Security Health Plan announces b.e.s.t. awards

MARSHFIELD – Security Health Plan is pleased to announce the recipients of the b.e.s.t.^® (Behavioral Emotional Social Traits) program for the 2024-25 school year.

b.e.s.t. is an innovative online screening tool designed to assist educators in fostering the emotional health of students while identifying those who may require additional behavioral support. Developed by school psychologist Eric P. Hartwig, Ph.D., b.e.s.t. offers educators straightforward, positive strategies to help students thrive in their school environment.

“We continue to make bold strides in understanding why children behave the way they do. b.e.s.t. data trends from almost 500,000 screenings continue to emphasize the importance of building mutual caring relationships that promote kindness and patience as primary care in the classroom,” said Dr. Hartwig. “Teachers can have a dramatic influence on children, especially those who struggle. Placing teachers at the center of real-time support builds those personal relationships in the classroom and establishes a base for schools as a learning place of predictable belonging, safety and shelter.”

Since 2013, Security Health Plan has championed the implementation of b.e.s.t. Universal Screening in 85 school districts, positively impacting over 400,000 students and more than 12,000 educators and staff.

“Healthy children are the foundation of a healthy community. That's why Security Health Plan proudly supports this program. With more than 400,000 local students benefiting so far, it's clear the program is making a difference,” said Jenny Shermo, chief growth officer at Security Health Plan. “By equipping teachers to address emotional well-being and identify students needing extra support, we’re building a brighter future for our youth – and for all of us who share this community.”

In addition to the b.e.s.t. program, Marshfield Clinic Health System (MCHS) supports Life Tools, a social emotional learning program. This program, developed by a MCHS child psychologist, provides youth with strategies to support self-awareness, self-management and development of positive relationships and coping skills. The eight-week group sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist or school counselor and embedded within school and afterschool programs.

For the 2024-25 school year, 111 schools across 37 counties will receive the b.e.s.t.^® platform, which includes technical support, bi-annual student screenings, training, consultation and ongoing assistance. Security Health Plan is committed to supporting the implementation of b.e.s.t. in the following districts:

School District of Altoona

School District of Auburndale

Augusta Area School District

Bayfield School District

Beaver Dam Unified

Bruce School District

Chilton School District

Columbus Catholic Schools

School District of Crandon

Unified School District of De Pere

Durand-Arkansaw School District

Edgar School District

Eleva Strum School District

School District of Flambeau

School District of Gilman

Hayward Community School District

Lac Du Flambeau Public School

Lake Holcombe

Marathon School District

Marathon County Child Development Agency, Inc. Head Start

Mellen School District

Mercer Public Schools

Mondovi Elementary School

Osseo Fairchild School District

Port Edwards School District

Randolph School District

Regis Catholic Schools

Rosholt School District

Stanley-Boyd School District

Stevens Point Area School District

School District of Tomahawk

School District of Turtle Lake

Waupaca School District

Waupun Area School District

Wausau School District

Webster School District

Weyauwega Fremont School District

Wild Rose School District

Wisconsin Heights School District

Woodruff J1 School District