Mental Health Month

City of Kokomo is lending its hand in raising awareness for Mental Health Month, which kick-starts May 1. The Mayor’s Committee on Mental Health and Wellness is leading the action on changing the societal stereotype about mental health.

Kathy Horton, Mayor’s Committee on Mental Health and Wellness president, tells us several agencies in Howard County are part of the movement.

“The services provided by our professional and caring mental health agencies improve people’s lives and educate families by promoting acceptance and recovery,” Horton said.

One of the agencies providing its services is Mental Health America Association. The organization will offer a “Mental Health First Aider” certification class May 7. For more information, 765-459-0309.

New academic standards
The Common Core State Standards are out the door, after the State Board of Education voted the curriculum out on a 10-1 vote. The changes will be implemented for the 2014-2015 school year. The new Indiana Academic Standard has a heavy resemblance to the common core, but has looser guidelines. The State Board of Education said teachers will be given release time and compensation for the amount of time required to revamp their curriculums during the summer.