SOCSD Launches Annual Help Card Campaign

At the start of every school year, SOCSD School Support Teams and faculty 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. 

In mid-September, Start With Hello Week helps students Districtwide connect with one another and with trusted staff members and practice ways to contribute to a kind and welcoming school community. 

In mid-October, the District rolls out its annual Help Card campaign to remind students how to access help if they are feeling isolated or overwhelmed. This month, Help Cards and how-to videos specific to each building, with contact information for school support staff and for 24/7 community resources, are being shared with students at all South Orangetown schools. 

"Help cards are an important tool to support our students’ emotional well-being. While we hope every student has a trusted adult in the building—whether that’s a teacher, counselor, secretary, Teaching Assistant, or any other staff member—we also recognize that in moments of strong emotion, it can be difficult for students to remember who to turn to. The help card serves as a tangible reminder of adults students can always go to and a concrete way for students to communicate, 'I need help.' It’s a small but powerful symbol that reinforces support within our school community,” explained South Orangetown Middle School Prevention Counselor Bobbie-Angela Wong, who coordinated this year’s campaign. 

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

Cottage Lane Elementary School

South Orangetown Middle School 

Tappan Zee High School

Video links are also posted on the homepage of each school website under “Mental Health.”

Students, staff and families can also easily access resources 24/7 on our District’s Mental Health webpage, which is linked under Student Supports at www.socsd.org.