District Hosts Its First Teen Mental Health Summit

MONTCLAIR, N.J. – More than 200 Newark Public Schools students participated in the District’s Teen Mental Health Conference - Mind Over Matter: Building Your Mental Health Playbook to Support Yourself and Others - at Montclair State University.

“Mental health is just as important as academic success, and this conference gave our students the tools to support both themselves and their peers,” said Superintendent León. “With guidance from professionals – and the inspiration of NFL athletes who understand the importance of mental strength – our students are now better equipped to recognize when someone needs help and how to take action. I’m incredibly proud of our students for stepping up as leaders in this critical work.”

In keeping with the event’s football theme, three NFL football players talked about their own mental health journeys: Jahan Dotson (Super Bowl LIX Champion Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver), Jeremiah Brown (former Jacksonville Jaguars safety), and Tony Richardson, (former New York Jets running back who also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Dallas Cowboys.)

The goal of the day-long event was to further educate high school students on the importance of mental health. The event sought to empower them to promote well-being and resources at their schools by developing a “playbook” of strategies to recognize signs of another student in crisis, and what resources and people are available to respond to that student. In essence, these students became Teen Mental Health Ambassadors for their classmates in their schools.

 “We designed this summit to be student-centered, empowering our young people to take ownership of mental wellness in their schools and communities,” said Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Carolyn Granato. “By equipping them with practical tools and real-life strategies, we’re not only helping them recognize when a peer may be struggling – we’re also building a culture of empathy, awareness, and support that will ripple throughout our district.”

Students also learned about maintaining their own mental health through coping mechanisms and strategies. In addition to participating, students planned, developed, and facilitated mental health awareness campaigns in their schools as part of their preparation to become Mental Health Ambassadors during the month of May.

“Our students are incredible advocates, and when we provide them with knowledge and support, they become change agents in their schools and communities,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “This summit is an important step towards reducing the stigma around mental health and reminding every student that it's okay to ask for help—and equally important to offer it. I am proud of our students for their leadership and grateful to all our partners for supporting the well-being of Newark’s youth.”