The Mustang Wellness Report

October is here! The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and school is in full swing. It’s the perfect time to check in on mental health, academic progress, and well-being.

This month, we're focusing on balance, connection, and bulling awareness/prevention.

GMSD Policy 6.304

Bullying/Intimidation/Harassment - An act that substantially interferes with a student's educational benefits, opportunities, or performance, and the act has the effect of:

· Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property;

· Knowingly placing a student or students in reasonable fear of physical harm to the student or damage to the student's property;

· Causing emotional distress to a student or students; or

· Creating a hostile educational environment.

Bullying, intimidation, or harassment may also be unwelcome conduct based on a protected class (race, nationality, origin, color, gender, age, disability, religion) that is severe, pervasive, or persistent and creates a hostile environment

Bullying can happen at any age, and it can take many forms.

What Bullying Can Look Like in High School

• Subtle exclusion: Leaving someone out on purpose, whether in person or in group chats
• Rumor spreading: Online or face-to-face, it can be equally harmful
• Cyberbullying: Mean comments, threats, or embarrassing posts and screenshots
• “Jokes” that go too far: Teasing that makes someone feel unsafe or humiliated
• Power plays: Using popularity or social status to control or intimidate others

How Students Can Help:

• Be an upstander, not a bystander - speak up or get help if you see something wrong.

• Include others- especially someone who seems left out.

• Think before you post-Is it true? Is it necessary? Is it kind?

• Students with last names A–K: Dr. Tom Suchman
• Students with last names L–Z: Mrs. April Miller
• Counseling Intervention Specialist: Mrs. Denise Fisher
• Anonymous Alerts: Please see the information provided below

Germantown Municipal School District offers Anonymous Alerts®, a secure platform designed for students to report safety concerns, bullying, or other critical issues within our schools. This tool ensures your voice is heard while allowing you to choose anonymity or identify yourself.

The system allows for 1-way or 2-way anonymous encrypted communications between submitters (students, parents or community members) and district administration and/or school staff.

Click the picture above to access the anonymous alert reporting form.

October can feel a lot ...tests, projects, deadlines… it adds up fast. But you’ve got this! Here are a few ways to keep your balance:

✨ Stick to a routine – regular sleep, meals, and study time help your brain stay sharp.

✨ Plan it out – write down tests, homework, and due dates so nothing sneaks up on you.
✨ Speak up if you need help – teachers, counselors, and I are all here for you.
✨ Unplug daily – even 30 mins offline can give your mind a reset.
✨ Celebrate small wins – progress matters way more than perfection.

✨ Use fall break to recharge (October 13-17) – take the time to rest, reset, and come back stronger.

You’re doing better than you think... YOU'VE GOT THIS!

I’m here to help with:
✔️ Stress, anxiety, or peer conflicts
✔️ Grief or family changes
✔️ Referrals to outside counseling services
✔️ And more

📌 All services are confidential and require parent/guardian consent for ongoing counseling.