MTSS: Mental Health
MISSION STATEMENT:
SCOE's MTSS Team is dedicated to efficiently and empathetically providing sustainable, evidence-based, collaborative training, coaching, and support; addressing mental health, social, emotional, and behavioral needs to help equip the school-wide leadership teams in supporting the whole child and all stakeholders.
Student mental health is a critical factor in academic success and long-term well-being. In recent years, rising levels of anxiety and depression among adolescents—highlighted in the book--The Anxious Generation—have underscored the urgent need for schools to play an active role in supporting student wellness.
Educators and administrators are uniquely positioned to foster positive school climates where students feel safe, supported, and connected. When adults consistently model expectations and promote constructive social interactions, they create environments that support mental and emotional health. Training school staff to recognize early warning signs of mental health concerns enables timely, targeted interventions—whether through on-campus support or partnerships with community-based providers.
A coordinated approach, grounded in a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), ensures that mental health services are integrated, continual, and responsive to student needs. By aligning efforts across classrooms, campuses, and communities, educators and leaders can build a system where every student has the opportunity to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
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Professional Development
SCOE’s MTSS Team is dedicated to efficiently and empathetically providing sustainable, evidence-based, collaborative training, coaching, and support, addressing mental health, social, emotional, and behavioral needs to help equip the school-wide leadership teams to support the whole child and all stakeholders.
The following are some of the District supports offered by SCOE:
The Heart-School Climate
A monthly virtual meeting for school staff to share mental health strategies, plan Tier 1 supports, and strengthens inclusive, positive school climates. Held every third Thursday at 3:30 PM.
Question, Persuade, & Refer
QPR is a 90-minute suicide prevention training that teaches you to recognize warning signs, offer hope, and get help. Monthly sessions available. Become a trained Gatekeeper—save a life.
Keeping the Peace
A hands-on training where students learn empathy, communication, and conflict resolution through real-life role plays and activities. One session per school (Max 30 students). Available September–October. Office hours monthly.
Day of Educator
Join Stanislaus County Office of Education on May 16, 2026, to honor educators with a morning focused on self-care, mindfulness, gratitude, and well-being. Because caring for others starts with caring for yourself. May 16, 2026.
Student Events
K-8 schools can host a lunch-time mental health event modeling Tier 1 supports like mindfulness, journaling, and resilience-building. One event per campus, per semester.
Parent Information Sessions
Monthly sessions help families access free or low-cost community resources and support. Topics include housing, food, and financial insecurity. Coordinated by a SCOE BHSSA team member per district.
The Peach-COP
A space for students to grow restorative skills—like circles, affective statements, and meaningful dialogue—while connecting with peers across schools. Must complete “Keeping the Peace.” Monthly office hours begin in October.
Restorative Practices
Enhance your MTSS with Restorative Practices. Learn proactive strategies like community-building circles to strengthen relationships, build trust, and foster safe school environments. Includes hands-on activities and practical takeaways.
Calming Corners
Each district receives a Calming Corner to support emotional regulation. Includes tools, visuals, soft seating, plus coaching and data collection support. Data submitted first Monday monthly.
Parent Workshops
Parent Behavioral Health Workshops equip families with tools to support mental wellness, including topics like cyberbullying and suicide prevention. Held twice a year by request in each district.
Behavioral Health on Campus
Join quarterly meetings to explore best practices for school behavioral health referrals and MTSS-based service delivery. Review your district’s current systems, address gaps, and strengthen student well-being support.
Classroom SEL Lessons
Classroom lessons based on Strong Start/Strong Kids promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and prevent escalation of issues. One lesson per semester, delivered to one classroom per school site.
