High Contrast MENU Find it Fast Student Support & Prevention Programs Student Support & Prevention Programs School Social Worker & Mental Health Counselor Directory Home Services Student Support & Prevention Programs Student Support & Prevention Programs Student Support & Prevention Programs Gilbert Public Schools believes that positive school environments that encourage social and emotional learning significantly impact the academic achievement and success of our students. Elementary and secondary students are offered opportunities to participate in classes and schoolwide activities that focus on tobacco and substance abuse education, bully prevention, life skills training, and other prevention-related activities. The following is a list of several prevention programs implemented at Gilbert Public Schools, followed by a brief summary and links to websites with additional valuable information. Providing comprehensive social emotional learning supports and mental health resources are vital to Gilbert Public Schools’ prevention program. There are social workers and mental health counselors assigned K-12, providing specialized services to students and their families, as well as a social worker assigned to the district's alternative junior/high school to work with students and their families. School social workers and mental health counselors bring specialized knowledge and skills to the District, and are an integral part of the student services support teams. They are instrumental in supporting the District’s mission for student success while collaborating with the home, school and the community to do so. Parent University is a valuable resource offering learning opportunities for families to support their children's educational process. Second Step is utilized at the elementary schools as the district's social/emotional learning component to help students, staff and schools foster and sustain supportive, learning environments to address the needs of the whole child. Read more about it here: http://www.secondstep.org/ Gilbert Public Schools is a CHARACTER COUNTS! district, based on basic values called the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Read more about CC! at www.CharacterCounts.org Behavioral Health Teams (BHT) consist of the Social Worker/Counselor, Nurse, and School Psychologist at each school site, in collaboration with building and district level administrators. Students and/or families may be referred to Behavioral Health Teams in a variety of ways, whether through self-referral, Administrator/BHT referral, teacher referral, and family or community agency referral. It is a structured approach and process to identify students at risk for school violence and suicide/self-injury. Teams work in collaboration with families, behavioral health agencies, School Resource Officers and Fire Department personnel as approrpiate. District Crisis Team - Gilbert Public Schools supports the short and long term recovery of students, staff and schools after a traumatic event. The District Crisis Team has a priority during a crisis to provide safety and account for all students and return to learning. For more information regarding the District’s prevention programs or related activities, please contact the Gilbert Public Schools Prevention Coordinator, Susan Cadena, at 480-545-2181. Homeless Education Program The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act) (42 U.S.C. § 11431-11435) is federal legislation that ensures the educational rights and protections of children and youths experiencing homelessness. It requires all local educational agencies (LEAs) to ensure that homeless students have access to the same free, appropriate public education, including public preschools, as provided to other children and youths. The McKinney-Vento Act defines LEAs as public school districts, direct-funded and locally funded charter schools, and county offices of education. The McKinney-Vento Act also authorizes the funding for the federal Education for Homeless Children and Youths Program. It provides stability, access and support for the academic success of homeless children and youth. Helpful Links: Arizona Department of Education Homeless Education The National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Contact the Gilbert Public Schools Homeless Education Liaison at 480-545-2193 should you have any questions or need assistance. McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance McKinney-Vento Information McKinney-Vento Presentation Signs of Suicide Program (SOS) As part of our commitment to prevention education, Gilbert Public Schools offers depression awareness and suicide prevention training as part of the SOS (Signs of Suicide) Prevention Program. The program has proven to be successful at increasing help-seeking by students concerned about themselves or a friend and is the only school-based suicide prevention program listed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration as an evidence-based program. It helps students and adults demystify the confusion around what constitutes normal development and what may be a potentially serious issue. All of our campus Behavioral Health Team professionals (school social workers, psychologists, nurses and counselors) in the district will support the facilitation of the curriculum. Please review the resources listed below to learn more about the SOS program at each level. The elementary school presentation is provided for your information, and the link for the junior high and high school programs is listed below with the login information. The link will allow you to access valuable information about the presentations, as well as resources on the warning signs of suicide, anxiety, depression, and tips on how to talk to your children about mental health. District Prevention Resource Presentations & Information Suicide Helplines and Resources Signs of Suicide Elementary Presentation Teen Dating Abuse Prevention Gilbert Public Schools recognizes that teen dating violence is a complex public health and safety problem that requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to ensure that students and staff can learn and work in a safe and secure school climate. As a result of the passage of Senate Bill 1308, information about teen dating abuse will be a part of the health curriculum for GPS. The “Love Is Not Abuse” Curriculum has been recommended by the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. It has been approved by the GPS Governing Board. Instruction will be provided to 8th-grade students through physical education classes or other identified classes. The District Prevention Coordinator along with additional designated school social workers will be responsible for presenting the instructional materials. The curriculum will be covered over two days. The curriculum provides dating abuse information that will fulfil the requirements of this legislation by including the following: A definition of dating abuse The recognition of dating abuse warning signs The characteristics of healthy relationships Resources available to parents and students Actionable Mental Health Resources Take Immediate Action Online Treatment Locator: Find quality treatment options close to home using Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s (SAMHSA) confidential and anonymous online treatment locator. 