Charter School Innovation Series: Supporting Student Mental Health

When it comes to students’ ability to learn, mental health plays a pivotal role in their academic success and personal development. In this episode of Get Schooled on Public Education, we learn more about two charter schools and how their teams work together to ensure students receive mental health support to better meet their needs. We hear from the outgoing executive director Carol Bowar and the director of mental health and wellness at Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in Colorado. And we chat with the cofounder of Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Washington. Listen to learn more about their schools’ approach to integrating wellness into their curriculums and the positive impact for teachers, students, and families.GuestsCarol Bowar, Executive Director (Feb. 2016–Aug.2024), Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in ColoradoYolanda Dandridge, MA, LPC, NCC, ACS, Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) in Denver, ColoradoAmanda Gardner, Co-founder of Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Washington

Episode Takeaways:

• Charter schools are free, public, and open to all.
• A holistic approach to student development creates a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
• Integrating mental health support, while balancing high academic standards is key to improving student outcomes.
• Effective mental health integration requires a strong leadership and collaborative approach.

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction
01:01 - A Parent's Journey to Advocate for Dyslexic Individuals
03:43 - Gal's School Embracing Movement-based Learning
08:38 - The Genesis of Catalyst and Educational Transition
12:36 - Inclusive Education: Infusing Justice-oriented Themes in the Curriculum
14:05 - Prioritizing Student Mental Health: Implementing Additional Support Staff
17:17 - Fostering Wellness: A Focus on Mental Health Support in Educational Settings
18:15 - Outro

Quotes:

• Carol Bowar
  • Executive Director (Feb. 2016–Aug.2024), Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in Colorado
    • “They (parents) want a place where their children can figure out who they really are, find their voice, use it for good, and be part of a community that holds them and loves them.”
• Yolanda Dandridge,
  • Director of Mental Health and Wellness, Girls Athletic Leadership Schools (GALS) Denver in Colorado
    • “I'm here creating what that looks like to have mental health in conversations in the educational process to be able to support students, adults, and families.”
• Amanda Gardner
  • Co-founder of Catalyst Public Schools in Bremerton, Washington
    • “A lot of the model that we use is really rooted in social emotional learning and a culture of belonging.”