School Climate Transformation Grant (SCTG)

INSPIRE: Interventions to Nurture Students and Provide Individualized Responsive
Environments

Project Description: INSPIRE enhances our school environment by integrating trauma-
informed methods into our existing multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework. It
extends evidence-based programs such as the Safe School Ambassadors anti-bullying program
and the Too Good for Drugs and Violence anti-violence and substance abuse prevention
program, as well as provides tiered services to improve students' performance and interpersonal
skills. INSPIRE conducts training in Mental Health First Aid, with a focus on suicide prevention.
INSPIRE focuses on reducing suspensions and expulsions related to drug or alcohol use and
bullying, fostering a positive school climate, and enhancing the effectiveness of our MTSS
implementation, the initiative works towards achieving a healthier and safer learning
environment. In collaboration with our partners including Children’s Hope Alliance, Teen Court,
Drug-Alcohol Coalition, Law Enforcement, Crosby Scholars, and the Pregnancy Resource
Center’s TruthGirlz mentoring program, we seek to achieve the following outcomes: decrease
office disciplinary referrals, suspensions, and expulsions related to substance abuse and bullying,
foster a positive school climate as perceived by teachers, students, and parents, and enhance the
consistency of our multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) implementation.

INSPIRE Goals:
1) Enhance the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) structure to implement a trauma-
informed approach to create a more positive school environment; and
2) Provide professional learning for educators to develop an understanding of the impact trauma
has on students, building educators’ capacity to implement a trauma informed MTSS.

Funding: $3,748,140 over five years                                                 Grant Period: 10/01/2019 - 9/30/2024

Population Served: INSPIRE serves 10,729 students in grades K-12 in 21 of our district’s
Schools: Cloverleaf Elementary, East Iredell Elementary, Third Creek Elementary, Celeste
Henkel Elementary, Central Elementary, Cool Spring Elementary, Harmony Elementary, NB
Mills Elementary, Scotts Elementary, Sharon Elementary, Troutman Elementary, Union Grove
Elementary, East Iredell Middle, Third Creek Middle, North Iredell Middle, Troutman Middle,
West Iredell Middle, North Iredell High, West Iredell High, Statesville High, Northview
Alternative School

Key Contact: Jessica Smith, jessica_mack@iss.k12.nc.us

Progress and Results: Through INSPIRE, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, our
district has successfully improved school climate, reduced harmful behaviors, and enhanced
supports to students. Our mental health therapists and social workers have provided robust
supports, serving hundreds of students and families, including providing crisis referrals. This
wraparound approach ensures the academic and mental well-being needs of our highest-need
students are addressed.