Pentucket and Triton Districts Host Workshops on Mental Health and Bullying

Stock bullying photo. (File photography)

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Pentucket and Triton Regional School Districts are collaborating to host a series of events on mental health and bullying.

The workshops are free, open to the public and are aimed at parents, guardians and community members from Groveland, Merrimac, Newbury, Rowley, Salisbury and West Newbury.

“It’s essential that the adults in our students’ lives have a strong understanding of the social and emotional needs of children and teens today and we hope these events will be informative and helpful for families navigating these complex topics,” Pentucket Superintendent Justin Bartholomew said. “In order for students to succeed in school, they need to feel supported, valued and safe.”

This is the first year Pentucket has partnered with Triton to offer a series of educational events to parents and guardians regarding bullying and mental health, in addition to various supports and resources offered in each district. The districts have also partnered with Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth (MPY), a nonprofit organization that works to increase the health and safety of students through training, collaboration and programming, for portions of the series.

“Bullying and mental health are serious concerns for many students, in every district, and we’re excited to be partnering with Pentucket to offer these events to the community,” Triton Superintendent Brian L. Forget announce that the two school districts have said.

The series has five remaining events:

Understanding and Overcoming Stress

On Thursday, Feb. 6, a presentation titled “Understanding and Overcoming Stress” is held in the Pentucket Regional Middle School Auditorium at 20 Main St., Groveland from 7-8:30 p.m.

The event features a presentation by partnership speaker Anthony “Tony” Monahan, an assistant professor in the Health, Physical Education and Dance Department at Queensborough Community College and an adjunct professor at Framingham State University’s International Education Graduate Program. Monahan has conducted research in subject areas including empathy development, collaborative learning, invitational education and intercultural wellness.

Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health

On Wednesday, Feb. 26, a presentation titled “Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health” will be given at the Pentucket Regional Middle School Auditorium at 20 Main St., Groveland, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The event features a presentation by partnership speaker Susan Reynolds, the co-founder and chairwoman of LookUp.live, an organization that works to help young people balance their use of technology, take active roles in their communities and access resources for support.

Reynolds has more than 20 years of experience in academic technology and digital wellbeing.

Moments of Mindfulness

On Thursday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. presentations are to be given by Pentucket students and staff on the topic of mindfulness. The event takes place in the Pentucket Regional High School cafeteria and auditorium at 24 Main St., West Newbury.

Bullying Prevention and Substance Abuse

On Thursday, March 19, an event on bullying prevention and substance abuse is to be held in the Pentucket Regional High School auditorium at 24 Main St., West Newbury, at 7 p.m.

The event features keynote presenter John Morello. Morello is an actor, comedian, author and professional speaker, and will present his one-man show, “Dirt,” at the event. “Dirt” examines topics including teen substance use, bullying and mental health.

Morello also works with eighth and ninth grade students in both districts during the school day on March 19 during an assembly at Triton. Buses will bring Pentucket students to and from Triton for the event.

Wellness Fair

A Wellness Fair featuring various resources for students and families struggling with mental health will be held at Triton Regional High School at 112 Elm St., Byfield, this spring. The date and time of the fair will be announced when available.

Staff trainings on various mental health topics will additionally be held at each district by MPY this school year.

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