District to join regional SYNC initiative with ThetaCare to study youth screen time and mental health

District staff presented an overview of the Supporting Youth Nurturing Connection (SYNC) initiative, a regional effort involving the district’s Community Health Action Team (CHAT) and partner organizations intended to study children’s screen time, associated risks and supports for student mental health.

The presenter said the CHAT team worked with University of Wisconsin researchers and regional partners to develop an approach that gathers feedback from students and families across the district’s footprint; staff described SYNC as a data‑driven effort to identify recommended practices for appropriate technology use and mental‑health supports. "SYNC...is now at the cusp of getting ready to launch work in all of our areas...to improve overall student mental health," the presenter said, and named Sarah Johnson as the district’s CHAT team representative going forward.

The presenter also said the program will include a community coordinator assigned to the district and indicated that a partner is committing substantial funds to expand the initiative and hire coordinators; that funding source and exact amounts were stated in the meeting but will be confirmed by district staff. Board members expressed support for the data‑collection approach and asked for materials in the board packet describing short‑, medium‑ and long‑term goals.

District staff framed the effort as voluntary recommendations and emphasized the goal of bringing evidence‑based guidance back to the local school community rather than imposing requirements.