Calvert County advisory panel cites rising depression, vaping and chronic absenteeism; urges districtwide supports

The Calvert County Student Safety and Well‑being Advisory Committee presented third‑quarter findings at a public input session, reporting a rise in depression and suicidal thoughts among female students, ongoing youth vaping, and high chronic absenteeism for economically disadvantaged students. Committee members recommended a districtwide multi‑tiered system of supports, more mental‑health staffing and training, expanded restorative practices and mentoring, and clearer budget reporting for school‑safety spending.

The committee’s staff liaison, Emily Shreeves, summarized subcommittee reports and said presenters from the Calvert County Health Department and Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) highlighted three main concerns: increased depression and suicidal thoughts among students (particularly females), persistent youth access to vaping products, and staffing strains for school‑based mental‑health providers. Committee materials cited roughly 13 to 14 therapists serving the school system, with some therapists covering multiple schools and carrying large caseloads, and recommended looking “at what we’re doing at the elementary school level” to expand early…