In a groundbreaking development last month, Cherry Creek Schools inaugurated a state-of-the-art facility exclusively dedicated to the treatment and support of students. Traverse Academy, designed to address mental health crises, is receiving additional support from the local community.
Principal Kim Avalos expressed optimism about the positive experiences reported by students at Traverse Academy. “They are reporting liking being here, they’re feeling safe here, we’re seeing really good progress in the students here,” Avalos stated.
The facility offers intensive outpatient therapy and aids students in transitioning back to a traditional classroom setting, a feature that sets Traverse Academy apart. Avalos emphasized the uniqueness of Traverse Academy, noting, “That’s what really makes us very, very unique. We have other programs outside of the district that may focus on therapeutic pieces, but that transition piece has often lacked for the majority of our students.”
Upon learning about the school’s approach to mental health support, Ken Tuchman eagerly stepped in to offer assistance. Tuchman, the co-founder of the Tuchman Family Foundation, expressed a sense of urgency about addressing mental health issues in students from 4th grade to 12th grade. “To me, we’re at a crisis level and the sooner we can get involved with dealing with this […] it’s going to allow us to have a much more productive society,” he emphasized.
The Tuchman Family Foundation exhibited its commitment by donating 100 welcome and launch bags. Each bag is thoughtfully filled with sensory toys, puzzles, pens, and other mindfulness tools aimed at supporting students both during their time at the school and after they leave.
Avalos expressed deep gratitude for the generous donation, highlighting the impact it has on challenging societal stigmas surrounding mental health. “The stigmas these kids face, the misunderstandings that are out there… it’s really cool to send them a different message.”
Ken Tuchman, reflecting on the struggles he has witnessed in students and their families, underscored the importance of offering support. “You see these kids hurt. I’ve seen them hurt for a really long time. I’ve seen families have to navigate really, really difficult situations, red tape… so to be able to offer something like this in my lifetime and their lifetime, it’s pretty incredible,” Tuchman concluded.
