Newsroom

Shakopee Public Schools Expands Mental Health Services with $100,000 grant from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) today announced a $100,000 grant to Shakopee Public Schools for expanded mental health services, which will benefit the district’s preschool and high school students and parents.

“Education is crucial in preparing the next generation of leaders, but mental health issues can be an obstacle for some students,” said SMSC Chairman Charles R. Vig. “We’re thankful to Shakopee Public Schools for providing exceptional education and support, and we are proud to help them expand their mental health services to help even more children and teens.”

With this grant, the district will provide additional services to help identify and support students struggling with mental health issues. They will also expand their education classes to help parents better understand mental health, learn strategies for supporting their children, and assist them in seeking any necessary resources.

“We are extremely appreciative of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and its continued support of Shakopee schools,” said Gary Anger, interim superintendent of Shakopee Public Schools. “There are students in our district who have mental health issues that can result in roadblocks to their learning and everyday life. This grant will help us meet the needs of those students, and for that, we are grateful to the SMSC.”

Shakopee Public Schools serves more than 8,000 students in Shakopee, Savage, Prior Lake, and the Jackson, Louisville, and Sand Creek townships.

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Native American tribe located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to Native American tribes and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise, and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County.

About Shakopee Public Schools
Shakopee Public Schools, in partnership with our community, will educate lifelong learners to succeed in a diverse world. We offer a myriad of programs and activities that give our students of all ages, backgrounds and interests the chance to learn, share, explore and expand their knowledge, talents, skills and abilities in academics, arts, athletics, community service, and so much more. We also offer a variety of high-potential classes at all grades as well as programs at the high school that allow students to earn college credits. The Shakopee school district is committed to providing the best opportunities for our students. We are dedicated to helping them excel and achieve their educational goals and teaching them to be good citizens of our community, our nation and our world.