The Warren County School District is extending its partnership with Beacon Light Behavioral Health Services to continue the Student Assistance Program in district elementary schools.

The extension is Effective January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026. The Student Assistance Program aims to help students overcome barriers to learning, including mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. Funded by a Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency grant, the agreement provides the district with mental health and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs liaisons stationed in elementary schools. The full-time staff members will attend at least two meetings per month at each school, conduct screenings for at-risk students, lead group sessions and work with families to provide support and interventions.

The Student Assistance Program is a part of Pennsylvania’s approach to ensuring students receive academic, social and emotional support. The program identifies issues such as substance abuse and mental health struggles and creates action plans to keep students on track. Beacon Light Behavioral Health Services staff will provide mental health and substance abuse prevention services through trained liaisons who work with school staff and parents while maintaining student confidentiality. Quarterly accountability reports will track progress and outcomes.

Services will be available at five elementary schools and Beaty-Warren Middle School for fifth grade students. Crisis situations will be handled in coordination with local agencies, with emergency mental health cases referred to the Center for Community Resources’ 24/7 helpline.

In addition to Student Assistance Program services, the district is introducing art therapy to use creative expression to help students develop emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and self-expression skills.

In other news, Grady Corey, a senior at Warren Area High School and representative of the Leadership Club, is seeking approval for funding to support the club’s initiatives.

“A good school makes students feel valued, appreciated, and supported. Our goal is to represent the unrepresented,” Corey said.

The club supports the Warren Area High School Bocce team and promotes school inclusiveness. The team’s first season concluded last week with a “Pack the Stands Night.”

“Our goal is to promote social inclusion and purposeful involvement for students with and without intellectual disabilities. As one cohesive team, you can’t tell the difference between an athlete and a partner,” said Cayla Leichtenberger, Unified Bocce coach.

Jim Evers highlighted the district’s success in the SkillsUSA competition: Kylee Madigan – 1st place, Early Childhood Education, Caroline Smyth – 1st place, Nurse Assisting,Additional medalists at the district event include:

Silver:Jessica Romanosky & Alexis Stec (EMT), Bronze: Robert Burkett – Automotive Service Technology,Noel Ireland – Criminal Justice, Michael Lore – Firefighting, Ciara Sherwood – Medical Terminology.

WCSD has scheduled a public hearing for Monday to discuss reassigning Youngsville Middle/High School grades 6-8 to Youngsville Elementary, converting it into Youngsville Elementary/Middle School.