Monessen school board approves resolution for school mental health services partnership
MONESSEN – The Monessen school board pledged its continued support for youth mental health services by approving a resolution between the Monessen City School District and Step Up Westmoreland.
Tim Hammill, director of curriculum services for the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, told the board that the partnership helps improve school safety by connecting Westmoreland County students with a variety of mental health services.
“I’m excited to tell you that so much has happened during the first year of Step Up Westmoreland,” said Hammill, during the board’s monthly meeting Tuesday evening. “By the end of June, we will have provided training throughout the county for 400 people in youth mental health first aid. We are also planning a symposium in October for students.”
Hammill added that Step Up Westmoreland has forged a strong collaboration with school districts, the Westmoreland County Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Services and various agencies across Westmoreland Country that deal with mental health issues.
“We are bringing everyone to the table so we can have conversations that are important to the well-being of our kids,” he said.
The Westmoreland Intermediate Unit provides early intervention, increased access and a supportive environment for school districts, students and students’ families.
In other business, the board:
n Renewed a contract with Adelphoi Education Services for the 2019-2020 school year
n Approved a one-year contract with Camco Physical and Occupational Therapy, LLC to receive rehabilitation services from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020
n Entered into an agreement with Centerville Clinics for contracted medical services from July 2019 through June 2020 for all student exams in grades, K, 6 and 11, at a cost of $9 for each exam
n Approved a three-year contact extension with NovaCare Rehabilitation for athletic trainer services
n Approved a one-year memorandum of understanding between the Monessen City School District and Westmoreland Community Action, allowing use of district property for a child development center under the name of Head Start, from July 2019 through June 2020.