Thrive Alliance Group to Present at NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conference on Creating Academic Success Through Mental Health


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“Student mental health initiatives should not merely be consigned to outside professionals, but should be embedded in school climate and culture so that students feel included and engaged,” said Amy Gallagher, Director of Special Services at Roxbury Public Schools.

Thrive Alliance Group, a nationally-recognized expert in fostering K–12 mental wellness, announces its presentation at the NJASA/NJAPSA Spring Leadership Conference happening May 17–19, 2023, at Caesars in Atlantic City. The presentation, Creating Academic Achievement Through Mental Health, will provide actionable strategies for school administrators to create a culture that supports students’ mental health and contributes to academic excellence. During the session, attendees will also learn from a New Jersey school district about how they have successfully implemented mental health services with practical takeaways to bring back to their school communities.

Mental health issues continue to impact students nationwide. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey revealed that 44% of high school students report experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness. In New Jersey, America’s School Mental Health Report Card found that 12.7% of children experienced a major depressive disorder in the past year; 58% did not receive treatment.

“The mental health of students is a growing concern that must be addressed in schools,” said Patricia Hovey, Executive Director at Thrive Alliance Group. “With 44% of high school students experiencing persistent sadness or hopelessness, it is essential that we provide educators with effective tools to address the underlying causes of dysregulation, such as trauma, anxiety or depression. Creating a culture of support and care for students is critical for academic success, and our presentation will help administrators achieve that.”

The ratio of students to school counselors in the United States continues to narrow. Recent data shows it has reached the lowest point since the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) began tracking student-to-counselor ratios in 1986. In New Jersey, there is one school counselor for every 320 students. The recommended ratio is one school counselor for every 250 students.

“Student mental health initiatives should not merely be consigned to outside professionals, but should be embedded in school climate and culture so that students feel included and engaged,” said Amy Gallagher, Director of Special Services at Roxbury Public Schools. “A sustained commitment to school climate and culture paves the way for happier, more committed and more effective teachers, administrators and staff. As a bonus, district costs decrease when struggling students no longer need the help of expensive out-of-district programs.”

Thrive Alliance Group is committed to providing educators with the tools to promote student well-being. By offering professional development, workshops, coaching and certification, placement of on-site therapists and mental wellness accreditation, Thrive is helping schools create a positive school climate and culture.

Visit Thrive Alliance Group at booth #21 to learn more about its on-site services and stop by their presentation, Creating Academic Achievement Through Mental Health, on Thursday, May 18, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Thrive will also attend the NJEA Convention on November 9–10, 2023.

To learn more about Thrive Alliance Group, visit https://www.thrivealliancegroup.com/.

About Thrive Alliance Group

A nationally-recognized expert in fostering K–12 mental wellness, Thrive Alliance Group helps educators create a positive school climate and culture by offering professional development, workshops, coaching and certification, placement of on-site therapists and mental wellness accreditation. At Thrive Alliance Group, our team has deep clinical expertise in mental health as well as decades of experience serving students, families, schools and districts. We believe training leads to empowerment that has a lasting impact and transforms the lives of students. Our team includes special services administrators, mental health clinicians and coaches, curriculum development professionals, licenses clinical social workers, teachers and more. To learn more about Thrive Alliance Group, please visit https://www.thrivealliancegroup.com/.

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