MENDHAM, NJ — The Mendham Borough School District is joining a national three-year initiative aimed at evaluating and strengthening the mental health supports available to students.
The district has partnered with The Jed Foundation (JED) and AASA, the School Superintendents Association, to participate in the JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative.
Through the program, Mendham Borough school officials will examine the district's existing mental health programs, resources, and practices before developing a customized strategic plan for supporting student well-being.
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"Supporting the whole child means recognizing that emotional well-being is an important part of a student's ability to learn, grow, and thrive," Superintendent Dr. Mitzi Morillo said. "This partnership gives us an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at the supports we currently provide, learn from experts, and develop a strategic plan that will help guide our work moving forward."
The initiative will begin with a comprehensive assessment incorporating input from district leaders, administrators, and staff. That process is intended to identify areas where the district's current approach is working well as well as opportunities for improvement, according to the district.
Mendham Borough will then work with JED and AASA experts to develop a data-informed action plan focused on strengthening the district's mental health systems and establishing sustainable supports for both students and staff.
District leaders will also take part in professional learning opportunities and collaborate with other school districts participating in the national initiative. Mendham officials will have access to technical assistance, resources, and guidance from mental health experts throughout the three-year partnership.
"This work builds on our ongoing commitment to creating safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments for every student," Morillo said. "We look forward to using this process to build on our strengths and identify meaningful opportunities to continue supporting the well-being of our entire school community."
The Jed Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults, while AASA is a national professional organization representing school system leaders.
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