February 2017: Spotlight on Success

In any given year, 20 percent of school age youth experience issues like depression, anxiety or substance abuse. That means that in a high school classroom of 30 students, six of those students are likely struggling with such issues. These students are at greater risk of skipping school, falling behind in their classes or dropping out.

Recognizing the connection between mental health and academic wellbeing, the Issaquah Schools Foundation's Healthy Youth Initiative announces the fourth annual State of Mind conference series. Focused on youth mental health and substance abuse issues, the conferences are free and open to students, parents, school staff and community members.

"State of Mind conferences are community events," says Skyline High School student David Kim, a Healthy Youth Initiative student representative and a speaker at last year's conference. "Because of the emphasis on community, we have seen many parents and students come together to take part in workshops and listen to speakers, enabling conversation between students and parents."

The first conference is slated for Saturday, February 4, at Mary Queen of Peace Church, 1121 228th Ave. SE, Sammamish, from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sammamish Chief of Police Michelle Bennett will deliver a keynote address on the topic of cyberbullying. Additional speakers and topics include: Jerry Blackburn of Friends of Youth, on drug abuse and identity; private practice counselor Joceyln Skillman, on non-violent communications; a student panel, on reducing stigma around mental health; and a parent panel representing the Issaquah School District's Equity Committee, on understanding cultural differences.