*Press release from Edina Public Schools and the Edina Education Fund

Edina, MN, March 22, 2021 – Over the past year, all of us have struggled to maintain our mental balance. On March 25, Edina Public Schools students will hear stories, lessons and practical advice about navigating this changed world from a Vikings football player, a finalist from The Voice, a standup comedian, and professionals from across the school district during the first ever Heal Together All-School Assembly.

The Heal Together All-School Assembly was created through a partnership between the Edina Public Schools and the Edina Education Fund. During the event, every EPS classroom will screen a 15-minute video production featuring Superintendent John Schultz, district principals and health professionals, and students from all grades talking about how they take care of their mental health and the resources available to all students.

Special guests will also tell their stories. Vikings punter, Britton Colquitt, will discuss the signs he and other
professional athletes look for that tell them they need to talk to someone. Singer, Kat Perkins, a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, will perform a song about being brave and resilient, like when she improvised a stage on the back of her truck to keep singing when all of her shows were canceled during the pandemic. Our secondary students will enjoy an address from comedian, writer and actor Tommy Ryman who will bring some levity during these uncertain times.

“Now more than ever, it is important for our district families to know that the Edina Public Schools care about our
students’ mental health and wellness,” Superintendent Schultz said.

Edina Public Schools anticipates that the social-emotional needs of students will be greater in the aftermath of Covid-19. Thanks to a long-standing relationship between the Edina Education Fund and the District, mental health and wellness professionals from Fraser are now located in every school across the district for students to access. TheEPS School Board is also prioritizing student support in the District’s strategic plan.

“We are grateful to partner with the District to raise awareness of mental health needs in our community and ensure that resources are available for our 8,600 EPS students,” said Kathy Rendleman, Executive Director of Edina Education Fund.

“The availability of mental health and wellness services are critical to ensuring all Edina students can learn in a
positive environment,” said Ellen Mi, an Edina High School senior and Edina Education Fund board member. “Every student deserves to feel supported and reach their full potential.”

To watch the March 25th Heal Together All-School Assembly, and for more information about the Edina Education Fund Mental Health Campaign, visit: https://www.edinaedfund.org/s/all-school-assembly