Chester Schools Stigma-Free: Raising Resilient Teens Program NEXT Wednesday"
Published on September 19, 2019
The Black River Middle School Guidance Department, in partnership with the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, will present a special program, " Raising Resilient Teens in Challenging Times,'' on Wednesday evening Sept. 25.
The program will be held at the Black River Middle School, in the cafeteria, from 6:30-8 p.m. The Middle School is located at 133 North Road in Chester.
The program will be presented by Phyllis Alongi, clinical adviser of the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide.
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The Board of Education of the Chester School District earlier this year passed a Stigma-Free resolution, becoming the latest school district in Morris County to do so, joining the majority of Morris County towns participating in the countywide effort to eradicate the stigma associated with mental illness and substance use disorders.
Both Chester Borough and Chester Township are members of the Stigma-Free initiative, as are 34 of Morris County's 39 towns.
We are extremely proud to be part of such a compassionate community and I think that is reflected in our desire to support all of our students, parents and community members by being a part of Stigma Free,'' said Chester School District Superintendent Christina Van Woert.
The Chester School District is the newest member of a less-than-three-year-old grass roots movement that recognizes the high prevalence of mental illness and substance use disorders in our communities.
The Stigma-Free initiative promotes re-education and understanding that can lead to treatment and recovery €“ minus the stigma associated with these illnesses.
Leaders of this movement from across the county are now working with school districts and faith-based groups to become active participants.
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As part of the countywide initiative, residents are urged to take the Stigma Free Pledge: https://morriscountystigmafree.org/take-the-pledge/
The Stigma-Free initiative encourages participating towns, communities, school districts and organizations to participate in an active way through educational programs, events and/or active discussion.
Morris County has created a Stigma Free website www.morriscountystigmafree.org to call attention to the initiative, provide information and resources, and a calendar of upcoming events related to mental illness and substance abuse. A Stigma Free Toolkit also is available for towns, schools, colleges and universities, and faith-based organizations.
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The Chester School District is an elementary district responsible for the education of students in Kindergarten through eighth grades. It serves two municipalities, Chester Borough and Chester Township.
The district is composed of Dickerson Elementary School (K-2), Bragg Intermediate School (3-5), and Black River Middle School (6-8). Students in grades nine through twelve go to the West Morris Regional High School District.