Did you know we have a wellness room at MES? This is for students who are working through strong emotions. Using a variety of tools and resources, Mrs. Cherry helps students practice coping skills for emotional regulation. We hope to send students back to class ready to face the rest of the day with confidence.
When the amygdala (responsible for emotions and the “fight or flight” response) is under stress, the prefrontal cortex (responsible for reasoning, problem solving, comprehension, impulse-control, creativity and perseverance) is unable to function optimally. Creating a “space of calm” allows the amygdala an opportunity to reset. A wellness space provides students with a physical space to focus on self-care, develop healthy coping habits, and reduce their levels of anxiety and stress.
-UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools
SSSD Mental Health: March
Self-Care
"Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation." - Audre Lorde-
STUDENTS: Identify the healthy activities that help you when you feel down. Engage in them more often this month.
PARENTS: As a family, learn to use healthy coping strategies to promote happiness. Find what those are for each person.
SSSD Mental Health: February
Self-Compassion
"How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you." - Rupi Kaur
Students: Practice being as kind to yourself as you are to others.
Parents: Model self-compassion for your child by being kind to yourself. (Don't give voice to the inner critic)
SSSD January Mental Health
Connection: You Are Seen
Students: Look for opportunities to connect with others
Parents: Seek connection with your child, ask them "What was the best part of your day?"
Service
SSSD Mental Health
Look outside yourself and Serve!
Students: Perform acts of service each day.
Parents: Create opportunities to serve in your family.
SSSD Mental Health
November Theme: GRATITUDE
" It's not happiness that makes us grateful. It's gratefulness that makes us happy."
-Brother David Steindel-Rast
Parents: Practice gratitude at home; share daily with your child what you are grateful for.
Students: Everyday identify at least one thing you are grateful for.
SSSD Mental Health
October Theme: KINDNESS
It costs nothing, but means everything
Parents: Look for the good. Acknowledge your student's efforts when you see them being respectful.
Students: Know what respect is. Look for ways to show it at home and school.
At the school: Listen and participate in the Modern Manners Challenge