Olga Goncalves, Vice-Principal  –  Daniella Alvarez, Vice-Principal  –  Tania Sousa-Vilar, Vice-Principal – Jennifer Padilla, Vice-Principal

 

 

 

NEWARK BOARD OF EDUCATION

SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH ACTION PLAN

Wilson Avenue School

Committee

Staff Position
Margarita Hernandez-Abeigon Principal
Olga Goncalves Vice Principal
Daniella Alvarez Vice Principal
Tania Sousa Vice Principal
Nancy Bonilla Social Worker II
Isabel Carvalho School Counselor
Erika Stradford CST Social Worker
Dr. Leah Isler CST Psychologist
Wuilda Castro Nurse
Shirley Staciuk Parent Liaison
Zeila Oliveira Attendance Counselor

 

Goals:

To achieve our collective vision, NBOE works together with schools and stakeholders on six (6) collaborative goals:

  • Students are provided inclusive and nurturing educational environment that provides a sense of belonging
  • Students will learn how to identify and self-regulate emotions
  • Students will learn how to apply coping strategies to address anxiety and low mood episodes
  • Students will understand the importance of mental health
  • Students will receive timely and responsive evidence-based prevention through school wide multi- tiered approach (SST, CST, I&RS)
  • Students and families will receive micro and macro educational supports and resources

 NBOE Strategy Areas & Action Plan Focus

 

Strategy Areas: Action Plan Focus
TIER ONE
Classroom Environments ●       RethinkEd will be reinforced during in-person or virtual learning sessions to encourage physical, emotional,  and mental health through continued social-emotional learning (SEL).

●       Student Support Teams (SST) and Mental Health Teams will utilize their professional expertise and evidence-based practice to prioritize student mental health concerns and help destigmatize mental health.

●       The Mental Health Support team will provide psychoeducation to the school community regarding mental health and wellness, as needed.

●       The Mental Health Support Team will utilize all school and district resources (including but not limited to the District Crisis Response team) to respond to COVID 19 and other related losses.

●       The Mental Health Support team will use clinicians, social workers, child study team social workers, and school counselors to provide virtual parent sessions in regards to mental health, self-care, and wellness strategies.

 

 
Evidence-based Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and development  into instructional program through curriculum design and professional development ●       Mental Health Staff will remain up to date with continuing education, current trends, and resources to address culturally relevant, social-emotional support, and mental health awareness in their schools.

●       Administration, Student Support Team, and other professionals will attend professional development training that is provided by the District to address mental health needs.

●       Administration and student support team will utilize the cultural responsive training targeted towards Mental health wellness and cultural sensitivity and turnkey it to all staff.
Mental Health

Awareness and  stigma reduction for  students and families

 ●       Mental Health awareness will be encouraged through after-school programs, as needed. RethinkEd will be utilized as the main platform in encouraging SEL and wellness training.

●       Schools are encouraged to invite outside organizations to conduct awareness training to students and staff.

●       Ongoing communication will engage and inform parents and families to support and encourage mental well-being.

●       Schools will promote psycho-education to students and educators to recognize signs, symptoms, and triggers of mental health crises.

●       Mental Health Support Team will provide a manual that will contain community resources available to students, staff, and families.

 
TIER TWO
Recognizing signs and responding  appropriately

to students

experiencing  mental health problems

 ●       Provide mental health literacy for school leaders and educators, coaches, and other stakeholders.

●       Provide mental health learning for student support staff.

●       Provide and initiate role-specific, professional development for school staff on substance use and suicide prevention and safety.
Accessible

prevention and intervention services within schools or community based agencies

 ●       Ongoing training in evidence-based, culturally-responsive prevention and early intervention  protocols for regulated school mental health professionals (at school and virtual)

●       Focused support for uptake, implementation, and measurement/ monitoring of prevention and  early intervention services

●       Focused support on substance use prevention, and suicide prevention, especially during COVID-19

 

 
TIER THREE
Collaboration with school-based staff and community agencies to provide wraparound services. ●       Initiate collaboratives with community mental health partners and cultural/faith-based organizations to develop and enact a framework of support for children, youth, and families (including virtual care supports)

●       NBOE school-based teams will provide suicide prevention and intervention programs to promote awareness.

●       School-based teams will support parents of children who are struggling with mental  health problems through community referrals and outside, intensive supports