Our goal is to help our students thrive in the classroom and beyond.

Just like the physical learning environment, mental health is an important factor in academic success. If a student suffers from any mental health symptoms, their mind may be distracted in class, and there is a good chance that they may miss important learning opportunities. We take mental health seriously, and look to help support students and families with their mental health needs.

How We Support Mental Health

Every school has a school counselor(s), as well as a school psychologist to help students at a basic level. We also provide Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to our staff to equip them with a basic knowledge of how to identify, support, and refer students who may be experiencing mental health symptoms.

At the district level, we have a licensed professional counselor / family therapist and a licensed clinical social worker to assist students and families in evaluating the level of treatment for students. We utilize Gaggle Therapy Online for students who are in need of immediate referrals to therapeutic services and have close connections with a variety of agencies to provide services of all different levels, if needed.

Knowing the Signs

Mental health challenges can be confusing or scary for the person suffering from the symptoms, as well as their family members. Being aware of the warning signs of mental health challenges is the first step. The American Psychiatric Association identifies the following possible signs and symptoms of mental health challenges:

• Sleep or appetite changes — Dramatic sleep and appetite changes or decline in personal care

• Mood changes — Rapid or dramatic shifts in emotions or depressed feelings

• Withdrawal — Recent social withdrawal and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed

• Drop in functioning — An unusual drop in functioning, at school, work or social activities, such as quitting sports, failing in school or difficulty performing familiar tasks

• Problems thinking — Problems with concentration, memory or logical thought and speech that are hard to explain

• Increased sensitivity — Heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, smells or touch; avoidance of over-stimulating situations

• Apathy — Loss of initiative or desire to participate in any activity

• Feeling disconnected — A vague feeling of being disconnected from oneself or one’s surroundings; a sense of unreality

• Illogical thinking — Unusual or exaggerated beliefs about personal powers to understand meanings or influence events; illogical or “magical” thinking typical of childhood in an adult

• Nervousness — Fear or suspiciousness of others or a strong nervous feeling

• Unusual behavior – Odd, uncharacteristic, peculiar behavior

If your student exhibits any of these signs, please reach out to your family's mental health provider. School counselors are also available to provide resources to meet your students' needs.