In a recent government meeting, concerns surrounding student mental health and substance use were at the forefront of discussions. A significant number of students, particularly 18 eighth graders and 27 tenth graders, reported feeling they have no one to confide in regarding their mental health struggles. This has prompted a push for peer education, emphasizing the importance of teaching students how to support friends in crisis and recognize signs of distress.

The meeting highlighted the need for increased mental health counseling resources within schools. Currently, mental health counselors are available only one day a week, which limits their ability to meet the needs of students. The district is actively seeking additional counselors and exploring community partnerships to enhance support for students who are not receiving adequate help.

The Student Advisory Council, comprising students from grades six through twelve, is also taking initiative by planning educational outreach to younger students about mental health, aiming to destigmatize the topic and encourage open conversations. They are working on creating resource boards and pamphlets to provide information on mental health resources, including suicide prevention hotlines.

Substance use, particularly vaping, was another critical topic discussed. Data from a healthy youth survey indicated that while traditional smoking rates are low among students, vaping is prevalent, with 39 tenth graders reporting use in the past month. The meeting underscored the need for updated educational materials that address current trends in substance use, as many students are unaware of the potential dangers associated with vaping, including the risk of unknowingly consuming harmful substances.

Parents expressed a desire for stricter disciplinary measures for substance use in schools, indicating a community-wide concern about the impact of these issues on youth. The district is exploring alternative disciplinary approaches and educational resources to better address these challenges.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to improving mental health support and addressing substance use among students, with a focus on education, community involvement, and resource allocation.