Champlain Valley Educational Services received a $4.3 million award to implement this federal initiative over the next four years to make schools safer and students healthier.  Communities of One is one of the largest collaborations in the North Country bringing together local education, law enforcement and probation, early childhood, and mental health partners to create sustainable system change. Students, families, and communities will be positively impacted through the implementation of five core elements: school violence prevention, drug prevention, social and emotional support, mental health services, and early childhood development.

Programs and services supported by Safe Schools/Healthy Students allow participating schools to be proactive in addressing issues surrounding school violence, substance abuse, and mental health.  Local Law enforcement and Champlain Valley Educational Services will work with districts to assess and improve safety and crisis intervention plans to maximize effectiveness.  Other partners will assist districts in implementing an array of character education and drug prevention programs targeting elementary students.  Early childhood specialists will operate a family resource center while mental health partners will provide after school activities and on-site clinics.  School districts will focus on promoting positive learning environments. 

We have a unique opportunity to build collaborative interagency relationships that will share our best practices, eliminate overlap of services, and best maximize our professional resources within the Communities of One service area.  Together, we can greatly reduce the risk of school violence and the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs while promoting the social and emotional health of our students, their families and our communities.