We hope your summer was filled with relaxation and joy, and that you’re feeling refreshed and ready for the new school year! Each issue of our SSS Mindful Minute Newsletter will aim to connect our school community, highlight NBPS voices, and share resources to promote mental health and well-being.

As we begin this school year, let’s remember how closely linked mental health and academic success are. Research, including findings from the American Psychological Association (APA), shows that mental health challenges like anxiety and depression can affect students’ concentration and overall performance. However, research also shows that a supportive and mentally healthy environment fosters better engagement and achievement. Each of us has an important role to play in the mental well-being of our school community.

As we begin this new school year and work towards promoting academic success, let's also make sure to prioritize the social, emotional, and mental health needs of all members of the school community.

Let’s work together to create that nurturing environment for our students.

We're all in this together and we can't wait to work with you this year!

While suicide prevention and awareness is important to address all year round, September is National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day is 9/10/24. This is a crucial time for raising awareness and fostering supportive conversations about mental health. Studies show that early support and intervention can make a huge difference. For instance, nearly 90% of individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Suicide is also one of the leading causes of preventable death in our nation. By staying informed and compassionate, we can help make a positive impact on our students' lives. This month highlights the importance of mental health and the role we all play in supporting those who may be struggling.

In addition to raising awareness, it's essential to highlight resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Launched as a nationwide, easy-to-remember number, 988 provides free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis. By simply dialing 988, individuals can connect with trained counselors who offer compassionate support and guidance. This lifeline is a critical tool in saving lives and ensuring that those in need receive the help they deserve during National Suicide Prevention Month and beyond.

Educators, in particular, have a vital role in this initiative. As trusted adults in students' lives, teachers and school staff are often the first to notice changes in behavior or mood. By fostering a supportive environment and noticing signs of distress, educators can make a significant impact. When all adults and students in the school community are committed to making suicide prevention a priority, and are empowered to take the correct actions, we can help youth before they engage in behavior with irreversible consequences. Please take a few minutes to watch the video below & learn about some of the warning signs to look for in students.

Our district has implemented several initiatives and protocols aimed at prevention and support. Our dedicated team of school mental health staff is always ready to provide immediate assistance and ongoing care.

Take 5 to Save Lives is a public awareness campaign run by the National Council for Suicide Prevention in support of public awareness events including World Suicide Prevention Day, National Suicide Prevention Month, and National Suicide Prevention Week. The goal of the campaign is to encourage everyone to take five action steps that focus on preventing the tragedy of suicide. Check out take5tosavelives.org to learn more.

This app is designed to offer immediate support and resources for students, staff, and families. It includes crisis hotlines, mental health resources, and easy access to support services. We hope this tool will be a valuable addition to our efforts in promoting mental wellness.

The app will be available for download and will also be able to be accessed online. It serves as a confidential and easy-to-use platform to seek assistance, refer peers who may be struggling, and access a wide range of mental health resources.

Be on the lookout for additional information!

This online sanctuary space aims to provide a peaceful retreat where you can take a mindful break, practice relaxation techniques, and rejuvenate your mind and spirit.

Whether you're a student needing a moment of calm or a staff member looking for a brief escape to recharge, the SSS Virtual Calm Corner is here to support your well-being. Our team will continue to update the site with resources in both English & Spanish, so make sure you visit throughout the school year and share this site with others!

We encourage you to visit our district website to access this tranquil resource and experience the benefits of mindfulness and relaxation by clicking the link or scanning the QR code below!

Schools can be the place where we destigmatize mental illness and teach students how to promote mental well-being. Will you take the mental health pledge to keep your own and your students’ mental health at the forefront of our minds and in the classroom for the academic year?

Each year, the WISE (Wellness, Intervention & Student Empowerment) Mental Health Team invites each member of our school community to pledge to promote mental health & wellness. Last year our district worked to "Crush the Stigma" surrounding mental health. Take a look at our district video below!

If you have already signed your 24-25 SY mental health pledge, please display it in your classroom so your students can see your support! This small gesture demonstrates our collective commitment to fostering resilience. Reach out to the WISE team if you need a copy of the pledge!

Every issue we will spotlight a member of our school community to celebrate their impact on mental health and wellness in our district.

In this issue, we are excited to highlight our superintendent, Dr. Johnson, whose leadership and unwavering support are instrumental in advancing our mental health initiatives and fostering a supportive environment.

Please click below to see Dr. Johnson sign the 24-25 SY Mental Health Pledge!

Let's continue to work together as a school community to create a culture that:

• provides support and interventions for students and staff
• promotes the practice of self-care and well-being
• expands awareness of mental health and ends the stigma
• and creates a school environment that prioritizes peace and kindness