Chris Norwood, president of the Milpitas Unified School District Board of Education, speaks at the Nov. 16 opening of the student wellness center at Milpitas High School. “We recognize that you need a space on this campus where you can go and be with people, be with professionals that can help you so you can continue to exist on this campus and then learn how to make decisions beyond this school day in your life,” Norwood said. (Courtesy photo)
Student wellness center
Students at Milpitas High School now have a place on campus to go for mental health resources and the support. State Representative Ro Khanna, whose District 17 includes Milpitas, secured $300,000 in community project funding for the new student wellness center as part of the House Appropriations Committee fiscal year 2022 funding bills. Additional funding came from the Mental Health Student Service Act and California Schools Partnership Grants acquired through the Santa Clara County Office of Education.
Since opening on Nov. 16, 554 students have visited the center, with 130 repeat visitors and 16 students in crisis.
“Expanding access to mental health services ensures students receive the support they need to be successful at school and in their communities,” said County Superintendent of Schools Mary Ann Dewan.
“Now we have an established way of addressing the needs of our students and families who long before COVID have suffered traumatic events in their lives,” said Milpitas Unified School District Superintendent Cheryl Jordan.
Photos with Santa
Santa Claus is coming to Great Mall for photo ops and snacks. Families can sign up for photos with the jolly old elf at https://santaholidayphoto.splashthat.com and secure a spot through Christmas Eve. Children with special needs will get an exclusive experience to sit on Santa’s lap and smile for the camera on Sunday, Dec. 3. Reservations are required to https://caringsantaisonhisway.splashthat.com.
Kids can have milk and cookies with Santa Saturday, Dec. 16 and Sunday, Dec. 17. There will be a complimentary gift with the purchase of a milk and cookies photo package while supplies last.
Originally published at Anne Gelhaus