RivCo Leaders to Discuss Bullying, Mental Health Issues in Schools

Educators and leaders of nonprofits— including the father of a Columbine High School shooting victim— will discuss bullying and mental health challenges at the second annual Riverside County Safe Schools Summit in La Quinta Thursday.

The free 9 a.m. event at Embassy Suites is “aimed at educating parents, teachers, school personnel, and community members to improve the safety of more than 430,000 students throughout Riverside County,” according to organizers. The first Riverside County Safe Schools Summit was held a year ago to better prepare schools and communities to avoid tragedies like the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

This year’s speakers include Michele Borba, an author and educator who specializes in parenting education and bullying prevention; Darrell Scott, father of Columbine victim Rachel Scott and founder of the nonprofit Rachel’s Challenge, which encourages the creation of safe and supportive educational environments; and Jerry Tello, co-founder of the National Compadres Network, which is dedicated to helping Latino men be positive influences on their families and communities.

The event is being hosted by the Riverside County Department of Mental Health, the Riverside County Office of Education and Fourth District Supervisor John Benoit. Capacity has been reached and registration is closed, according to organizers.

— City News Service.

(Image via Shutterstock)