The Department of Student Services is available to meet the needs of all students in Dickson County Schools. The need for services may vary by age but the support and call for resources covers all students from our pre-kindergarten students to our high students. These services go beyond academics, supporting students' social, emotional, and physical needs to create a safe and nurturing learning environment, and while discipline is indeed a component, it's best understood within the broader context of positive and proactive support.
Areas of support include:
- Social-Emotional Support:
- Foster a positive school climate that promotes kindness, respect, and belonging.
- Offer individual and group counseling to address issues like anxiety, depression, and peer conflict.
- Develop social-emotional learning (SEL) programs to teach students essential skills like self-awareness, relationship management, and responsible decision-making.
- Positive and Restorative Discipline:
- Implement positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) to prevent disruptive behavior and promote prosocial skills.
- Utilize restorative justice practices to address misconduct through dialogue, reflection, and repairing harm.
- Focus on understanding the root causes of behavior and providing students with the resources and support they need to make positive changes.
- Attendance Support:
- Identify and address underlying causes of absences, such as health issues, social-emotional challenges, or transportation barriers.
- Promote regular attendance: Implement incentive programs, early warning systems, and positive communication strategies to encourage consistent attendance.
- For students facing temporary hardship, provide online learning or flexible schedules to ensure continuity of education.
- Safety and Security:
- Implementing measures and school safety plans to prevent violence and emergencies, and responding effectively when they occur.
- Developing and implementing clear anti-bullying policies and procedures.
- Fostering a culture of respect and understanding among all members of the school community.
- At-Risk Student Support Programs
- Proactively identify and connect with students experiencing homelessness, working with teachers, community shelters, and other agencies.
- Assist with immediate school enrollment, regardless of residency documentation or school records.
- Help navigate school choice options and ensure enrollment in the most appropriate school environment.
- Advocate for transportation assistance to overcome barriers to attending school.
- Homeschool and Alternative Learning Options
- Act as a point of contact and communication between homeschool families and the school system.
- Facilitate information exchange regarding curriculum, graduation requirements, standardized testing, and other relevant regulations.
- Guide families through the homeschool registration and reporting processes.
- Assist in connecting students with alternative programs, including online learning.