How can I/my child enroll in the 2021-2022 Digital Education Center and is there an associated cost?

Update: May 5, 2021

The Digital Education Center will be a no-cost option for current HCPSS students.

The DEC priority commitment period closed May 5. Families who are interested in committing to the DEC at a later time may have the opportunity to participate if space is available in the program after final budget approval.

What will a typical Digital Education Center student day look like?

When a student is virtual, the student will join the class using Google Meet at assigned times. The student will be using the Chromebook for at least part of the lesson. Instruction will consist of a combination of synchronous and asynchronous work through teacher-led lessons, assignments, group work and homework.

Sample schedules for elementary, middle and high school will be shared at level-specific virtual information sessions and posted online in April.
 

Can students access school-based mental health services from any agency that partners with HCPSS?

SBMHS in HCPSS is a one-agency-per-school model. This means that only the assigned agency for that school is able to provide mental health services to students within that building. SBMH partner agencies cannot provide services to students in schools for which they are not the assigned partner.  

What if my child’s school does not have an assigned school social worker or school-based mental health services?

Every school has a Student Support Team (SST). Even if a school does not have a social worker or school-based mental health services, all students may access their school counselor and may receive referrals for outside services, as deemed appropriate by the SST. Please contact your student’s school counselor or school psychologist if you have concerns about your student.

Are school-based mental health services confidential?

HCPSS and participating community mental health agencies follow strict guidelines on sharing private information about students. Records are kept confidential. Just like other student records, these health and educational records and information are protected by the HIPPA (Health Information Portability and Accountability Act) and FERPA (Federal Education Rights and Privacy Act) privacy laws. Written parental permission is required for therapy information to be shared with school staff.