STC Newsletter

***This schedule remains flexible for specific student and family needs and is subject to change. If you'd like to meet at another time, please call the Family Advocate for an appointment, 612-202-7366. The Family Advocate is available by appointment when school is not in session.

When it comes to mental health, small actions can make a big impact!
If you are worried about your mental health or someone you know, there are resources and people who are willing to help you, no matter what your situation is. Talk to a friend or family member, a teacher, a counselor, or our family advocate. If you want the support of a confidential and caring professional, call or text 988, the National Crisis Lifeline. It is a network of crisis center professionals that provide FREE and confidential emotional support for those in emotional and suicidal distress and those who know someone that is.

Talking about mental health helps promote acceptance and encourages others. Statistics show that the average delay from the onset of mental illness symptoms until treatment is 11 years. Don’t delay! Help is available. Be the one who helps break the stigma. What can you do when someone speaks up to you about their concern of a mental illness? Share resources, encourage them to seek professional help, or simply be there to listen when they need you. You can instill hope when they need it most. If you need help or want to talk to someone after a friend has confided in you, you can call or text 988 for supporting a friend.

Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. And it’s essential to your overall health and quality of life. You are responsible for caring for yourself. Self-care plays a big role in maintaining your mental health and helps support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness. SELF CARE means taking time to do things that help you live well and to improve both your physical health and mental health. SELF-CARE helps you manage stress, lowers your risk of illness, and increases your energy. The smallest acts of self-care in your daily life can have a BIG IMPACT! Your SELF CARE can be as simple as making sleep a priority. Resting is important to your growth, development and recovery at any age. As efficient or physically fit as your body may be, rest is required for it to restore and function properly. Self-care also includes focusing on positivity, staying connected to others, relaxing activities, enjoying a hobby and getting regular physical exercise. Self-care looks different for everyone, and it is important to find out what you need and enjoy. Eating regular healthy meals and staying hydrated are essential for your physical well being. Setting goals and priorities are also important daily to keep on track and achieve accomplishments. And finally, try practicing gratitude, there is always something to be grateful for. When you take care of yourself, your physical and emotional health improve; you become more resilient and can find ways to manage stress in a healthy and positive way. Taking care of yourself is your responsibility and an essential part of your mental health. What are you doing to nurture your mental health today?

Losing a loved one to mental health issues can leave families devastated and heartbroken. No matter how tough things may seem right now, there is always help available. If you or someone you know is in a crisis, offer to call #988 for immediate access to mental health services.

Start the journey to better mental health today with a free on-line screening, click here. Mental health conditions are real, common and treatable. Recovery is possible!

Last month, Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month was supported by the entire Mustang community! Students and Staff at VHHS/JH wore blue on Fridays to support awareness and the daily announcements included facts, tips and strategies for prevention and awareness. Blue Pinwheels for Prevention were sold in Blue Rapids and Waterville to support prevention and awareness of child abuse. Maggie Toerber, Senior, assisting Schools That Care as her Sr. Project, helped promote Pinwheels for Prevention with a video. See her video below.
Thank you the Waterville City Office and Waterville Community Connections and Riverside Market for your participation and support. It takes a village to keep children safe so that no child lives in fear. Thank you to our kind and loving community members, the pinwheels SOLD OUT at Riverside Market in BR!

To help make transition from Elementary to Jr. High more comfortable for students, Valley Heights upper classmen have volunteered to be matched as a Mustang Mentor to an incoming 7th grader. It's similar to a Big Brother Big Sister relationship. Mustang Mentors are chosen based on academic eligibility and recommendation from administration and staff. Mentors help not only by befriending their mentee but also offer comfort in making introductions to new teachers, classrooms, coaches, and navigating the secondary education landscape. Matches will be announced at 6th Grade Orientation on May 3.

Thank you to Titan Trailers for your support of this program for the second year by providing "Mustang Mentors Make a Difference" t-shirts printed at Jane and Elaine Boutique.

Give on-line anytime! If you want to make a difference with a tax deductible donation or contribution, please consider giving to Schools That Care. Schools That Care uses cash donations to provide for needs when donated items run low or don't fit the size necessary.

Talk to your tax preparer for specific information. It's easy to give via PayPal or with your credit/debit card. Use this link and view other ways to give. https://www.valleyheights.org/page/donations