District 88 recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month

At District 88, about 50 languages and more than 30 countries are represented among district families, and almost half of the nearly 4,000 students speak a language other than English at home. The district’s core values include ensuring all students, staff and community members feel safe, valued, respected and welcome – regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity. 

As part of that focus, District 88 recognizes National Mental Health Awareness Month each May. Mental Health America (MHA) launched this initiative in 1949. This year, MHA invites everyone to “Look Around, Look Within” and consider all aspects of their environment and the corresponding effects on their mental health and well-being. To view a proclamation from U.S. President Joseph Biden, go to https://tinyurl.com/tfku3uzx.

At District 88, the safety, health and well-being of students and staff is our No. 1 priority. Building relationships proceeds learning, and the district continues to focus on connecting with all students. For students to achieve academically, their needs outside of the classroom must be met first – including providing mental health and social-emotional assistance. Read about available supports/services at www.dupage88.net/Supports.

District 88 continues to partner with local organizations to provide more assistance for students and families, including Serenity House (www.serenityhouse.com), Northeast DuPage Family and Youth Services (NEDFYS, www.nedfys.org) and Hamdard Health Alliance (www.hamdardhealth.org).

On May 22, NEDFYS donated mental health kits to District 88, which will be distributed to students when the district implements the teen Mental Health First Aid program this fall. Pictured are (from left) District 88 Superintendent Dr. Jean Barbanente, NEDFYS Executive Director Shannon Hartnett and District 88 Director of Student Services Alena Edwards.