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School division highlights mental‑health supports and Paw's Pantry program feeding weekend students
Summary
At a board spotlight on Mental Health Awareness Month, Rachel Wheeler and school staff described expanded mental‑health referral services (Care Solace, LifeBridge) and PAWS Pantry, a weekend food bag program that now serves about 80 students and partners with local donors and organizations.
The board heard a combined presentation on Mental Health Awareness Month and the division’s care‑team partnerships that connect students to behavioral health and food supports.
Rachel Wheeler framed the division's approach: "Mental health for us isn't a sidebar to education. It is the foundation of it," she said, and tied the work to the Achieve 2027 objective on wellness. Wheeler described partnerships with Care Solace (which she said could connect families to providers within 22 days) and LifeBridge (providing outpatient therapy) as ways the division expands access to care.
Wendy Jones, school resource officer at Bowling Green Elementary, described PAWS Pantry ("Partners Assisting With Students"), a program started when meal needs rose from about 40 to roughly 90 students and now distributing about 80 weekend bags; items include shelf‑stable meals, snacks, and breakfast items. Jones outlined volunteer and donation options and said the pantry also operates discreet shopping for families at school events. Cynthia Golden, a longtime educator who sponsors the pantry, thanked donors and volunteers and urged continued community support.
Board members praised the program and asked how it ties into broader mental‑health work; trustees noted the pantry and mental‑health referrals together exemplify cross‑sector support for student needs. The presentation closed with the board offering appreciation and plans to maintain partnerships that support student well‑being.
The board took no formal action; the presentation served to inform trustees and the public about ongoing supports and community engagement.
