BY MATT LINDSEYNorth Country This Week

GOUVERNEUR – In an effort to help students struggling with their mental health, Gouverneur Central School will use more than $500,000 in state funding to provide more mental health support and address learning loss from the pandemic.

“The district intends to utilize the funding to hire mental health staff and create increased connections with outside community organizations focused on improving the social/emotional development of our student body,” according to Gouverneur Central School Superintendent Jackie Kelly.

Kelly believes the pandemic contributed, but was not the only cause of mental health issues in children. 

The superintendent said the world was already fighting for children's attention due to social media, video games and the nicotine dispensing industry. 

“It's difficult to isolate the pandemic as the only cause of some of the most significant mental health symptoms that teachers make note of,” she said. 

Kelly added that distractions have led to children sleeping less, which makes them less prepared to learn, and less energy to cope with academic and social struggles.  

“School attendance is lower than anyone can remember,” the super said. 

To help their students, Kelly said families can help students improve by encouraging routine in their lives. Kelly added that research also supports participation in exercise and extracurricular activities to create a more well-rounded, happy child.  

“Resist the urge to be the cool mom or dad and establish and monitor bed times,” she said. “Restrict access to screen time before bed. 

Gouverneur school will get $508,336 toward helping teachers and school staff pinpoint where students have fallen behind and provide students with the crucial resources needed to support their mental health, especially after the pandemic, a press release from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said.

Superintendent Kelly said staff will provide direct support for students, behavioral consultation for all involved in the school community, as well training and education for staff and students.  

A lack of qualified mental health professional staff coverage to manage large caseloads in schools is heavily contributing to the mental health crisis in students .

Kelly said the community can assist by helping schools recruit.

She said Gouverneur Central needs the support, but like other districts, has had and expects difficulty locating people interested and qualified to do the work.  

“Encourage others to seek additional training in the field,” Kelly said. “Encourage friends and family to consider returning to the area.”

The funds Gouverneur Central will receive are part of the NYS Mental Health RECOVS grant and GCS was one of 50 schools to share $100 million in funding.

“New York is making historic investments to ensure all our students are on the path towards success,” Gov. Hochul said.