Welcome back to a new school year!
Each fall, we open our classrooms, our auditoriums, and our arenas, ready to offer an unparalleled experience in academics, the arts, and athletics for all our students. Additionally, we want to ensure we are taking care of the mental wellness of our students. This school year, I will touch base with you frequently to provide some tips on developing healthy #BRAVEminds.
While the start of school is filled with excitement and anticipation, it also means a return to busy daily routines. In our rush, it is important to be mindful of your child’s mental wellness. Here are some ways to make the transition easier, according to Nationwide Children’s Hospital:
1.
Get back into a routine. Gradually move your child’s bedtime and wake up time back to what they will be during the school year. Create a schedule for school days with your child. Talk about expectations for morning routines, as well as what the after school time will look like.
2.
Review your child’s expected schedule and routine. Review any changes (bus stop, school entrances, new building, etc.).
3.
Get organized. Designate a space at home for your child to do homework, store school items, etc.
4.
Talk about expectations for the year. Ask your child about their goals, concerns, and excitement for the upcoming year. Make a plan for when and how your child can ask for help if they need it.
These strategies can help set your child up for success this year. While the return to school is exciting for most students, it can cause worry and anxiety for others. We want you to know we are here to help.
The Indian Hill School District has a partnership with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital to provide school-based mental health services for students. If you think your child might benefit from school-based therapy, referrals may be directed to their school counselor. We have streamlined our
Brave Mental Health Resource page – which is located on our District website under “Students & Parents” – to provide you with immediate, easy access to contact information should you need support. Feel free to bookmark this page for future reference and review the information to see if our services could benefit your family.
We are excited to welcome you back to campus!
Dedicated to the success of our Braves,
Erica Leppert
Director of Pupil Services
Indian Hill School District
Photo caption: Indian Hill Director of Pupil Services Erica Leppert