Past projects 5
Supporting Mental Health in Middle Schoolers!
Funded Aug 20, 2024I am writing to express my heartfelt gratitude for your generous support in providing mental health resources for my middle school students. Your contribution has made an incredible difference in our ability to support the emotional well-being of the young minds we serve.
Middle school can be a challenging time for many students, and having access to these much-needed resources has allowed me to better equip them with coping skills, provide safe spaces for self-expression, and address their individual needs. Thanks to your kindness and generosity, I've been able to foster an environment where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
I've already seen positive changes in the way my students engage and approach challenges, and it's inspiring to witness the confidence they're building as they learn to navigate their emotions. None of this would have been possible without your belief in the importance of mental health and your willingness to invest in these young lives.
On behalf of myself, my students, and our entire school community, thank you once again for your thoughtful contribution. Your kindness is truly making a lasting impact.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hernandez
Ending the Stigma: Mental Health Matters!
Funded Sep 29, 2022My students and I are beyond thankful for the wonderful resources you provided for us this school year. As a Middle School Counselor, I am constantly seeking out activities, games, conversation starters, etc... in order to build my students mental health tool box. When the kiddos saw all of the new and fun items we received, they were very excited. They knew that they were going to be able to have fidgets to support them during their anxious moments, books to help them understand and process their feelings, journals to help them think and express deeper, toys to calm them and activities to allow them to break through those moments of confusion and feeling stuck.
My plan for my students is to continue supporting them through their moments and teaching them that mental health is just as important as their academics. Through the use of our supplies for this school year that you have graciously provided for us, my students and I will continue using the resources to learn about the transition from child to tween to teen, finding the words to express themselves when they're feeling unease and asking for a safe space with some weighted animals when things have become too much.
I want to continue teaching them that it is okay to talk about mental health and seek support if/when needed. This couldn't had been done with your support.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hernandez
This classroom project was brought to life by An Anonymous Classroom Supporter and one other donor.Mental Health and Self Love in Counseling
Funded Sep 23, 2021My students are having a great time with the materials provided to us. We are beyond thankful. Each day they start their day off with a less bit of stress by popping their calming fidgets, prior to class, students work on their affirmation cards and hold a card for a day that they want to focus on. During our sessions, are students are on it when it comes to building their self esteem through games and conversations from books and lessons plans. With some of the books provided, they've even become accustomed to reading it aloud to others to inform on topics other students may not be familiar about. They are on point and tremendously grateful! We appreciate you”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hernandez
This classroom project was brought to life by The DonorsChoose Community and 6 other donors.Mental Health Matters: My Students Matter
Funded Jul 21, 2019The resources that have been provided have worked wonders in the Counseling office. The awesome decor of the pillows and pillow cases have added a pop of color and motivational statements for my students. They often read them out loud any time they find themselves going through a rough time. They are also completely obsessed with the "getting to know you soccer balls" which have initiated so many conversations with new and returning students.
When the kids returned back to school and saw the many books, games and fidgets, they were amazed. They asked many questions such as "how did you get all of this" and "what should we play or read first"? They were very excited. As I explained to them the process of how Donors Choose works, they were grateful for the donors who chose to support in the many mental health resources provided.
As the year progresses, the 7th/8th grade students will be using some of the books that were provided to learn multiple strategies on dealing with anxiety. They will also
participate in a classroom lesson where they'll be teaching the younger students coping strategies that they've found beneficial for them during moments of stress, negative self talk and anxiety. The idea is to learn the concept and skill and continue teaching it to others in their community.
My students and I are extremely humble and appreciative of everyone who donated to this project.”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hernandez
This classroom project was brought to life by Google.org and 6 other donors.Motivating My Middle Schoolers: Counseling With Jenna!
Funded Jul 27, 2018Thank you for allowing my students the opportunity to have brand new books and games for their Counseling sessions. We have been using several of our books in counseling to better support the young teenagers through their physical and emotional growth.
With the new books, we have been able to do lessons with the girls and boys regarding their growing bodies and what to expect. During their small group sessions, the boys have had the time and space for "boy talk" where they can ask questions without being embarrassed or judged, and the same for the girls. We've also been working on self esteem, self confidence and self harm. During session, the students read the stories from the book provided and explain/role-play the situation. They then follow by having conversations with each other and how to support the student(s) when you see them struggling through similar situations.
During individual and group counseling sessions, the students read aloud the passage/story follow by role playing and creating a cause and effect scenario. The students then discuss a "what would've happened" if the characters had chosen a different choice.
Working with various grades provides me the opportunity to play around with my lessons and make them individual for that particular grade level. I see many students relating to the books, however, the students who are specifically struggling with personal situations that the book focuses on (Self Esteem, Anxiety, PTSD, Behavioral Struggles, etc...) are the ones who continuously ask to borrow the books or do activities, especially during individual sessions.
Again, thank you so much for this opportunity! You've made many young hearts and minds very happy this school year!!”
With gratitude,
Ms. Hernandez