ACS Mental Health Connector
August 2026
Dear ACS Students and Families,
Welcome to a new school year! The beginning of a new school year is filled with excitement, new opportunities, and fresh beginnings. It can also bring a mix of emotions, including nervousness, uncertainty, and stress. Whether your child is starting kindergarten, entering middle school, beginning high school, or returning to familiar classrooms, these feelings are a normal part of any transition. As we prepare for another year of learning and growth, it's important to remember that academic success and mental wellness go hand in hand. When students feel supported emotionally, they are better able to focus, learn, build healthy relationships, and reach their full potential.
Michael Ross
ACS Mental Health Services Coordinator
Here are a few simple ways to help make the transition back to school a positive one.
Establish a Routine: A consistent daily routine helps children feel safe, prepared, and confident. As summer comes to an end, begin easing back into school bedtimes and morning routines a week or two before school starts. We all enjoy those late summer nights and sleeping in, but making gradual changes ahead of time can make those first few school mornings much less stressful for both kids and parents.
- Prioritize Self-Care: A successful school year starts with taking care of both your body and your mind. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it's reading a favorite book, spending time outdoors, enjoying family time, or practicing mindfulness. Healthy meals, staying hydrated, regular physical activity, and getting enough sleep all play an important role in supporting emotional well-being.
- Set Realistic Goals: Encourage your child to set goals that are meaningful and achievable. Whether it's improving a grade, making a new friend, or staying organized, breaking larger goals into smaller, manageable steps helps build confidence and motivation. Remember to celebrate progress along the way; even small accomplishments deserve recognition!
- Practice Good Time Management: Help your child develop healthy time management habits early in the school year. Using a planner, calendar, or family schedule can help keep track of assignments, activities, and important dates. Planning ahead can reduce stress and make busy weeks feel much more manageable.
- Stay Organized: An organized space can help create an organized mind. Set up a quiet, clutter free area for homework and studying, and encourage your child to keep school supplies, backpacks, and important papers in designated places. A little organization can go a long way in helping students feel prepared and focused each day.
Collins, P. (2023, September 7). Back-to-school: Mental health tips for students to succeed. Oaks Integrated Care. https://oaksintcare.org/back-to-school-mental-health-tips-for-students-to-succeed/
We often hear about the many mental health benefits of exercise and physical activity. Staying active can reduce stress, improve mood, build confidence, and support overall well-being. However, for students involved in competitive sports, the pressure to perform, balance academics, and meet high expectations can sometimes lead to unique mental health challenges. Student-athletes may experience stress, anxiety, burnout, fear of failure, or difficulty coping with injuries and setbacks. While athletics can be incredibly rewarding, it's important to recognize that mental health is just as important as physical health. Parents and coaches play a vital role in creating a positive, supportive environment where student-athletes feel valued for who they are; not just for how they perform. By encouraging open communication, promoting balance, and recognizing when additional support may be needed, adults can help young athletes thrive both on and off the field. Here are a few practical ways parents and coaches can support the mental health and well-being of student-athletes:
- Spend time outside of training to be or get in attunement with the teen or young adult.
- Talk openly about issues and encourage them to educate themselves.
- Be conscious of language and the treatment of others.
- Treat their mental wellbeing as equal to their physical wellbeing.
- Make it a priority for yourself and lead by example.
- Focus on the positives and empowerment that can come from mental wellness.
Read More
Link: https://www.embarkbh.com/treatment/stress/causes-risk-factors/school-sports/
Michael Ross
Email: michael.ross@acs-k12.org
Website: https://www.acs-k12.org/departments/mentalhealth
Location: 100 U.S. Highway 31, Athens, AL, USA
Phone: 256-233-6600