National Mental Health Awareness Month 2019
Strength in Community
May is National Mental Health Awareness Month and the schools in our district have taken multiple steps to ensure that our students and families not only experience welcoming and nurturing learning environments, but are knowledgeable with regard to accessing services and supports when they encounter life’s challenges. Most of these programs and services* are in place year-round, but we wanted to highlight a very special project and resulting awards for Mental Health Month.
Directing Change
This state-wide film contest invited high school students to enter original script Public Service Announcements (PSA) targeting a specific mental health issue. Taking the challenge, the MHS English department (scripts), Theater Arts Conservancy (actors) and Digital Studies Academy (film production) collaborated, with participating students targeting “Suicide Prevention” as the subject. Ultimately five PSAs were chosen to submit for judging. We are thrilled to report that of the five submissions, two are regional award winners (attached): Regional First Place (“Life in the Black”) and Regional Honorable Mention (“You Are Not Alone”)! Winning students will be honored by our MUSD School Board at the meeting on May 8th and at a Red Carpet Award Ceremony at the historic Theater at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles on May 21st.
* For further information regarding year-round programs and services please contact your school principal or Susan Hirsch, Wellness Center Director @ (626) 471-2776.