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Middle school students enrolled at Great Expectations School have been able to take part in a variety of games and art projects during recess. The program is headed up by Dane Kafu, Student Support Worker. Photo courtesy of Beth Ferry, GES
Mental health awareness has risen tremendously with the stress and struggles of the past couple of years, and we’re all learning how common it is to have times in life in which we or someone we love struggles with mental health. In school, kids of all ages struggle with the beginning of mental health challenges- so how do we help kids recognize what they are feeling or will experience, and have compassion for their peers who are struggling? We got to work.
Last year, we secured a grant from the North Shore Collaborative to raise mental health awareness, and to that end Kari Mowbray met with students in grades 3-8 to discuss common feelings- what to name them and how to move into coping strategies. This year, GES was funded for the program again, and added more grade levels. Kari Mowbray will be here in-person next week to finish her sessions with students.
Various staff have added their efforts to provide:
Art with Heart for the 5-8 middle-school, drawing and learning about expressing emotions
Knitting for Mental Health for grades 7-8 (Thank you Dappled Fern for your expertise and yarn!)
Tap Dancing for grades 7-8 (Thank you Lilly Pedersen for sharing your tap-dancing skills!)
Last month, Dane Kufa began work as our Student Support Worker meeting with 5-8 middle-school students 1:1 and running clubs for the middle school during recess: crochet club, American Sign Language, Art and Games (so far Dungeons and Dragons role playing). Someone to talk to and check in with, a small group to join and feel safe with. We think it’s making a difference!
These opportunities are the result of nearly $10,000 in funding generously provided by the North Shore Collaborative, providing grants for improving mental health, among other initiatives for kids.
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