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San Diego, California - The Jurupa Unified School District’s intentional and creative work to support mental health has been recognized with a California School Boards Association Golden Bell Award, distinguishing this program as among the best in the state. This is the district’s 11th Golden Bell Award. In addition, the JUSD program was selected for a $1,000 Sponsored Award from Care Solace.

JUSD received the prestigious honor for its Behavioral Health - Mentors and Peer Support program. As part of the district’s comprehensive mental health program, Mentors and Peer Support Specialists offer another layer of support for students and families dealing with issues at home and in school. The program is part of the JUSD Vision for the Future, which includes a focus on Systems of Support to ensure that each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

Every JUSD school has mental health professionals available. In addition, each of the district’s secondary sites (three middle schools and four high schools) has a Peer Specialist on-site. These professionals – who have been through their own personal challenges – are available to offer support in a one-on-one setting or through group activities and interventions. They serve as role models for living in wellness and recovery and give hope that students’ seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome.

In addition to the Peer Support Specialists, JUSD also has Parent Peer Support Specialists available to help parents better understand and cope with issues facing their children and families. 

These programs reflect an overall district philosophy that students can be most successful when they have access to the support they need.

“I am so proud of our district’s efforts to provide the Systems of Support our students need and deserve in order to succeed in school, in career, and in life,” said Board of Education President Melissa Ragole.  “It is an honor to see these efforts recognized by the California School Boards Association, but even more rewarding to see the positive impact these services have on our students and families.”

“We know that our students face many challenges and uncertainties,” added Superintendent Dr. Trenton Hansen. “Our multifaceted Behavioral Health programs offer that extra support our students and families need to overcome these obstacles so they can achieve their goals and align with the focus areas established by our Board of Education.”