Creating Well-Being Sharing Site

The establishment of a dedicated team to lead the process of implementing any school initiative, including mental health & wellness initiatives, provides the most productive and long-lasting results.  Appropriate teaming structures and representative membership is needed in order to develop systems and practices to carry out teaching and learning, ensure that students receive equitable access to supports, create systems that support a healthy workforce, and evaluate the program’s overall effectiveness.

When the social and emotional needs and skills of school adults are addressed, they are better able to model SEL skills for students and meet their and their families’ needs.  A consistently safe and supportive school relies on adults modeling the social and emotional skills that SEL programs teach to students. Learning and applying these skills in our personal and professional lives will help all school adults to enjoy mental wellness and to contribute to the wellness and success of our students.

The quality of school climate is a significant predictor of student success, both academically and socially.  Schools are encouraged to adopt an evidence based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Program and provide additional Tier 1 interventions to the entire student population. Supporting students' mental health in their Pre-K to 12 school years lays the groundwork for becoming resilient, productive and happy adults.

Home Engagement encompasses not only immediate family, but extended family, as some children are cared for by other relatives such as aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents, or older siblings.. “Home” also includes non-traditional “home” settings, for children who are living in foster care or in shelters. With that being understood, a strategic plan for Home Engagement takes on a critical role for the long-term benefit and support of all children.

School & community-based organization partnerships provide effective services and supports for children and youth with, or at risk for, mental health, substance use, child welfare, juvenile justice, medical, developmental, social or other challenges. These systems of care include home and community based services and supports that are individualized, coordinated, family driven, youth guided, and culturally and linguistically competent. 

The Nassau County Schools Mental Wellness Collaborative developed this guide to empower educators & school communities to address mental health issues affecting students, staff, and caregivers and to strengthen their mental fitness. Over 50 school & organization administrators and mental health professionals contributed to the strategic plan. It includes resources and culturally responsive practices in 5 key areas that raise awareness, build capacity, and cultivate partnerships.