IMPACT OF EDUCATION & AWARENES OF WELLNESS PROTOCOL

According to the CDC, “well-being is the ability of individuals to address normal stresses, work productively, and realize one’s highest potential”

The Pittsburgh Public Schools wellness policy is reflective of the District's commitment to incorporating all facets of wellness into its work in order to better the health of students and other key stakeholders who serve as role models to students – including staff, parents/guardians, and the community – as the school district recognizes that good health among all stakeholders is the basis of strong student success – lifelong academic, social, and personal.

The District has established the following protocols to ensure students receive the interventions and support they need to participate in their education and that the physical and mental health needs of staff are met so they can meet the ever-growing needs of students:

All schools have at least a social worker, counselor or both to support mental, emotional, behavioral, and social health of students.

Student Assistance Program providers available at every school to help identify students with social, emotional, and/or behavioral needs and make meaningful connections to appropriate support providers

School-based behavioral and mental health providers coordinate appropriate prevention and intervention training for school staff. School-based mental health providers shall implement interventions to address school-wide positive behavior supports within school settings.

Partnership with LifeSolutions, through UPMC, to provide employees with a no-cost, confidential employee assistance program

Implementing social-emotional learning to help students manage their feelings and emotions, respect others, and build strong, positive relationships.

The implementation of Restorative Practices to help students develop appropriate social-emotional skills, understand how their actions affect others, and work to repair any harm done.

Student wellness and mental health subcommittee of the Superintendent's Student Council recommend strategies to support student mental health, including the establishment of the District's first mental health summit for students by students.

The five priority goals articulate key strategies aimed at improving Culture, Systems, and Instruction in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Implementing these priority goals begins with inquiry. The conclusions emerging from this process will outline a collaborative and strategic approach to solve our challenges with student outcomes and experiences.

Priority Goal #1

Invest in culturally responsive, evidence-based training, tools, and instructional practices.

Priority Goal #2

Construct safety, health, and wellness protocols.

Priority Goal #3

Expand stakeholder communication and partnerships.

Priority Goal #4

Design effective organizational systems.

Priority Goal #5

Strategically allocate resources to ensure equity, excellence, and efficiency.

For more information on the Superintendent's Priority Goals, please visit www.pghschools.org/suptgoals www.pghschools.org