“Why do I need to go back to school? I did better in remote learning anyway. Can I just stay home one more day? I promise I will go tomorrow. I really do not feel well, I cannot go to school today.” When we return to full-time classroom learning in the new school year, these […]
Mental Health in Education Blog
Understanding School Refusal Behavior
The last 18 months of highly modified school days have provided welcome relief for students who present with School Refusing Behavior (SRB). However, school professionals know that this respite did not cure school refusal but just provided a way for it to lay dormant. Come the new school year, when schools will likely be entirely […]
School Refusal: a Plan for Reintegrating Students
It’s official. As we turn our calendars to May, schools are beginning to reopen and will reopen fully in September 2021. Many students will be excited about returning. However, students who have struggled with the social and emotional issues that cause school refusal behavior (SRB) will have very different feelings about returning to the classroom. […]
Return to School: Addressing Mental Wellness
As we make preparations for the various ways of returning to school in person, we must also review the impact that coronavirus has had on students, families, staff, and administration.
Mental Wellness Culture in Schools: Why and How
Creating a positive school culture that supports mental wellness is a topic that’s getting increasing attention recently. It’s an idea that makes sense: when students feel supported and safe, they show up, they can focus on learning, and they’re more engaged. At the same time, school staff are also more engaged, effective, and satisfied in […]
PODCAST: Dealing With Grief
Welcome to our podcast: Conversations About Student Mental Health. I’m Chris Leonard, Clinical Social Worker working with adolescents for over 25 years. In this podcast, I talk with school administrators, educators, clinicians, and parents to open a dialogue that will help the growing number of students struggling with mental illness. Chris: In our most recent episode, […]