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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CHELSEA – The Chelsea City Council approved a Nick Grant to Chelsea Middle School for an educational program and the Mayor declared May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month during a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, May 7.

The Chelsea City Council approved a resolution to award $15,300 in education grant funds to Chelsea Middle School for a one year school-wide IXL subscription that will benefit math, English language arts and special education classes in grades six through eight.

According to the grant application by ChMS, IXL is a comprehensive program that provides skill-specific practice for students on grade-level skills and remedial skills from previous grades. It also provides detailed analytics for teachers.

“Over the last few years, this program has become an integral part of the curriculum in Shelby County and a critical resource for teachers in math, ELA and special education programs,” read the application by Brittany Bisch, a sixth grade math teacher at ChMS.

The program allows students the opportunity to test out of practice when they answer questions correctly and then follow up incorrect answers with notes, explanations and additional questions.

During the mayor’s report for the council meeting, Chelsea Mayor Tony Picklesimer delivered a proclamation declaring the month of May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month.

“There is a proven connection between good mental health and overall personal health,” Picklesimer said in reading the proclamation. “Research shows that the most effective way to reduce stigma is through personal contact with someone with a mental illness. Good mental health is critical to the well being of our family, our communities, our schools and our businesses.”

Picklesimer also delivered a proclamation to the Council declaring April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day.

“There are thousands of pet partners, therapy animals (and) teams serving in communities across the United States,” Picklesimer said in reading the proclamation. “We encourage more pet owners to consider becoming a pet partner volunteer to help our community by creating greater access to meaningful therapy animal visits.”

In other news, the Chelsea City Council announced that Wayne Barber has begun his new position as the city’s chief financial officer.

“His CPA firm has been serving as auditors for the city of Chelsea since (its) inception,” Picklesimer said. “He will bring a new level of professionalism to our accounting and the way we do business and we’re just so grateful to have you Wayne. Thank you for your commitment to us over the years and (we) look forward to what you will do here in our city.”

During the meeting, the Council approved a resolution to adopt a blanket purchase order policy in the city.

“That is the first of many things that Mr. Barber will be bring to our accounting system,” Picklesimer said.

The next regularly scheduled city council meeting for the month will take place on Tuesday, May 21.