Studies show that mentally healthy children are more successful in school and in their home lives. Good mental health is critical to children’s success. Mental health is not defined as the absence of mental illness but also encompasses social, emotional, and behavioral health and the ability to cope with life’s challenges. Left untreated, mental health can be linked to negative outcomes such as behavioral concerns, difficulty in academics and truancy.

MPS offers several avenues for assistance in prevention, intervention and communication between school and families. School-employed professionals like psychologists, counselors, social workers, Deans and school nurses know the students, parents, and other staff, which contributes to accessibility of services offered within the school environment. All school professionals work in collaboration and are specially trained to evaluate how student’s mental and behavioral health impacts their function and ability for success during their years in school and beyond.