Gloucester Township Public Schools, located in suburban Camden County, New Jersey, serves a diverse population of 6,500 students across 11 schools. The district’s 17 counselors support a student body where over half are from minority groups.
In 2023, Sheilla Carvalho, a seventh-grade counselor at Glen Landing Middle School, piloted Alongside to provide students with a tool that integrates mental health support into the technology they already use. The app has become an essential resource, helping students proactively address their problems and develop self-reliance.
“The chat feature provides the opportunity for planning ahead, which develops their independence,” Carvalho said.
Expanding Support Through the District
Since its initial success at Glen Landing Middle School, use of Alongside has expanded to all three middle schools in the district, with plans to introduce it to fifth graders in the near future. Carvalho continues to receive positive feedback from students, who appreciate having a resource available when they feel misunderstood.
“The chat has been really helpful when I’m stressed out on a test...It talks me through how I should deal with my stress and buildup the courage to do good on the test.” - Gloucester Township Middle School Student
Building Independence and Reducing Missed Class Time
Dr. Violet Martin, the district’s Director of Special Services, highlights how Alongside helps students remain in the classroom, reducing disruptions to their education. She notes that the app is teaching students vital skills in self-advocacy and self-care.
“I really feel strongly that this app is teaching them how to self-advocate, how to take care of themselves, which is important,” Dr. Martin said. “And also, you know, it reduces the amount of time they’re coming out of class…they’re able to logon, get their needs met, and then get back to business.”
Fostering Student Agency and Self-Reliance
Echoing Dr. Martin, Gloucester’s Supervisor of Clinical Support Services Steve Kline emphasizes how the district uses Alongside as a tool for fostering student agency and self-reliance.
“We sometimes overhelp our students,” he says. “One of the nice things about Alongside is how it allows students to learn self-help and self-care techniques for perhaps the first time.”
Encouraging Daily Use: A Principal’s Perspective
Takisha Jones, Principal of Glen Landing Middle School, is a vocal advocate for Alongside. She promotes the app daily during morning announcements, reminding students that it’s okay to feel upset and that the app is there to help them manage their emotions without impacting others.
“If you’re feeling like SpongeBob grouchy pants, that’s all right. Get on that Alongside app. You know, something along those lines, I say, but don’t mess up somebody else’s day,” Jones shared.
Empowering Counselors to Focus on Broader Needs
Counselor Susan Sasso from Glen Landing Middle School has found Alongside to be a valuable tool that allows students to manage their emotions independently, thereby freeing her time to address other responsibilities. She shares an example of a student who used to visit her every Monday morning upset. After using the app, the student was able to go straight to class without needing additional support.
“If he keeps on this path, that means that he’s becoming independent just like Mrs. Jones(the school principal) is encouraging them to do,” Sasso said. “I use it as a tool as well. And I feel like it’s helpful not just for the kids, but for me.”
Ensuring Student Safety: Safeguards and Support
Steve Kline underscores the importance of the safeguards in place within Alongside. The app’s system flags urgent issues, allowing staff to intervene when necessary while maintaining the privacy of student conversations. This balance gives the district confidence that students receive appropriate support when they need it most.
“When we encounter situations that seem more urgent, alerts are sent to us, allowing us to intervene as needed,” Kline explained. “This system gives us confidence that if immediate intervention is necessary, we can respond promptly and effectively.”
Conclusion
Gloucester Township Public Schools’ adoption of Alongside demonstrates how technology can meet students where they are, providing them with critical mental health resources while empowering them to develop independence. Through strategic implementation and thoughtful expansion, the district has created an environment where students can confidently address their mental health needs and continue thriving academically.
