Support student mental health and reduce stress

Funded Sep 21, 2024

Thank you so much for providing these resources to my students. I work with students of all abilities, often having things like pencils and chargers available can be what keeps my students on track. These resources prevent the need for students to leave the classroom, or feel as though they aren't able to complete their work on time. Feeling unprepared can create an immediate boundary, for students academically. Already, in every class I have students are able to use their Google Chromebooks regardless of how charged it arrived. This has kept many of my students on track with the class and up to date with their work. Extension cords keep students in the seats that best fit their needs, while still being able to use the chargers. Additionally, students who have had chronic cell phone use are willing to put their phones on the chargers. This helps them keep their phone charged all day, and helps us keep them focused on academic tasks as the chargers are away from their seat.

The care and comfort items such as lotion and tissues have been most helpful, considering cold season is already upon us! Students have commented gratefully on having the "nice tissues" in class to use. The lotion is also most appreciated. Our school is racially diverse. For many students, having access to lotion when they feel their skin is dry, or ashy allows them to be more comfortable and confident. It also creates a welcoming environment in which they know their needs, beyond just academic, are cared for.

Perhaps, most exciting for myself is the Jennette McCurdy memoir. It has already been scheduled into our memoir unit. We are looking forward to reading excerpts focused on the relationship between mother and daughter, pressures placed on children, and the grief that comes from a complex relationship coming to an end. Students will have a fresh and relevant perspective to analyze in class from a known figure. I am already anticipating thoughtful and engaging class discussions surrounding this book. Students will take inspiration from what we read and use it to develop their own personal narrative essays.

Thank you again for your support of my students. I am a firm believer that mental health is one of the most challenging barriers to student success. Having resources and supplies to address student mental health not only makes the classroom more welcoming and safe for students, it also allows them to be successful academically. The impact of your support is truly immeasurable.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Topel