WARREN — The Warren City School District is scaling up its mental health and substance use programs through partnerships with Thrive Counseling, the Trumbull County Mental Health and Recovery Board and Cadence Care Network.

Associate Superintendent Dante Capers discussed how the commitment partly came from wanting to address the rising tide of youth mental health struggles and substance use trends they’ve seen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a community navigating economic hardship and social change, district officials said that they’ve worked for nearly 15 years to prioritize student well-being, an effort Capers and Lincoln PK-8 counselor Suzanne Goodyear have been combating.

“We’ve seen how economic stress and social isolation impact our kids,” Capers said. “The pandemic intensified feelings of anxiety and depression, and we’re responding with comprehensive support.” Goodyear said. “If kids don’t feel safe or supported, they can’t learn effectively.”

VAPING, MARIJUANA STATS

Superintendent Steve Chiaro reported in March that 148 students in grades 6, 8 and 10 had vaped in the past 30 days, with 180 reporting use over the past year, aligning with national data showing a surge in youth vaping and marijuana use because of their accessibility and social acceptance.

“Vaping is discreet, highly addictive, and affects both health and academics,” Goodyear said, noting that students often don’t recognize the risks until they’re addicted.

Capers added that federal wellness funds have been critical in expanding programs to address these trends proactively.

The Student Assistance Program (SAP), launched in 2022 with grant funding, is a key initiative driven by Capers and Goodyear. It coordinates care across mental health, health care, substance use, academics and basic needs, with a program coordinator linking families to resources and monitoring student progress.

“SAP is about building trust with families,” Goodyear said. “We’re not just referring them to services; we’re walking with them to ensure kids get what they need.”

Capers highlighted the program’s impact, noting that it has helped students stay in school and avoid disciplinary setbacks by addressing underlying issues like stress or family challenges.

Thrive Counseling’s intervention program, another focus for Goodyear and Capers, targets vaping, nicotine and THC use by addressing root causes rather than relying solely on punishment.

“Discipline alone doesn’t solve addiction,” Goodyear said. “We’re seeing kids who vape to cope with anxiety or peer pressure, and counseling helps them find healthier ways to manage.”

Capers talked about the program’s integration with school supports, allowing counselors to work alongside teachers to identify at-risk students early. A $493,375 agreement with Cadence Care Network, based in Niles, funds resiliency programs across all Warren school buildings, teaching students to manage stress, anxiety and emotional outbursts. Additionally, a $48,000 allocation supports a special education resource room at Lincoln PK-8 for students with emotional disturbances — a project Goodyear has been instrumental in shaping.

“These students need targeted help to navigate school,” she said. “The resource room gives them a safe space to learn and grow.”

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING

WCS’s social-emotional learning (SEL) efforts, rooted in the Second Step curriculum, have been a cornerstone of its approach, earning national recognition at the April 2025 Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) conference. Goodyear has led SEL implementation and explained its impact.

“Teaching kids self-awareness and decision-making skills changes how they handle conflict and stress. We’ve seen better attendance, fewer fights, and stronger grades as a result,” she said.

Capers added that SEL equips students for life beyond school.

“It’s not just about academics; it’s about building resilience for adulthood,” he said.

The district’s SEL programs, initiated with a Department of Education grant secured by former Congressman Tim Ryan, have been a model for other schools, with Goodyear and Capers presenting their strategies at the CASEL conference.

Nationally, youth substance use has spiked, with vaping and marijuana becoming more prevalent because of easy access and reduced stigma. WCS data reflects this, showing that students as young as middle school are experimenting with e-cigarettes and THC products.

“The social acceptability of vaping makes it harder to address,” Capers said. “Kids see it as normal, but the health risks are real.”

Goodyear noted that peer influence and online marketing exacerbate the issue, making early intervention critical.

“We’re not just telling kids to stop; we’re helping them understand why they started and how to move forward,” she said.

STAFF INCLUDED TOO

Recognizing that staff well-being underpins student success, Capers and Goodyear have pushed for robust employee support. The district’s Employee Assistance Program, launched in 2024, offers mental health resources, scholarships and practical support for staff.

“If our teachers are overwhelmed, they can’t support students effectively,” Capers said.

Professional development in trauma-informed care and stress management, led by Goodyear’s team, has equipped educators to handle classroom challenges.

“A resilient staff creates a stable environment for kids,” Goodyear said, noting that access to the Student Recreation and Wellness Center also has boosted teacher morale.

Challenges persist, including balancing academic demands with wellness initiatives and overcoming lingering stigma around mental health.

“Some families are hesitant to seek help, but we’re working to build trust,” Capers said.

“We’re inviting parents to see us as partners, not critics. Every conversation moves us closer to breaking the stigma,” Goodyear added.

The district measures success through improved attendance, fewer behavioral referrals, better peer relationships and stronger academic outcomes, with Goodyear and Capers closely monitoring these metrics.

Looking ahead to the 2025-26 school year, Capers and Goodyear remain focused on expanding support.

“This is about creating a future where no student falls through the cracks,” Capers said. Goodyear urged families to reach out.

“Our counselors are here to listen and help. Mental health challenges don’t have to define a child’s potential,” she said.