Susan Cadena, LMSW
K-12 Prevention Coordinator
Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) believes that positive school environments that encourage social and emotional learning significantly impact the academic achievement and success of our students. Elementary and secondary students are offered opportunities to participate in classes and schoolwide activities that focus on tobacco and substance abuse education, bully prevention, life skills training, and other prevention-related activities.
The following is a list of several prevention programs implemented at Gilbert Public Schools, followed by a brief summary and links to websites with additional valuable information.
Social Workers are a vital component to Gilbert Public Schools’ prevention program. There is a social worker assigned to each of the District's elementary schools, (2) social workers assigned to work with the secondary schools providing specialized services to students and their families, and a social worker assigned to the district's alternative junior/high school to work with those students and their families. School social workers bring specialized knowledge and skills to the District, and are an integral part of the student services team. The school social worker is instrumental in supporting the District’s mission for student success, while collaborating with the home, school and the community to do so.
Parent University is a valuable resource offering learning opportunities for families to support their children's educational process. Check out the link here 
Second Step is utilized at the elementary schools as the district's social/emotional learning component to help students, staff and schools foster and sustain supportive, learning environments to be address the needs of the whole child. Read more about it here: 