The Nokomis School District is putting the mental health of their students at the forefront of their focus for the 2023-2024 school year. Nokomis Junior High and Nokomis High School were awarded a national spotlight for their Capturing Kids Hearts Program. This program has put forth efforts to strengthen students in areas that are not just academic.

Scott Doerr, 15-year Superintendent for Nokomis School District says faculty, staff, and student mentors will work to address and help students struggling with social-emotional issues, mental health, character education, personal development, and culture. Doerr says the staff has done a wonderful job getting the students engaged.

Recently the Nokomis Schools have developed a mental health committee. Students, staff, and community members are involved in the committee to ensure there is full coverage and scope of situations.

Doerr notes that learning can not be done effectively if the student's mental health is not prioritized.

Student mentors will provide a valuable space for struggling students to go to. Asking a teacher or parent about a personal issue can be tough for a high school student, With the Lead Worthy Program at Nokomis School District, these mentors will apply, train, and prepare to be the change in a student's life that could be extremely valuable.

Nokomis School District is looking to aid in times of mental health crisis for students in many ways. The conversation of mental health is not prioritized in many school districts while the Nokomis schools are becoming proactive to end needless suffering in students.

Nokomis Superintendent Scott Doerr says he is fully staffed this year and week one went by without a hitch.

Scott Doerr appeared as a guest on the WTIM Morning Show.