We ask all Quad Cities school districts to adhere to the five following policy changes in support of student mental health:

• Mental health symptom/ACE annual screenings offered and explained, with proper referrals

• Accepting mental health symptoms for sick days, as well as accepting psychiatrist/therapist/counselor/social worker notes for extended absences

• Comprehensive and interactive annual staff and educator trainings provided by professional trainers: trauma informed care (punishment vs. habilitation; signs and symptoms; correct responses), clarity of professional mental health roles and resource referrals, diversity and inclusion, QPR

• Increased number of student advocates (social workers, behavioral specialists/interventionists)

• Creating calm-down and inductive reasoning spaces/policies as alternative to referrals and punitive policies