At the start of each school year, our School Support Teams and teachers engage students in a series of activities to create a sense of belonging, support social emotional wellbeing and identify strategies and resources to use when they need help. Our K-12 Start With Hello Week activities last month helped students connect with one another and with trusted staff members and practice ways to contribute to a kind and welcoming school community.
Earlier today, the District launched its annual Help Card campaign to make it easier for students to access help if they are feeling isolated or overwhelmed. Help Cards and how-to videos are customized for each building and list contact information for school support staff and for community resources which are available 24/7. Videos were screened in classrooms and Help Cards were distributed to all.
“Today is World Mental Health Day. It is so important to teach our students that Mental Health really matters and that we are here to support them,” said Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Personnel Services Karen Tesik, Ed.D.
Families are encouraged to view their child’s school video together and to reinforce that it is OK to ask for help and that there is always someone who will listen:
- William O. Schaefer Elementary School video
- Cottage Lane Elementary School video
- South Orangetown Middle School video
- Tappan Zee High School video
Video links are also posted under the “Student Resources” section of the For Students page on each school website.
Students, staff and families can also access resources 24/7 on our District’s Mental Health webpage, which is linked under Quick Links on the District and school homepages.
Thanks to SOMS Library Media Specialist Kimberlee Landgraff for her continued work in support of this campaign.