Codington Connects Honors Human Service Agency and Hailey Rau for Youth Support Efforts
- Steve Jurrens
- Feb 23
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - Codington Connects has announced its February honors, recognizing the Human Service Agency (HSA) as the Agency of the Month and Hailey Rau as the Individual of the Month for their impactful work through Project SUCCESS.
Agency of the Month: Human Service Agency (HSA)
Established in 1962, the Human Service Agency has served Codington County for over 60 years. Its mission is to strengthen community well-being through prevention, education, and treatment.
A cornerstone of HSA’s current community outreach is Project SUCCESS, a partnership with the Watertown School District that began in 2011. The program integrates prevention and support services directly into Watertown Middle School and Watertown High School, allowing students to access skill-building groups, screenings, and individual support in a familiar environment. By embedding these services into the school day, HSA effectively reduces barriers to early intervention, helping students succeed academically and emotionally.
The 40 Developmental Assets: Asset 5: Caring School Climate
Every place has a climate, even a classroom
The way young people feel about going to school and how well they learn is closely tied to the school’s climate. When a school feels safe, welcoming, and inclusive, it’s easier for students to focus and succeed. A positive climate supports strong relationships among students, teachers, staff, and families, and values every student’s voice. Schools that address issues like bullying, mental health, and respect for diversity help students feel cared for and connected. Everyone—students, teachers, staff, and families—can take pride in a school where all members are supported. Caring School Climate is Asset 5 of Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets, the qualities, experiences, and relationships that help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
Here are the facts
Research shows that young people who attend schools with a caring, supportive, and inclusive environment tend to get better grades, build healthier relationships, experience fewer behavioral challenges, and feel more confident pursuing their goals. Yet surveys from the Search Institute show that only about one-third of students feel their school provides this kind of environment. While we can’t control the weather, we can work together to create a school climate where every student feels valued, safe, and encouraged. Small actions—like listening, showing respect, celebrating differences, and supporting one another—can make a big difference in the daily experience of students, staff, and families.
Tips for building this asset
Young people interact with many different adults each day, and one person’s attitude—positive or negative—can shape how they feel about themselves and relate to others. A warm greeting from a bus driver, a supportive word from office staff, teachers, counselors, coaches, and custodians can make school a welcoming place.
In your home and family: Talk with the young people in your life about how school feels for them. Ask what makes them feel supported and valued. Advocate through the PTO or school leadership for strong, caring relationships alongside high academic expectations—both are key to student success.
In your school, neighborhood, and community: Volunteer at your local school or support programs that build positive connections. When students or staff express frustration, worry, or negativity, ask questions to understand their perspective. Help improve the climate by modeling a positive, supportive attitude, and recognizing the ways every adult contributes to a caring environment.
Want to know more about the 40 Developmental Assets and ideas for helping young people build them? Visit https://searchinstitute.org/resources-hub/developmental-assets-framework.
Individual of the Month: Hailey Rau
Hailey Rau serves as the Project SUCCESS Coordinator at Watertown Middle School. Since joining the program in 2023, Rau has become a vital bridge between students, families, and community resources.
Rau is notably recognized for her leadership of PEEPs (Peers Educating and Encouraging Peers). Under her guidance, the student-led leadership group has seen massive growth, expanding from 13 participants to an average of 80 students per month. She was also instrumental in bringing the Carnival of Careers to the middle school, an event that allowed students to engage with 36 local businesses and colleges.
“One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is watching students build confidence, develop healthy coping skills, and recognize that they have trusted adults supporting them,” Rau noted regarding her role.
Codington Connects is a collaborative system of care designed to strengthen community relationships and address needs early. Both HSA and Rau were cited for their commitment to student-centered care and meaningful collaboration across the Watertown community.
