Mental Health

As we continue to investigate how to find the students who most urgently need support, we have to talk about universal mental health screening.

In 2021, the U.S. Surgeon General issued a stark warning; following the COVID19 pandemic, youth mental health was in rough shape. It turns out that living in unprecedented times for most of your life is a major stressor.

Nationwide, too many of our young people grapple with unthinkable crises, challenges, and loss each day.

There is a lot going well in our communities, but today, on the 23rd anniversary of 9/11, I want to take a moment to recognize that this time feels deeply unsettling for many of us.

Welcome back!  I hope you had a summer filled with rest and renewal, and that you are returning refreshed and ready for another year of learning, growth, and making a difference in the lives of your students. 

Today I am writing to ask for your help in creating a series of learning experiences to address the youth mental health crisis we are feeling here in Essex County, and around the country.

It is often said that children are our future, but recently I have been reminded of how very much children are also our present.

Students everywhere are struggling with stress, anxiety, and exhaustion.