8700 South Kyrene Road
Tempe
AZ
85284
School Mental Health
Mental Health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being and relates to how people think, feel, and behave. It includes maintaining productive daily activities and fulfilling relationships with others. It also includes maintaining the abilities to adapt to change and cope with stress.
The Kyrene School District recognizes the role of mental health in the learning and success for students. The occurrence of mental health difficulties among children in adolescents is well documented and affects about 1 out of 5 children. These difficulties may include anxiety, depression, school refusal, grief and loss, social skills and many more.
As such, Kyrene has developed a comprehensive School Mental Health Initiative based upon national school mental health models. The purpose of this initiative is to identify and address the mental health needs of students, staff, and families. We meet this goal with mental health experts assigned to each campus that include school psychologists, school counselors, and behavior intervention teachers. We also meet the mental health needs of students by providing support and instruction through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports (PBIS) frameworks, along with implementation of Social Emotional Learning programming.
Social and Emotional Supports
Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.
SEL programming is based on the understanding that the best learning emerges in the context of supportive relationships that make learning challenging, engaging, and meaningful.
Social and emotional skills are critical to be a good student, citizen, and worker. Many risky behaviors (e.g., drug use, violence, bullying, and dropping out) can be prevented or reduced when multiyear, integrated efforts are used to develop students' social and emotional skills. This is best done through effective classroom instruction, student engagement in positive activities in and out of the classroom, and broad parent and community involvement in program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Follow the link for information concerning support resources or contact your school's administrator.
Additional Information
Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL)
National Alliance on Mental Illness