Our goal is to provide our community with education and resources surrounding substance misuse and mental health prevention. We will be using this to highlight our initiatives, educational information, upcoming events, and more!

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s RecoverMe campaign connects young adults with resources that help them manage their substance use and mental health challenges, together. Designed for those who want to be or are in recovery, the campaign provides resources to support them through these interconnected journeys.

RecoverMe was developed in response to 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data that young adults report the highest unmet need for both substance use treatment and mental health treatment. In the past year:

• The percentage of people aged 12 and older with a substance use disorder in the past year was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (27.1% or 9.2 million people); and
• The percent of adults aged 18 or older who had any mental illness in the past year was highest among young adults aged 18 to 25 (33.8% or 11.5 million people).1

RecoverMe encourages those in recovery to seek the support that feels right for them, lean on an active recovery community, and view recovery as an avenue to further enhance their overall wellbeing. The mission of the I³ team aligns closely to this campaign's initiative to support mental health and substance misuse.

Help I³ and Bellevue spread the word about RecoverMe and connect young adults to resources that will help them maintain their recovery. Share the campaign across your channels to reiterate to young adults that recovery is possible for everyone.

Visit the RecoverMe website to learn more about the campaign and how to get involved.

1. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). (2023). 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

The SMILE Club kicked off the New Year by creating positivity posters to hang throughout the middle and high schools. The students have worked diligently to create posters with positive statements and affirmations. The posters are located throughout the hallways, and can be seen in bathrooms as well.

Decision-making can be tricky when we feel peer pressure or are in an awkward situation. It helps to practice thinking through what you might do in different situations and thinking through alternative responses. To say no to peer pressure, remember to be assertive and directly state "no thanks" or "not for me," while clearly expressing why you're not comfortable for not participating, and if necessary, excuse yourself from the situation and suggest other activities. Remember that it's okay to prioritize your own values and comfort over trying to fit in.

Key points to remember when saying no to peer pressure:

• Be direct and firm:
  

  Use simple phrases like "No, I'm not going to do that" or "I'd rather not."

  
  

• Give a reason (optional):

  If comfortable, explain why you don't want to participate, like "I have to be home early tonight" or "That doesn't align with my values."

  
  

• Use "I" statements:

  Express your feelings without blaming others, like "I feel uncomfortable doing that" or "I don't want to be pressured into this."

  
  

• Suggest alternatives:

  If possible, propose a different activity that you're willing to do instead.

  
  

• Body language matters:

  Maintain eye contact, stand tall, and use a confident tone of voice.

  
  

• Walk away if needed:

  If the pressure persists and you feel uncomfortable, calmly excuse yourself from the situation

The December meal kit was sent home on Tuesday, 12/17. A total of 36 families (163 family members, including 75 students) signed up to receive the meal kit, prevention information, games, resources, etc.

We're looking forward to our next meal kit in February! Please sign up below if you are interested in receiving the meal kit. If you have previously registered, it is important to re-register for each meal kit moving forward.

Our goal is to provide 50 meal kits!

Pursuit #1

Consistency is hard. Have each person in the family commit to 1 thing they will do each day this week. Maybe it is flossing, drinking a certain amount of water, getting to bed at a certain time, limiting screen time, or exercising. Create a place where each person can tally their progress and see who can keep their streak going the longest!

Pursuit #2

We have all demonstrated Perseverance in our lives. Many of us have seen people practice Perseverance in ways that have inspired us. Stories are powerful tools for connecting as a family. Protect time this week to share stories about Perseverance with each other. You can use these story prompts to get started:

• "A time I (or someone else) showed Perseverance was _____."
• "An act of Perseverance that changed/challenged me was _____."

At the end of the conversation, think of one way you can practice Perseverance this week. Below are some ideas!

S: Stop. Whatever you’re doing, just pause momentarily.

T: Take a breath. Re-connect with your breath. The breath is an anchor to the present moment.

O: Observe. Notice what is happening. What is happening inside you, and outside of you? Where has your mind gone? What do you feel? What are you doing?

P: Proceed. Continue doing what you were doing. Or don’t: Use the information gained during this check-in to change course. Whatever you do, do it mindfully.

Why Not You?

Written by Ciara and Russell Wilson & Illustrated by Jessica Gibson

It can be hard to imagine and make our biggest dreams come true, but don’t give up – determination and Perseverance will get you through!

Recommended for Preschool through 3rd grade

Hatchet

Written by Gary Paulsen

Brian is left alone in the wilderness after surviving a plane crash. With true determination, he finds a way to survive on his own.

Recommended for 6th through 8th grade

JANUARY

• 01/21 - I3 Advisory Meeting

• 01/22 - Self-esteem Groups @ GES

• 01/24 - National Compliment Day

• 01/28 - NKCES Trauma Make & Take

• 01/29 - SMILE Club Concession Stand Fundraiser

• 01/29 - Chinese Lunar New Year

• 01/30 - Video Campaign Kickoff

FEBRUARY

International Boost Self-esteem Month

Black History Month

• 02/03 - SAMHSA's National Prevention Day

• 02/03 - SMILE Club Concession Stand Fundraisers

• 02/07 - Pop the Stigma Initiative (partnered with Perfetti Van Melle)

• 02/10 - SMILE Club Concession Stand Fundraiser

• 02/14 - Valentine's Day

• 02/17 - Random Acts of Kindness Day

• 02/18 - Dinner Table Project #3

• 02/19 - SMILE Club Concession Stand Fundraiser

• 02/21 - Spill the Tea

January is National Thank You Month—a time to reflect on those who’ve made an impact in our lives and express gratitude.

We are so thankful for your dedication to our students and community. Your efforts inspire learning, growth, and compassion every day.

The practice of gratitude improves our overall mental well-being. Check out these articles to learn about the impact of gratitude on our brain:

• “Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier”, Harvard Health
• “If You Feel Thankful, Write it Down. It’s Good for Your Health”, NPR
• “When Looking for Happiness, Find Gratitude”, NAM
• 7 Surprising Benefits of Gratitude”, TIME

This month, we encourage you to reflect on the support you’ve received and take a moment to say thank you to those who’ve made a difference. If you or a family member needs extra support, remember that Bellevue Independent Schools partners with Care Solace to provide quick and confidential access to mental health resources.

• Call 888-515-0595, available 24/7 in over 50 languages.
• Visit caresolace.com/bellevue to connect with care providers.

Thank you for all you do to make Bellevue Independent Schools a strong and caring community.