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Gilpin County schools push restorative practices, outline mental-health resources and consider screening
Summary
District staff described restorative practices, classroom 'respect agreements' and plans for small-group supports; they highlighted partnerships with Jefferson Center for Mental Health and discussed a proposed Healthy Young Minds screening with an opt-out for parents.
Presenter said the district is emphasizing restorative practices and community circles as primary ways to address bullying and classroom conflicts, and that classrooms create living "respect agreements" developed with student input.
The presenter described targeted supports for students who need more help, noting plans to pilot small-group curricula on stress management, grief and art therapy; these supports would be coordinated with a district staff member named Kayla and with outside partners when available. The presenter cautioned that staffing constraints mean some programs are still in the planning stage and that "no decisions have been made about anything" regarding next-year program structure.
Why it matters: staff said proactive restorative work and small-group supports can reduce repeat incidents and help students build social skills, but officials acknowledged limited mental-health staffing and the need to coordinate with community providers.
The meeting listed several mental-health resources available to students: Jefferson Center for Mental Health (contracted services), a program referred to in the transcript as "Resilience 12:20" serving roughly ages 12–20, and virtual options such as I Matter and the Second Wind Foundation; staff also reminded attendees of the statewide 988 crisis line. The presenter said Jefferson Center staff come to the school monthly and that some in-school services are available but capacity is limited.
Staff also described a Healthy Young Minds program that offers wraparound services and a potential schoolwide mental-health screening to gauge anxiety and depression; the presenter said parents would be informed and given the option to opt out. The discussion was exploratory and the district did not adopt a screening program at the meeting.
Next steps: staff will seek further information, coordinate with partners and consult families before committing to any screening or new small-group programs.
