BDS to implement mental health plan amid climbing Baker Act numbers
News HeraldJan 15, 2020
The five-hour requirement comes as the state's response to school shootings -- namely, the 2018 school shooting in
"I think the timing of the rule definitely compliments everything that our students have been experiencing post-Hurricane Michael," said Director of Student Services
"If there was any time that it would be perfect to help support our students with their emotional recovery from Hurricane Michael, this is the perfect time," she added.
The additional five hours will not change the length of the school day.
The school district is putting to use
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Parents of students in grades 6th through 12th recently received a letter notifying them of the new curriculum requirement.
"The new mental health mandate is a comprehensive health requirement, new state rules in effect for this school year, there includes several components including mental and emotional health awareness education, substance use and abuse prevention education, and child trafficking awareness education," Mulkusky said. "The rule that has this strict requirement is for the mental and emotional health education requirement."
As of
While BDS reported 39% of its staff had depression or anxiety stemming from Hurricane Michael months after the storm hit, the district has made efforts to educate its staff about mental health for students. Thus far this school year, 1,402 teachers and administrators have been trained in Youth Mental Health Aid.
FDOH Administrator Health Officer
"We're just an eager and strong partner with
Noting the curriculum includes face-to-face instruction as well as technology which will add up to 35 hours of education by high school graduation, the requirement is yet another piece to help students have a mental status that is healthy and aware.
Freedom 180 Senior Health Educator
"At first they're not sure about it, they don't know what it is," Smith said. "But once we get into it, we make it fun and interactive for the students and they seem to really enjoy it."
"We make sure they know who to talk to if they need to talk about anything," he said.
For more information about
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