Supporting student well-being, local school districts again will join forces for the third annual Mental Health & Wellness symposium, aimed to connect families with resources. The event will be held at Metea Valley High School, located at 1801 N. Eola Road in Aurora. (PN File Photo)
In an effort to champion mental health awareness and support, six local school districts including Indian Prairie School District 204 (IPSD 204), East Aurora School District 131, West Aurora School District 129, Naperville School District 203, Wheaton School District 200, and Oswego School District 308 are collaborating to hold the third annual Mental Health and Wellness Symposium.
Set to take place from 8AM to 2PM on Sat., March 8, 2025, at Metea Valley High School in Aurora, the event aims to provide enhanced support and resources to students and families navigating the complexities of mental health.
Recognizing that mental health challenges impact students and families across communities, IPSD 204 expanded the event this year to include five additional school districts, fostering a collaborative effort to provide greater access to support and resources. Dr. Adrian Talley, Superintendent of IPSD 204, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “By working together, we can expand access to vital mental health resources and ensure that more students and families receive the support they need. This symposium is an opportunity for our communities to come together, learn, and take meaningful steps toward well-being.”
The Mental Health and Wellness Symposium will include a keynote session by Dr. Doug Bolton who is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Director of School Consultation for Formative Psychological Services, and the author of Untethered: Creating Connected Families, Schools, and Communities to Raise a Resilient Generation.
Dr. Bolton spent more than 20 years as a psychologist and principal at North Shore Academy, a K-12 therapeutic school in Highland Park. He provides consultation, supervision and professional development to parents, educators, and clinicians throughout Illinois to create communities that help foster student and staff resilience.
Adult attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Bolton’s book. The first 500 adult attendees will receive a complimentary welcome bag, and the first 200 student attendees will receive a complimentary t-shirt.
Attendees can anticipate a variety of breakout sessions tailored to both adults and students in grades 6 – 12, covering topics ranging from practical strategies for managing anxiety to embracing resilience and self-esteem. The event will also feature a book fair, a community resource fair, experience sessions, and complimentary lunch and childcare services for children aged three to ten.
The event is open to the public and registration is required. For more information, visit www.ipsd.org/symposium.
Report submitted by School District 204
The mission of Indian Prairie School District 204 is to inspire all students to achieve their greatest potential. Indian Prairie is the fourth largest school district in Illinois, encompassing 46 square miles, including portions of Naperville, Aurora, Bolingbrook, and Plainfield.
