Join MCPS and the Montgomery County School Psychologists’ Association (MCSPA) for a series of virtual events for youth and families on a variety of mental health issues. The free expo from Oct. 10–15 will feature daily themes, dynamic speakers and informational videos, as well as two live events: a Waymaking special on student mental health, and a resource fair and Q&A session.
To kick off the week of activities, there will be a systemwide mindful moment hosted by Superintendent Monifa McKnight. She will lead students in the activity during morning announcements.
Virtual events will include videos on topics falling into several categories, including mental health matters (such as depression, grief and loss, eating disorders, ADHD and autism); equity, diversity and inclusion (such as school climate, discrimination and supporting nonbinary and transgender students); personal safety (such as vaping, dating violence, social media safety and signs of suicide); physical well-being (such as positive self-talk, exercise and mindful eating); resiliency (such as stress management, mindfulness and delayed gratification) and relationship building (such as social skills, healthy vs. unhealthy friendships and talking to parents about tough topics).
Students can earn up to nine Student Service Learning (SSL) hours for watching videos, attending virtual workshops and participating in follow-up advocacy action.
The Waymaking mental health forum will be livestreamed from 6:30–8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 12.
This event will highlight student perceptions and concerns regarding their mental health. The presentation will include videos from the Our Minds Matters club and a panel of student leaders discussing their thoughts and experiences related to mental health. There will also be time for Q&A.
The virtual resource fair and expert panel will be livestreamed from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 15. The fair will provide mental health resources and supports available from MCPS, county agencies and nonprofits, and there will be Q&A.
