Dist. 88 Group Focused on Mental Health | News, sports, jobs

NEW ULM — The District 88 School Board received an update on mental health supports and programs.

A newly formed District Mental Health Team was formed this academic year. The purpose of the group is to coordinate and provide mental health services to students, families and staff.

Troy Guntz, the team’s coordinating assistant principal, said while baselines are being met in terms of mental health, the team is looking for ways to address more gaps and enhance its programs.

Mimi Chow, a member of the district’s advisory committee and mental health support group, said the district is looking at a three-tiered system for mental health support.

The first level is given to all students. This includes promoting positive social, emotional and behavioral skills and overall well-being.

The second level is for students who need a little help. Chow This is for students who come to the counselor’s office for help or need tutoring. This may take the form of small-group intervention and mentoring or low-intensity classroom support.

The third level is for high demand situations. Chow This is for students who have trouble staying in school. Students who require individualized treatment for severe anxiety due to a disorder or functional impairment. This stage may include therapy or intensive care.

Chow said a loophole in the system is keeping parents informed of what’s going on in the schools. Chow wanted to get information out into the community about mental health programs so that families in need of certain services would know how to access them.

Guntz said the school needs to better inform the community about what they have to offer. This means using social media or newsletters to close the gap.