District 204 Mental Health Symposium To Confront Student Stress, More

NAPERVILLE, IL — Indian Prairie School District 204 will present a Mental Health Symposium March 4 at Metea Valley High School. The day-long event aims to offer mental health resources for families as a "responsive and proactive approach," a news release said.

The symposium comes after nearly two-thirds of district parents expressed a need for more mental health services, according to a recent survey presented by administrators.

Activities include a continental breakfast, a resource fair, a keynote presentation and breakout sessions geared toward helping parents navigate mental health issues with their children.

The keynote session, “Protecting Our Children: Understanding and Monitoring Youth Mental Health," will feature local mental health and safety experts addressing such issues as teen stressors, social media and warnings that could indicate depression or suicidal ideation.

As the event continues, two breakout sessions will be held, with the following topics scheduled:

1st Breakout Session

• “Mental Health and Law Enforcement Response” conducted by Jamie Horner of the Naperville Police Department
• “Parenting Matters,” conducted by Katherine Layden of Strong Families YWCA
• “Helping Students Feel & Perform Better: Parents as Protectors of Teen Mental Health,” conducted by Michael Bushman of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• “Mindful Heart, Mindful Home,” conducted by Lindsey Frank of the Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully
• “Regulating Emotions and Managing Crises with Adolescents and Teens,” conducted by Marty Beirne, Linden Oaks Behavior Health

2nd Breakout Session

• “Navigating Peer Relationships & Conflict" with Alison Genslinger and Claudia Morales of Indian Prairie Unit District
• “Stressed Brains Can’t Learn: How Stress Impacts Behavior in School and at Home and What We Can Do About It" with Dr. Marloes Verhoeven of Oasis Mental Health
• “Road to a Successful Career Path,” with Amit Thaker of Referral GPS
• “Supporting Your Middle School Child,” with Deb Kimminau of Indian Prairie Unit District 204
• “Coaching Your Child Through Big Feelings with a Growth Mindset" with Tracy Schwartz of Indian Prairie Unit District

Child care will be available for parents with children between the ages of three and 10 years old.

What: Mental Health Symposium

When: March 4 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Metea Valley High School, 1801 N. Eola Rd., Aurora

Click the link to register for the District 204 Mental Health Symposium.