5 Year Mental Health Initiative
2022/23 Peer Helpers Retreat
In recent years, the need for mental health support in educational settings has become more apparent than ever. Students are facing unprecedented levels of stress, anxiety, and isolation, while educators are navigating the challenges of adapting to new teaching formats and supporting their students' emotional well-being.
In the midst of these ongoing challenges, The Partnership Plan took a proactive step during the 2021/22 school year to collaborate with Stillwater Area Public Schools to introduce a new Mental Health Initiative. In the first 3 years of this project, The Partnership Plan has committed over $155,000 to the school district to address mental health in every building in the district.
The Mental Health Initiative is making a significant impact on the overall well-being of the school community. By providing funding for mental health resources, training programs, and support services, the initiative creates a more inclusive and supportive environment where our students and staff can thrive academically and emotionally.
Projects supported by The Partnership Plan:
training for teachers
Provided first aid and first-line mental health for education for district staff as well as Social Emotional Learning materials for elementary social workers. In addition, have provided LINK Crew Basic Training as well as Teen Mental Health First Aid training.
8th Grade events
Funded a social emotional learning event for all 8th graders in the district and pioloted a mental health film designed to bring about deeper learning, engagement, and impact for 8th graders.
youth frontiers courage retreat
Offered a motivating and fun Courage Retreat attended by all 7th graders in the district.
Green room updates
Funded updates for the Green Room in all seven elementary schools and introduced the Green Room model in the two middle schools in our district.
Wellness center- sahs
Reimagined the Wellness Center at the high school to allow it to meet the needs of today’s students.
Peer helpers program
Funded the relaunch of the Peer Helpers program at the high school.
social media presenter
Funded a guest presenter to speak to parents about Social Media’s impact on middle schoolers and their parents.
scholarships
Created a mental health scholarship to allow students who cannot afford to pay for, or do not have insurance to cover, professional counseling services.
what’s next?
We continue to work with district officials to find more ways to address mental health concerns across the district. The Partnership Plan has already committed an additional $55,000 for the 2024/25 school year and are working with district officials to determine how this money can make the most impact on students across our schools.