Departments & Services Links
Social Emotional Learning (SEL)
Niskayuna is invested in supporting students to develop self-awareness and self-management skills essential to success in school and in life. Social-emotional learning is a set of skills essential for academic success, healthy relationships, and career readiness. Being able to collaborate, consider other people’s perspectives, build self-awareness and make responsible, caring decisions are competencies we want to nurture in every Niskayuna student. A focus on social-emotional learning contributes positively to building more equitable, safe and healthy learning communities in our schools.
- Learn more about Social Emotional Learning.
School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation (SHAPE) System
The SHAPE Assessment (School Health Assessment and Performance Evaluation) is a platform designed to help schools and districts measure and improve the quality of their mental health systems.
Niskayuna Central School District recently completed the SHAPE Assessment, documenting the structure and operations of a school district’s overall mental health system, which involves the collection of information related to multi-tiered services and supports, staffing, financing, and data systems in the District.
Through the completion of the SHAPE Assessment, Niskayuna has identified the key focal points to best address the mental health needs of our school community.
- Form a District Mental Health Team to guide needs, resource mapping, teaming and assessing impact related to mental health services and supports. The District Mental Health Team will explore the implementation of a Universal Screening Tool.
- Formalize protocols and processes for school multidisciplinary teams.
- Establish data collection protocols across the district.
Niskayuna District Mental Health Team
Niskayuna has created a district mental health team with the goal of removing mental and emotional barriers to learning. By addressing the “whole child,” the team helps ensure that students are emotionally regulated and “ready to learn.”
The Niskayuna District mental health team operates through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), focusing on three main areas:
Prevention and Wellness (Tier 1)
The goal is to create a healthy environment for all students.
- Staff Training: Teaching educators how to recognize early warning signs of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
- Stigma Reduction: Normalizing conversations about mental health.
- SEL Integration: Implementing the Second Step program to teach emotional regulation school-wide.
Early Intervention (Tier 2)
The team identifies students “at-risk” before their struggles become severe.
- Universal Screening: Using brief surveys or teacher referrals to find students who are struggling silently.
- Small Group Support: Running groups for students dealing with specific issues like social skills, grief, or divorce.
Crisis Response and Intensive Support (Tier 3)
For students in immediate need or with chronic mental health conditions.
- Crisis Management: Providing immediate de-escalation during a mental health emergency (e.g., panic attacks or suicidal ideation).
- Wraparound Services: Coordinating with outside doctors, therapists, and social services to ensure the student has a safety net both in and out of school.
- Re-entry Planning: Helping students transition back to the classroom after a hospitalization or long absence.
Key Roles on the Team
The Niskayuna Central School District Mental Health Team is a multidisciplinary group dedicated to removing mental and emotional barriers to learning, ensuring that students are emotionally regulated and “ready to learn.” By addressing the “whole child,” the team operates through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to coordinate prevention, early intervention, and intensive support services. This collaborative initiative brings together a diverse range of stakeholders—including school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, general and special education teachers, community members, and parents—to ensure a cohesive, districtwide approach to student mental health and well-being.
- Mental Health Liaisons: Coordinate between the school district and external clinical providers.
- School Psychologists: Focus on testing, behavioral plans, and learning disabilities.
- School Social Workers: Focus on the link between the home, the community, and the school.
- School Counselors: Focus on academic guidance, tier 2 counseling services, and college/career readiness.
Community Mental Health & Crisis Resources
When students or families are facing stress, mental health concerns or crisis situations, access to trusted community resources can provide critical support and guidance. View information to connect students, families and community members with local mental health, crisis intervention, substance use and community support services.
- View the Agency/Therapy Referral List.
- Learn more about our Community Mental Health & Crisis Resources.