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline | Call for 24/7, free and confidential information for individuals and family members facing substance abuse and mental health issues. Gilbert Community Wellness Resources Human Services Community Resource Guide Directory – Town of Gilbert (pdf) This guide is a brief listing of some of the providers available in and near Gilbert which is intended to connect residents with community assets, provide information about resources to improve quality of life, and offer access to information for residents who are in need of services. You are encouraged to research and determine the best provider for your family. Gilbert Public Schools accepts no liability for the content of these resources, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. Other resources may be available at Maricopa County Health & Social Services and Find Help Phoenix. Note: It’s our goal to provide current and accurate information; however, businesses may have changed locations or contact information. Gilbert Public Schools does not endorse any provider nor evaluate the quality of service provided. Suicide & Depression Prevention, Awareness, & Resources American Foundation for Suicide Prevention 1-888-333-2377 | If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Aurora Behavioral Health 1-877-870-7012 | Inspire hope and wellness in every patient through exceptional individualized care. AZ Teen Crisis Solutions 1-623-879-9600 | For parents of struggling and troubled teens. 24-hour hotline. Community Bridges, Inc. (CBI) 1-877-931-9142 | Holistic—or integrated—approach to addiction treatment and behavioral health concerns. Crisis Response Network 1-602-222-9444 | When life is overwhelming, if someone is worried about a loved one, or if someone just needs a caring person to listen, Crisis Response Network provides immediate and confidential help. EMPACT Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 | La Frontera Arizona / EMPACT – Suicide Prevention Center offers comprehensive crisis and community behavioral health services to children, adults, and families. Services are provided in the home or at one of our offices located in metro Phoenix, San Tan Valley, and the City of Maricopa. Oasis Behavioral Health 1-480-917-9301 | Helping individuals overcome the powerful grasp of mental health or addiction concerns. Signs of Suicide – Junior High & High School Resources Southwest Behavioral & Health Services 1-480-695-8198 | Comprehensive behavioral health services to youth and their families in school and community settings. Teen Lifeline 602-248-8336 | To prevent teen suicide in Arizona through enhancing resiliency in youth and fostering supportive communities. The Jem Foundation | Suicide prevention and support, supporting positive changes to mental health care, providing individual and family support to help remove the stigma that surrounds mental illness. Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 | National organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people under 25. GPS Student Support & Prevention: School Social Worker & Mental Health Counselor Directory All Locations Search S SUSAN CADENA DISTRICT K–12 PREVENTION COORDINATOR | 480-545-2181 View Website A ALLEE KLINGENSMITH DISTRICT HOMELESS EDUCATION LIAISON | 480-545-2193 SA SOCIAL WORKER ASHLAND RANCH ELEMENTARY ABRIANA CHAMBERLAIN | ASHLAND RANCH ELEMENTARY 480-917-9900 ext. 1267 View Website A SOCIAL WORKER AUGUSTA RANCH ELEMENTARY TIFFANY DELBRIDGE | AUGUSTA RANCH 480-635-2011 ext. 1211 View Website B SOCIAL WORKER BOULDER CREEK ELEMENTARY ASHLEY FORTUNE | BOULDER CREEK 480-892-2801 ext 1101 View Website SB SOCIAL WORKER BURK ELEMENTARY SHERYL SOTO | BURK ELEMENTARY 480-926-3816 ext. 1139 View Website MC MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR CAMPO VERDE HIGH SCHOOL JIM BAKER | CAMPO VERDE HIGH 480-545-3100 ext 2121 View Website SC SOCIAL WORKER CANYON RIM ELEMENTARY KIMBERLY SCHAMMEL | CANYON RIM 480-984-3216 ext 1306 View Website SC SOCIAL WORKER CANYON VALLEY SCHOOL KELLY LINSKEY | CANYON VALLEY SCHOOL 480-507-0519 ext. 2107 View Website SC SOCIAL WORKER CAROL RAE RANCH ELEMENTARY MICHELLE FONTAINE YBARRA | CAROL RAE RANCH 480-507-1359 ext 1354 View Website MD MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR DESERT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL FRANCHESCA JOHNSON | DESERT RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL 480-984-8947 ext. 2101 View Website SD SOCIAL WORKER DESERT RIDGE JUNIOR HIGH COURTNEY KAHN | DESERT RIDGE JR HIGH 480-635-2025 ext. 1601 View Website SF SOCIAL WORKER FINLEY FARMS ELEMENTARY ERIN ARNER | FINLEY FARMS 480-507-1624 ext. 1305 View Website MG MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR GILBERT CLASSICAL ACADEMY NICOLETA ALFARO | GILBERT CLASSICAL ACADEMY 480-497-4034 ext. 2140 View Website SG SOCIAL WORKER GILBERT ELEMENTARY LOUISE HEEMAN | GILBERT ELEMENTARY 480-892-8624 ext .1322 View Website MG MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR GILBERT HIGH SCHOOL CAITLIN ALFONSO | GILBERT HIGH SCHOOL 480-497-0177 ext 6523 View Website SG SOCIAL WORKER GREENFIELD ELEMENTARY ALEXIS HOWARD | GREENFIELD ELEMENTARY 480-892-2801 ext. 1308 View Website SG SOCIAL WORKER GREENFIELD JUNIOR HIGH AMARIS GAYDEN | GREENFIELD JR HIGH 480-813-1770 ext. 1410 View Website SH SOCIAL WORKER HARRIS ELEMENTARY MAKENZIE McLAUGHLIN | HARRIS 480-545-7060 ext. 1204 View Website MH MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL KAREN COBB | HIGHLAND HIGH SCHOOL 480-813-0051 ext. 2221 View Website 1 2 3 Last Modified on November 1, 2021 Visit Us 140 South Gilbert Road Gilbert , AZ 85296 Get Directions Contact Us Phone: 480-497-3300 Email Us Stay Connected Non-Discrimination Policies & Website Accessibility Contact Us Employment Site Map Back to Top © Gilbert Public Schools District. 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