Events Calendar

What was your favorite part of school? Was it spending time with your friends? If so, you are not alone. According to Dr. Allison Ryan of the University of Michigan, that sense of belonging that comes from a student’s interactions with friends is what keeps them focused and energized.

This year, with school buildings closed and learning taking place virtually, that “sense of belonging” is missing for many students. And, its impact is quantified in several recent reports. In a national poll, conducted by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, 46 percent of parents expressed concern over their teen’s new or worsening signs of pandemic-related mental health. And, as captured through health insurance claims, in just one year rates of intentional self-harm among teens saw a 334% spike.

What is a school district to do? With access to school-based mental health services seemingly out of reach, how are students being impacted? How are schools adapting to this pandemic-related need? And, in what ways is this challenge contributing to attendance, engagement, and learning loss?

Yes, there are struggles. But, are there solutions? And, as schools move towards reopening, how might we ready our students and our community and apply any lessons learned?

Join us, at our May 6 Education First Compact, when we’ll hear first-hand from those at the frontlines of this challenge.

We’ll be joined by:

• Dr. Jayme Banks PsyD, MBA, Deputy Chief of Prevention, Intervention and Trauma, The School District of Philadelphia
• Samantha Matlin, Vice President of Learning and Community Impact at the Scattergood Foundation
• Sean Talamas, Executive Director, Character Lab
• Samantha Ferraro, Senior, Roxborough High School

Event is free; registration is required.