Mental Health Matters

Can we talk about mental health? We all know someone who's struggled with stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed.  The pandemic has amplified mental health problems among students and the stakes are high when suicide is the number 2 cause of death among youth ages 10 and up and 1 in every 6 students have a mental health concern.  Studies show that teaching is one of the most stressful jobs in the country and many teachers report feeling overwhelmed and unequipped to support students with more complex mental health needs.  Youth and teachers are not the only ones feeling stressed.  Recently the US Surgeon General issued the first advisory on parent mental health.   These are just some of the reasons that mental health will be my #1 priority. 

We've Got This! 

Here are just a few ways that I plan to tackle these issues when elected to Appleton School Board - AASD Board of Education.  

Student Mental Health Matters

 Let's prioritize student emotional wellbeing, because studies show that happy minds tend to lead to better academic outcomes.   This means continuing to invest in school-based mental health services and after-school programs.  I also support increased restriction on personal smartphones and devices on school grounds to protect student mental health.    

Teacher Support Squad

When teachers have positive emotional wellbeing, our students will too.   We must address teacher burnout, turnover, and substitute staffing shortages. We need to appreciate and reward teachers' and paraprofessionals' efforts amidst increasing demands.

Parents Are Partners

Let's not forget our parents.   Let's work on finding more effective ways in involving parents in decision-making processing. and ensure they feel like their voices matter.  Collaboration, not just engagement, is key.    

Open Minds, Open Hearts

Our students will have the best chance of success when inclusivity, equality, and diversity are made the heart of school policy.   

Everyone's Welcome Here

Here are just a few of the ways I will work to ensure that all of our students feel welcome in the AASD.

Improving Academic Achievement 

We'll collaborates with community stakeholders to reduce achievement gaps, finding creative ways for quality education for all students

Creating Safe Classrooms 

We'll provide teachers with resources for safe, inclusive learning and promote anti-bullying policies promoting understanding, empathy, and respect among students.  This includes providing for policies that provide more oversight of cell phone usage in schools to decrease cyberbullying.

Keeping Divisive Politics Out of Schools 

We'll fight to preserve cultural respect, unity, and independence in the face of divisive politics.