Students at Irvington Middle School recently participated in a schoolwide learning experience focused on mental health, wellness and connection through a partnership with the JCK Foundation.
The experience included a full student assembly followed by small breakout group sessions. All Irvington Middle School students took part in the programming, which was designed to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open, supportive conversations among peers.
In preparation for the student sessions, faculty and staff participated in professional learning to support the work with students. A parent and guardian information session was also held, providing families with insight into the program and its focus on mental health challenges many adolescents face, including anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Together, these efforts reflect the district’s ongoing commitment to social-emotional learning and student well-being.
The sessions were facilitated by members of the JCK Foundation team, led by John Tessitore, founder and executive director, and Kevin McMahon, program manager and a former Irvington graduate. They were joined by Sydney Moraitis, program coordinator, and Luke Shrader, a former Irvington student and the foundation’s newest team member. Through storytelling and guided discussion, presenters shared personal experiences and emphasized the importance of kindness, empathy and seeking support.
Students reflected thoughtfully on the impact of the experience.
“This experience was really meaningful, because a lot of people struggle with mental health issues,” Irvington Middle School student Katherine Baumkirchner said. “JCK showed us that we’re not alone, even though it can feel like it sometimes.”
Another student, Aradhita Bhardwaj, shared that the program reinforced the importance of understanding others. “It made you think that you really don’t know what is going on in someone’s life and that it’s important to stay open-minded,” she said. “It was also a reminder of how important it is to reach out and be supportive.”
Additional students echoed similar sentiments. “JCK helped me think about what I really want school to feel like,” Aahan Pathak said. Jace Torain added, “I learned that people may have mental health struggles and we should be kind.”
The programming was made possible through a generous grant from the Irvington PTSA, written by school counselors Liza Leite and Griff Murray. The district extends its appreciation to the PTSA for supporting this meaningful opportunity for students.
Irvington Middle School will continue to build on this work as part of its broader commitment to fostering a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students.
Photos courtesy of the Irvington Union Free School District
