The concept of enhancing student wellness and success within our schools is crucial as those factors directly impact academic performance, emotional resilience, and overall development. A focus on wellness creates a supportive environment that nurtures physical health, mental well-being, and social skills, enabling students to thrive both academically and personally. Promoting wellness through programs, counseling, and healthy practices helps students manage stress, build positive relationships, and develop lifelong habits. Ultimately, prioritizing student wellness lays the foundation for a healthier, more productive future generation.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) provides school districts and schools with Student Wellness and Success Funds and Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid to implement initiatives that support wraparound services for students. Wraparound services are programs and supports meant to build skills and fulfill a student or familial need. During the 2023-24 school year, the Niles City School District spent its allocated funds and aid on community mental health partnerships, wellness employee salaries and benefits, and multiple new mental, physical, social, and educational initiatives.
A district-wide Wellness Committee, consisting of the district Superintendent, Social Workers, Administrative team, Food Service Director, community members, Nurse, and School Resource Officers, meets periodically to create, evaluate, and revise the district's Wellness and Success Plan. The Committee is committed to focusing on at-risk and other vulnerable student populations to promote well rounded education for all learners of the district. Additional information on services provided can be found below.