Mental Health Awareness Month

At Hudsonville Public Schools, our Mental Health Therapy Team is committed to helping every student feel safe, connected, and supported.

This year, Mental Health America's theme is "Turn Awareness into Action." It's a reminder that understanding mental health is just the first step—what really matters is what we do with that awareness.

Taking action starts at home—with your family, your student, and your connections in the community. This newsletter includes links and resources to help you take that next step, whether it’s starting a conversation, finding support, or building healthy habits.

If you or someone you know needs help, please reach out to our mental health team at any time.

Whole Child Wellbeing:

When looking at mental health, we see the whole child, and the impact one or more of these can have on their well-being. Consider your child's sleep, nutrition, exercise, emotional health, sensory needs, sense of love and belonging, community involvement, learning needs and spirituality.

Community and Belonging:

Being connected to a supportive community is essential for mental health and well-being, especially for children and families. Kids thrive when they feel like they belong.

By fostering a sense of belonging in our homes, schools, neighborhoods and community, we all help students develop confidence and resilience they need to thrive!

• Encourage your child to engage in their interests and find community activities that support these

• Support healthy friendships

• Have open conversations with your kids to express their feelings; letting them know they are heard and their experiences are valued

Emotional Recognition, Regulation and Resilience:

Children need help learning to recognize and manage their emotions. This starts with noticing how they feel, naming those emotions, and understanding what causes them. With your support—whether it’s validating their feelings or modeling calm responses—they can develop the tools to handle life’s ups and downs with confidence.

Support and Resources:
You don’t have to figure it all out alone. If your child or family needs support, there are many local resources in Ottawa and Kent Counties. And remember, your school’s mental health team is always here to help.

The Skills of Emotional Intelligence

R - Recognizing emotions in oneself and others

U - Understanding the causes and consequences of emotions

L - Labeling emotions with a nuanced vocabulary

E - Expressing emotions in accordance with cultural norms and social context

R - Regulating emotions with helpful strategies

https://www.hudsonvillepublicschools.org/student-services/mental-health-therapy