Responding to Mental Health Concerns
The Problem
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Many students don’t even know who their school psychologist or counselor is
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Mental health resources exist, but students aren’t consistently informed about them
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Student mental health struggles remain high post-pandemic, yet attention has decreased
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Academic pressure continues to rise without enough built-in time to reset
My Solutions
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Require weekly advisory or mindfulness periods in all middle and high schools
Introduce quarterly wellness half-days, especially during high-stress exam periods
Create a standardized Student Mental Health & Wellbeing policy across MCPS -
Make it easier for students to switch classes or teachers when mental health is impacted
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Allow phone use during non-instructional time (lunch and passing periods) to reduce stress and improve communication
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Ensure every student knows where and how to access mental health support