Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to changes in seasons.

Don't brush off that yearly feeling as simply a case of the "winter blues" or a "seasonal funk" that you have to tough out on your own. Take steps to keep your mood and motivation steady throughout the year.

Many people associate the holiday season with bright, twinkling lights and spending time with their families and friends. But that’s not always the reality for everyone. If you’ve noticed lately that you aren’t feeling the holiday spirit, it’s not just you.

December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month. Each year, millions of people struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but may not recognize the symptoms or know how to treat the disorder.

According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is a UN day that is celebrated every year on 3 December.

The day is about promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities at every level of society and development, and to raise awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

Disclaimer: The purpose of the Agora Cyber Charter School Virtual Calming Room is purely for educational purposes only. Individuals who access the Virtual Calming Room understand this website will not substitute for mental health interventions or mental health treatment. If you are in a crisis, you should contact emergency services and seek consultation of a licensed mental health professional.

The Student Assistance Program, or SAP, is mandated by the state of Pennsylvania to be in every school. It is a team of school personnel (school counselors, school nurses, school social workers, Family Coaches, teachers, etc.) who work together to identify and address concerns that may be interfering with a student’s ability to be successful in school.

The SAP team members have all received specialized training in providing Student Assistance Program services from the PA Department of Education and are trained to understand issues of mental health, chemical use and abuse, grief and loss concerns, housing insecurity, stress management, and many other potential barriers to learning. The SAP program is a systematic process to identify issues and mobilize resources where the problems are beyond the scope of the school. The goal is for the school to work collaboratively with the student, family, and community.

Agora Cyber Carter School offers a referral-based Student Assistance Program (SAP) that assists with connecting to supportive services for any student experiencing any academic, behavioral, and/or emotional difficulties that may pose as barriers to school success.