As we wrapped up Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the Rensselaer City School District wants to take a moment to highlight the expanding impact of Project AWARE, our Pupil Personnel Department, and our vital community partnerships.

Through Project AWARE, a robust and active network of mental health, wellness, and community-building programs are fully active across our district every single day:
Elementary Building Supports:

• Second Step Program: Implemented to support early student growth and build positive classroom communities.
• Elementary Social Groups: Formed to provide targeted, supportive counseling and classroom success strategies.

Mentorship & Peer Connection:

• Peer Mentoring Program: High school students actively stepping up and mentoring middle school students.
• Restorative Growth Squads & Lunch Bunches: Creating welcoming daily spaces to support students and build community.

Direct Counseling & Wellness Training:

• Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA): Specialized mental health training provided directly to our 9th and 10th-grade students.
• Direct Counseling Access: Comprehensive, in-school support provided right in our buildings via the START Center Counseling program and the RCDMH Satellite Office.
• Prevention Guidance: The RCDMH Substance Abuse Prevention Program is fully up and running to assist students.

Family & Attendance Partnerships:

• BRIDGES Attendance Support: A powerful partnership with St. Catherine's that is currently assisting 20 RCSD families.

We are deeply grateful to the dedicated staff, students, and community partners whose tireless work makes these life-changing initiatives possible during Mental Health Awareness Month—and all year long! ​