About the Community
Gananda is a bedroom "golf cart" community outside of Rochester, NY. It was developed as a planned community in the early 1970's and currently has a population of approximately 6,500 people.
Challenges
- Upper elementary students had on-going peer-to-peer issues
- Negative student social interactions
- Playground bullying
- Wanted to compliment current mental health team
- Need to have quick responsiveness for students’ In crisis and address students who don't act out, but deserve to be heard
The Solution: TEAMTalk by TEAMology
- The district leaders have full faith in their current mental health team, but wanted to “lift the overwhelming burden off their plates” of having to manage large student caseloads.
- TEAMtalk fills the gaps when students don’t want to speak with an adult and/or there aren't enough resources to address needs as they arise.
- The educators’ and mental health team can use TEAMology data to quickly pinpoint students’ needs.
- District leaders enjoy having daily check-ins for students.
- Students can receive immediate coaching and that is a major plus.
- District embraces allowing students to have voice and ownership for their well-being.
- Most importantly, students are asking for more access to TEAMtalk.
District Story
A young student who was known for bullying behavior was part of the TEAMtalk pilot. The student was hesitant to participate in the pilot, but did so reluctantly.
Later in the pilot process, the student raised their hand to be on the Student Advisory Committee and educators were amazed. By the end of the school year, the student began to cry and stated, "This was the best experience I have ever had. Thank you for allowing me to participate and share my thoughts." They really enjoyed the interactions with the characters and coaching sessions that TEAMtalk provides.
The student shared product feedback during an advisory session and wanted TEAMtalk to have more category inputs and be able to provide more comments about their thoughts and feelings. Their requests have been included in the SY 24/25 product enhancements at TEAMology.
This was the best experience I have ever had. Thank you for allowing me to participate and share my thoughts.
Student Advisory Committee Member
Gananda Central School District
Data Watch
The district uses climate surveys to gauge how students feel in their classroom settings.
Gananda Central School District
Superintendent: Dr. Shawn Van Scoy
CAO: Kelly Carpenter
Demographics:
- 915 Students
- 88% White
- 9% Hispanic
- 3% Asian/Mixed/Multi Race
- 30% Free & Reduced Lunch