Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Aug. 18, 2025 – For the new school year, Jonesboro Public Schools (JPS) is aiming to create connections and improve well-being through its Mental Health Matters initiative.
The school district posted Aug. 15 on its Facebook page that it is “rolling up its sleeves” to put mental health and wellness front and center. The goals of the initiative include creating a culture of awareness, fostering connections, and providing support for students and staff.
District school improvement specialist Mandy Zipfel said the initiative was the result of a five-year strategic plan for JPS, with the first year focused on creating a culture of awareness. She wants to make sure the district offers the best it can for the students to ensure they perform well in the classroom.
“Once it’s identified, we try to offer as much support as we can to the child and the family, so that we can get the help that’s needed,” she said. “When a child is struggling, we partner with mental health providers. We also have school counselors; we have behavior specialists.”
The initiative also aims to support staff.
“As teachers, you have to take care of others, so we want to make sure that our teachers are supported and happy, and that’s going to transfer into the classroom.
The school district will be looking at some targeted professional development over the next few years, as part of the initiative. Zipfel said this will be done to equip school staff to effectively support the students’ social and emotional needs.
Information about the events are expected to be posted to the district’s social media pages on the 15th of each month. Currently, JPS has announced two upcoming events.
“I think just every month, we’re going to really have to see what’s going on in the community and how we can connect, so our parents can get involved in other things like that right now,” she said.
Some of the events being hosted this month include Hurricane Twilight Two. It will be held starting at 7 p.m. Aug. 22. at Cooksey-Johns Stadium.
Another event is the Hot Summer Nights run, as part of Gearhead Outfitters’ Run Into Summer Series. The event will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 22, also at the Cookeys-Johns Stadium.
Zipfel said activities like these not only keep students and community members physically active, but improve mental health and help create connections.
“If you’re a runner, you don’t have to be a member of Jonesboro High School or attend here. If you’re a runner and want to just come out and run with other people from the community, you’re more than welcome to do so,” she said.
However, the events will not be limited to just physical activities. Zipfel said a parent night, planned for either the fall or spring, will have a portion dedicated to mental health education for families. She emphasized that each school will have something that is related to the initiative.
The ultimate hope for Zipfel is that by taking the steps to increase mental health awareness in the district, the graduation rate would increase by one percent annually for the next five years. She said when students are happy and connected, ultimately, they are going to graduate.
“You know, this strategic plan, I think, is really going to help us get focused for the next five years. We’re just excited about growing and creating students who can pursue lifelong success,” she said.
If you want to know more information about JPS’ mental health initiative or have events that connect to the initiative, contact Zipfel at mandy.zipfel@jonesboroschools.net.
