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Griswald principal reports early success for "Walter" support program
Summary
Griswald principal reported Walter began work Sept. 12; staff say there have been zero full opt‑outs, multiple de‑escalations and reading/math interventions where students engaged with Walter, and ongoing vendor support is scheduled.
Principal Jonathan K. B. reported to the board that 'Walter' began work at Griswald in September and has been used for on‑demand support to help de‑escalate students, support separations at drop‑off, and encourage reading and math interventions. Staff said families have largely accepted the program (no full opt‑outs, a small number of partial opt‑outs) and that handlers and vendor BluePath have provided follow‑up training and support.
Principal Jonathan said Walter has been used in multiple situations — from comforting a student whose parent was hospitalized to helping a severely anxious child enter the school — and that in several instances where adult staff alone previously required seclusion or restraint, Walter’s intervention allowed students to return to class the same day.
The principal encouraged board members to visit Griswald to see the program in action and said that staff continue to collaborate with interventionists to leverage Walter for classroom supports such as a math lab to reduce anxiety.
No formal policy changes or contract details were presented at the meeting; the board received the report as information.
