Supporting our students and educators during this unprecedented time
A s Middlesex County students emotional fallout from COVID-19, a panel of experts in education, community services, health care and law enforcement gathered for the first ever Educators’ Summit on Student Mental Health in September. The summit sought to address the challenges faced by primary, secondary, and postsecondary students in the 2021-2022 school year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. returned to the classroom this fall and struggled with the social and Guest speakers present at the Educators’ Summit on Student Mental Health were Senator Joseph Vitale, Director of Middlesex County Commissioners
district is addressing challenges, including chronic absenteeism, inappropriate student behavior, the potential for violence, and a massive loss of learning for incoming students in the 2021-2022 school year.
Director Ronald G. Rios, County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum, and Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey.
“With the help of Middlesex County leaders, educators, school leaders and parents, we hope to better address and support our students’ emotional and psychological needs throughout the ongoing pandemic,” – Superintendent Mark Finkelstein
“As chair of the County’s Business Innovation, Education, and Opportunity Committee, I have the privilege of working with our County’s educators and seeing firsthand the incredible work they do. I am
“With the help of Middlesex County leaders, educators, school leaders and parents, we hope to better address and support our students’ emotional and psychological needs throughout the ongoing pandemic,” said Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey. “The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to students, educators, and parents. From high levels of anxiety, depression, and burnout, students already coping with mental health conditions have been especially vulnerable,” said Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone. “Addressing COVID-19 related trauma and mental health issues will take more than mental health services, which is why we’ve convened a panel of experts in education, law enforcement, health care, and community services to lead us in the right direction.”
“The past 18 months have been challenging for all of us, but especially for students and educators. On behalf of the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners, I’m thankful to everyone who took part and participated in this Educators’ Summit on Student Mental Health,” said Board of County Commissioners Director Ronald G. Rios. “We understand that these issues are complex, and that the best solutions will be born of collaborative efforts involving our entire community.”
continually impressed by their efforts and dedication – particularly as we continue to deal with the worst public health crisis our country has seen in a century,” said County Commissioner Chanelle Scott McCullum. Superintendent Mark Finkelstein of the Educational Services Commission of New Jersey agreed and stated that children already copying with mental health conditions have been especially impacted by schools being closed, physically distancing guidelines and isolation, and other unexpected changes to students’ lives.
In addition to the survey findings, the panel also addressed how each school
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