The Newton Partnership

The Newton Partnerhip initiative aims to foster safe, respectful, and drug-free school environments and to promote prosocial skills and healthy childhood development for all Newton children. The project is made possible by a four-year $6 million grant awarded to Newton Public Schools and its partners by the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice. (Visit http://www.newton.k12.ma.us/newtonpartnership  for more information.

Newton is one of more than 276 school districts across the country that has received the grant. The federal initiative was created in response to rising concerns about youth violence and school safety. Using programs and services that have a proven track record of success, and strategies for both prevention and intervention, the Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative helps reduce the risk factors that come between children of all ages and their ability to learn—and to stay safe and healthy. Newton SS/HS provides services, programs, education, and training for students, school staff, parents, and community members that address five major elements:

• Safe School Environments and Violence Prevention
• Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
• Student Behavioral, Social, and Emotional Supports
• Mental Health Services
• Early Childhood Social and Emotional Supports.