The following is from the Arlington Public Schools.

Arlington Public Schools Awarded Federal Grant for Expanded Elementary Counseling Programs

Arlington, MA – Arlington Public Schools has been awarded a $1.1 million three-year grant from the US Department of Education to fund Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S., an initiative to expand counseling services in the elementary schools.

With the first year’s funding totaling $376,538, Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. (Schools Uniting and Coordinating Counseling in Elementary School Settings) will increase elementary school counseling staff, expand parent outreach, provide curriculum focused on social and emotional health, and offer professional development for teachers and school social workers. In addition, Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. will support closer ties with local family support services to improve access to additional counseling services.

Arlington’s application was one of three Massachusetts districts chosen with 60 awards given nationwide in 24 states.

Superintendent Kathleen Bodie said, “We are extremely pleased to receive this opportunity to provide our

youngest students and their families with excellent social and emotional supports that result in positive approaches to the challenging situations students can sometimes face.”

“Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. provides a wonderful opportunity for Arlington to increase its counseling staff and to  support students, families and teachers in creating an ever more supportive and safe learning atmosphere in our schools,” said Cindy Bouvier, Director of Health, Wellness and Counseling.