CUSD Cares is a program of multi-tiered support for all students at ANHS that aims to positively impact the community and foster connections between students, staff and parents.
The program is intended to meet the needs of all students and staff by creating a model for support that highlights three key aspects: community, connection and celebration. The model consists of three tiers of support tailored to different students’ needs. It is an ongoing program for high school students.
The first tier focuses on all students at the ANHS campus. The model aims to connect everyone through well-being practices that positively impact the community. The three key components help build connections between staff and students to assess each person’s needs.
The first tier implements a variety of practices to achieve its goals. These include staff training by the Department of Education, a “You Belong Here” attendance campaign, positive behavior support and opportunities to participate in school activities.
By focusing on community and student opportunities, the program meets its goals. The first tier emphasizes school wide events to foster unity. These events include dress-up days, club rush, extracurricular awards and the Five Star system, which encourages participation from students and staff.
Sana Haikimi (12) says, “I have never heard of the program before, but it seems like something that can be very useful to students.”
The second tier provides targeted support for certain students who may face challenges. CUSD Cares connects a smaller community within the school by assessing students’ challenges and formulating plans to address them.
Through wellness rooms, targeted support, restorative practices, wellness and prevention programs and group counseling, the second tier aims to assist specific students. It focuses on providing support and intervention while maintaining updated contact for any issues students may encounter.
Kylie Snyder (12) says, “I have noticed the effectiveness of wellness practices and counseling help that has been provided to students.”
The primary mode of support in the second tier is through targeted intervention and counseling. This may include daily check-ins, group discussions, counseling sessions and student-family collaboration. CUSD Cares uses the second tier to focus on positive reinforcement and intervention to assist ANHS students.
The third tier offers intensive support for students who do not respond well to the second tier. This tier is designed to address the needs of students requiring comprehensive planning to help them maintain connection and community within the school.
The third tier utilizes individual counseling, a team of district support, county and mental health referrals, partnerships with families and on-site referrals. Support staff work to create tailored plans for students. Home visits, frequent meetings, individual support and collaboration between students, families and the school district help the program achieve its goals.
Through targeted support, CUSD Cares uses the third tier to provide intensive services with the assistance of counselors, psychologists, High School Family Lead Administrators and district staff. This approach aims to support students who may be struggling on campus.
