pierce County Public Works MOU will formalize partnerships around the district’s Franklin Pierce Farm and CT courses, including curriculum support, in-class visits on topics from mushrooms to pruning, and community workshops on composting. Tim described this as another core partnership akin to those with Harvest Pierce County and the Pierce Conservation District. The MOU was approved unanimously.

Directors also approved out-of-state overnight field trips including participation in the Northwest General Drill and Rifle Conference finals (teams traveled to Atlanta; marksmanship placed third) and fifth-grade camp events. Presenters said the travel approvals support curricular and extracurricular activities and that the grant-funded professional development travel for staff is fully covered by state grant funds.

What happens next: MOU and grant documents will be signed as required; the Teen Mental Health First Aid MOU will be reviewed annually, and administration will continue coordination with county partners to support rollout and instructor availability.