Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month offers an important and timely reminder: our students’ well-being is deeply connected to their ability to learn, grow, and thrive.
At Lawrence Township Public Schools, we believe that supporting the whole child means recognizing that emotional, social, and mental health are just as essential as academic success. When students feel safe, seen, and supported, they’re better able to engage in learning, build meaningful relationships, and reach their full potential. We believe that fostering a culture of empathy, reducing stigma surrounding mental health, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors at every level, are all essential to the well-being of our entire school community.
Lawrence Township Public Schools is committed to fostering student mental wellness through an integrated system of support, not just in May, but year-round. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is woven into the curriculum, and students benefit from school-based counseling including counselor-led lessons in the classroom. Many schools utilize daily mindfulness practices and offer annual wellness days with activities such as yoga, art, and drawing, empowering students with self-care strategies for daily life. These intentional efforts to create safe and supportive spaces are complemented by district-wide resources. For the past eight years, the district has partnered with three Licensed Clinical Social Workers from the Thrive Alliance Group, and starting in the 2025-2026 school year, their expertise will be fully woven into the fabric of our daily operations. LTPS also collaborates with community mental health partners to provide students and families with access to additional support and resources.
It is important to remember that mental health awareness isn’t just for students. Our staff, families, and community members also benefit from open, honest conversations about mental health, along with access to resources and support systems. On April 30, we hosted a family and community conversation centered on “The Importance of Mattering.” While many of us are familiar with the concept of belonging, we took the conversation a step further by asking, “What does it mean to truly matter?” In today’s political climate, it can be easy for individuals and groups to feel as if they don’t fully belong. We want every Lawrence Township Public Schools family to know this simple fact: you matter here. You are seen, valued, and welcomed in our schools and in our community.
In addition to holding a doctorate in education, I am also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) — a credential I continue to maintain with pride. My background in both education and mental health deeply informs the way I lead. I believe that creating a culture of wellness begins at the top, which is why I strive to ensure that the social-emotional well-being of our leadership team and our incredible educators here in Lawrence is prioritized alongside that of our students. When the adults in our schools feel supported, connected, and cared for, they are better able to nurture and empower the children in their care.
As the school year winds down and the energy of spring fills our schools, let’s take this season of growth as an opportunity to care for ourselves and one another. Whether it’s pausing for a quiet moment, checking in on a colleague or friend, or reaching out when we, ourselves need help — small acts of compassion can ripple into meaningful change.
Thank you for being part of a community that prioritizes the well-being of every learner. Together, we are creating a district where every student — and every person — knows they belong, they matter, and they are never alone.
Dr. Robyn Klim is the superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
Dr. Robyn Klim, superintendent of Lawrence Township Public Schools.,
