Mental Health and Wellness
What is psychological safety?
While physical safety refers to the protection from physical harm or injury, psychological safety involves creating an environment where individuals feel valued and respected, which encourages them to take risks and engage more deeply in their learning. A psychologically safe school environment fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging. In the Novi Community School District, we believe in a community of well-being and strive to create a school environment that prioritizes both physical safety (protecting the body) and psychological safety (protecting the mind and emotions).
Why is mental health important?
One in five people experience a mental health condition. Mental health doesn’t discriminate by your race, economic status or access to care. Mental health is part of overall health. Mental health conditions cause changes in thoughts, feelings, and mood. Mental health conditions can affect many areas of your life including: home, work, school, relationships with others, sleep, appetite, decision making and may worsen other medical problems. Mental health is important at every stage of life, whether you are a young child, teenager or adult.
How does the Novi Community School District (NCSD) support mental health and wellness?
NCSD has a variety of people, programs, and partnerships that support students who may be struggling with emotional or psychological challenges.
We have a team of trained staff who are available to assist students who may be struggling with emotional or psychological challenges. Families are encouraged to contact the support staff at your child’s school if you have concerns or need support. Families can also contact the Director of Mental Health & Wellness, RosaLeigh Johnson, (rosaleigh.johnson@novik12.org) for support.
Additionally, NCSD works closely with several community partners who offer a variety of services to support mental health and wellness. Information regarding those partners are listed below.
Partnerships
Care Solace
Services: Mental health services and social services care coordination
Contact Information: caresolace.com/novi or 888-515-0595
Easterseals MORC
Services: Counseling, therapy support, behavioral health
Contact information: www.easterseals.com/MORC or 248-475-6300
Hospitality House
Services: Client choice food pantry and weekend food program
Contact Information: https://www.hhfp.org/ or 248-960-9975
Contact Information: https://www.hhfp.org/ or 248-960-9975
New Hope Center for Grief Support
Services: School based grief support, grief workshops, kid’s grief camp
Contact Information: https://newhopecenter.net/ or 248-348-0115
Novi Youth Assistance
Services: Casework services, family support, scholarships, mentor programming
Contact information: www.noviya.org or 248-675-3089
Oakland Community Health Network
Services: Crisis and counseling/therapy support
Contact information: www.oaklandchn.org or 248-464-6363
Programs
The Positivity Project: NCSD partners with The Positivity Project to provide all students with access to a character education and social-emotional learning resource that promotes positive relationships, self-awareness, and a focus on strengths. Learn more about The Positivity Project.
Therapy Dog Program: NCSD is proud to offer a Therapy Dog Program that supports student well-being by fostering connection, reducing stress, and creating a warm, welcoming environment for all.
Panorama: NCSD uses the Panorama survey tool to gather meaningful feedback from students in grades 3–12. Their insights shed light on key aspects of their school experience, highlighting strengths such as supportive relationships and inclusion, while identifying areas for growth like belonging and emotional regulation. These findings have guided district-wide efforts to strengthen connections, implement The Positivity Project, refine behavior support practices, and more.
