Your Poudre School District newsletter

Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023

A counselor at CLPE and her therapy dog lead a student yoga session.

A counselor at RMHS stands in the Wellness Center, a room with big, swinging chairs and other items that aid mental health.

Above images, clockwise: Yoga at Cache La Poudre Elementary School, Conversation Starter Postcards to help parents and guardians talk with students about mental health, and the Wellness Center at Rocky Mountain High School are PSD's district priority of Mental Health and Belonging in action.

The words Ask, Listen, Connect, with graphic images of a cell phone and message bubble, two message bubbles with hearts inside, and a thumbs up next to a globe.

A screenshot of a web page titled, "Mental health resources for students" with a photo of a hand writing on paper.

A screenshot of a web page titled, "Mental health resources for parents, caregivers," with a photo of student dropoff outside a school

A screenshot of a web page titled, "Mental health resources for staff," with a photo of counselors leading an info session.

Select the images above to reach the mental health resources web pages for students, parents, and staff.

New materials offer support, guidance for student mental health

Ask. Listen. Connect. You'll be seeing these three words in classrooms, gyms, cafeterias, libraries, and performing arts spaces across PSD this year as the district rolls out a series of new communications about Mental Health and Belonging.

The meaning of Ask, Listen, Connect is simple: if you know a student who is struggling, ask how they're doing, listen to their answer, and connect them with a trusted adult or mental health support if they need it.

A series of new posters, postcards, restroom stall newsletters, videos, morning announcements, slides for school screens, social media posts, and other materials talk about Ask, Listen, Connect and link to information about mental health services, starting difficult conversations, and the new materials. These materials were created with student input, and more student feedback will shape future content.

Visit the revamped PSD Mental and Behavioral Health web page here to learn more.>>

Teen girl in front of green background. Words on screen: Natalie, Senior, Fossil Ridge High School. Slides: You are never alone, there is hope. In school and struggling? Connect with a trusted adult. Not at school and struggling? Connect with a trusted adult. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat if you or someone you know needs support. Call, text or submit a tip to Safe2Tell (safe2tell.org) for safety concerns. How you can help: Ask how the other person is doing. Listen to their answer. Connect them with resources. Say, "It sounds like support might be helpful," then offer to connect them with resources or trusted adults. **If a student is in crisis, take them to a mental health professional, such as a counselor at your school, right away. Ask. Listen. Connect. We care about you. You belong in PSD. (QR code)

Video of teen boy in front of green background. Words on screen: Ken, Senior, Poudre High School. Nunca estarás solo. Hay esperanza. Si estás en la escuela y tienes dificultades: Conéctate con un adulto de confianza. Si no estás en la escuela y tienes dificultades: Conéctate con un adulto de confianza. Si tú o alguien que conozcas necesita ayuda, llama o envía un mensaje de texto al teléfono 988, o charla de forma escrita a través de 988lifeline.org/chat. En caso de tener inquietudes relacionadas con la seguridad, llama, envía un mensaje de texto o reporta tu preocupación en Safe2Tell (safe2tell.org). Cómo puedes ayudar: Pregúntale a la otra persona cómo se siente. Escucha su respuesta. Conéctala con los

PSD high school students recorded the videos above in English and Spanish to help educate their classmates about mental health resources and how to help themselves and their friends who may be struggling. The videos will be shown in all PSD schools by the end of this month.

Four boys stand in the stands of Canvas Stadium cheering on football players. One holds a football.

Students cheer at the inaugural 2022 Canvas Community Classic event at Colorado State University's on-campus stadium.

The Canvas Community Classic is back Oct. 6

The second annual Canvas Community Classic will take place Oct. 6 at Canvas Stadium. Games kick off at 4:30 p.m. with Fort Collins High versus Fossil Ridge High, followed by Poudre High versus Rocky Mountain High at 7 p.m. Follow this link to buy your tickets and find out more about the Canvas Community Classic.>>

Superintendent's Message: Every PSD student deserves strong academic outcomes

On the first day of school, I stopped by Mrs. Saunders’ art class at Laurel Elementary to wish everyone a happy new year. Standing at the front of the room in a navy suit, I heard something unexpected: “Did you just come from church?” That thoughtful and laugh-provoking question was from Martin, a second grader, who minutes later asked if my jacket was from Macy’s, happily put the jacket on, and took a photo with me.

A man in a white dress shirt and blue pants sits with his arm around a second-grade boy wearing a suit jacket, both smiling at the camera.

Superintendent Kingsley and Laurel second-grader Martin.

That moment showed me who Martin is: curious, courageous, and wanting to connect with others. Martin – and every one of our students – deserves opportunities to accelerate their learning and feel like they belong. Simply put, PSD exists for our students. We're about helping kids and young people pursue their dreams and experience strong outcomes.

Read Superintendent Kingsley's full message at psdschools.org.>>

Video description: Footage of new construction and students engaging in fun activities. Words on screen: School is back in session but summer wasn't that long ago. Here's a look at a few highlights from the summer. Youth Police Academy various locations. New landscaping Poudre Community Academy. STEMX Preston Middle School. Mamma Mia Fossil Ridge High School. Mobile Library Putnam Elementary. New playground Harris Bilingual Elementary. The MAC Bus various locations. Summer Music Program various locations. Have a great school year!

A group of younger students smile, as they eat from containers.

How PSD students, staff spent their summer

Summer may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime! To make sure everyone can check out the many great things that happened over the summer, PSD made this recap video filled with special moments from Summer 2023.>>

Make a difference: volunteer today in PSD schools

From re-shelving library books to conducting vision and hearing screenings, volunteers are needed to perform several tasks that support teachers and students across Poudre School District.

For those who are not yet registered to volunteer but want to help in our schools, please visit the Volunteers web page at www.psdschools.org/community/volunteers.>> We appreciate your help!

PSD sends frequent emails to currently registered volunteers, but those are sometimes lost in recipient's junk mail folders. If you are registered as a volunteer with PSD, please check your junk mail and mark those sent by "Volunteer Coordinator" as safe to receive.

Board President Rob Petterson sits with elementary school children at a lunch table.

PSD Board of Education President Rob Petterson eats lunch with elementary students in a cafeteria on the first day of school.

Board, Superintendent to host Community Engagement Sessions

The PSD Board of Education and superintendent invite members of the PSD community to participate in an upcoming community engagement session from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at in the Media Center at Webber Middle School. During this session, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in dialogue with Board of Education directors and the superintendent. Space is limited for the session! To ensure that all voices are heard in the session, please RSVP to participate by clicking this link.>>

In order to facilitate dialogue and allow for active participation by those in the room, there are a maximum of 20 seats available in the session, which will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP using the linked form as soon as possible to reserve your seat. The Board of Education and superintendent plan to hold additional community engagement sessions this fall. As these are scheduled, invitations will be distributed to the community. Keep an eye on PSD Now for information about these future sessions and the link to sign up.