Hello North Lake Families,

We are in the business of teaching students important academic and life skills here at school.  Sometimes in order to be able to do this there is a need to help students and families address mental health needs in order for the student to fully access those academic strengths.

Here at school I talk with all students about mental health and suicide prevention topics in developmentally appropriate ways.  With the younger students, we have lessons about who to talk to or what to do if you are feeling sad, frustrated, or angry.  In the older grades we will have more direct conversations about what to do if a friend talks about suicidal thoughts or if you are struggling.

These are the lesson topics that we cover at each grade level.

K: Identifying feelings and how to express them

1: Problem solving tools and how to manage worries

2: Feelings – healthy and unhealthy ways of expressing them

3: Effective communication – how to ask for help

4: Support system – who and when to ask for help

5: Support Network lesson – who to talk to in different difficult situations

6: Stress management and who to talk to if your feelings are getting overwhelming

7: Education on ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell)

8:  Discussion about mental health and ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell)

One way that you can follow up with this at home is to talk about that ACT acronym.  It is the way that we should all respond if we have a worry about a friend.  It can be applicable at all ages!   Let your friend know you notice there is a problem, that you care about them and will assist them in getting help by telling an adult.  Above all, do SOMETHING.  ACT!

As always, let me know if there is anything I can do to support your child!  We partner with the GALS Institute.  They provide the opportunity for students to see a therapist here at school to make appointments easier to access.  Let me know if you have any questions about this!

Jill Lesch

School Counselor

lesjil@northlakeschool.org