I love the Staples Office Supply commercial that features a joyful parent, merrily pushing a shopping cart while singing “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” while her children look like Eeyore from the Winnie the Pooh books. That commercial reminds me that back to school time can mean different things depending on your perspective – from joy to dread. As a parent to a rising Hillsborough High School Junior, I’m in both camps this year: thrilled Corey is going back while at the same time, sad that the school stressors will begin again. I’m probably not alone with these mixed feelings. Kids and parents are excited about the possibilities a new year brings, while nervous about things like bullying and high-stakes testing.
If I’ve learned one thing, it’s this: Being a student or the parent of a student isn’t easy in today’s world and there are so many things that impact a child’s success in school and by extension, success as an adult.
Similar to the start of the last school year, I had the honor of being the keynote speaker to over 400 student services staff from Hillsborough County Public Schools. These school social workers and school psychologists provide emotional and educational support to our children. The first thing I did was thank them for helping our kids. The second thing I did was remind them that a network of support is available to students, teachers, and parents through a phone call to 2-1-1.
I think all of us know there is a tremendous burden placed on our schools. We know that crises and life challenges create barriers that can keep kids from achieving their full potential. Though the primary goal of school is academic instruction, school districts across the state are now required to provide behavioral health instruction to all middle and high school students during the 2019-2020 school year.
As a parent and a children’s mental health advocate, this is AWESOME news. However, it cannot be the Hillsborough County Public Schools’ sole responsibility to educate our students and their families about behavioral health. I attended the meeting last week to remind these student service rock stars that this burden doesn’t solely rest on their shoulders. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay is the community’s gateway to help, hope, and healing. A simple phone call to 2-1-1 can start a process where not only behavioral health information is provided, but CONNECTION and ACCESS to resources and services can begin.
So in addition to my presentation, we made sure that each student services staff member received enough 2-1-1 cards for every student in their school. Over 180,000 cards are being distributed across the school district. HUGE thanks to our Corporate Partner, TECO, for providing the funds to print these life-savings cards!
Hoping it is truly the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year”,
Clara
