Letter to CUSD families on mental health support

SPANISH VERSION

 

Dear CUSD Families,

We are deeply committed to each of our students and their families and we strive to ensure that every student acquires the social-emotional, academic, and career skills to reach their fullest educational potential. Beyond their educational career in CUSD, we desire that all of our graduates achieve success as healthy, responsible, competent and productive citizens who respect themselves and others.

Most of our students will spend 13 years at CUSD – from kindergarten to high school graduation. Inside our schools, our students will experience rigorous academics, a comprehensive school counseling program, and strategic investments in the extraordinary teachers, classified staff, and administrators who are focused on ensuring all of our graduates are continuous learners, engaged citizens, inspired leaders, skilled communicators, and innovative problem solvers. We desire our graduates to be happy and healthy. 

Unfortunately, inside and outside of school there are also many challenges and obstacles. Social media, bullying, substance abuse, and struggles with mental health are just a few of the significant issues facing our students.  

According to statewide data from the California Healthy Kids Survey (compiled during the 2018-19 school year), one-fifth of 5th graders report being sad most or all of the time, and about one-third of 7th and 11th graders report incapacitating sadness and 15 percent report contemplating suicide. 

We are here to provide your family with support and partnership and we want to share a few resources with you today.

One of our partners in this work to support our students, the Wellness & Prevention Center, has two wonderful resources for parents and teens on how to talk about mental health and substance abuse. Tips for these essential conversations can be found here.

Additionally, we are collaborating with the Alexander Neville Foundation to hold a virtual Town Hall meeting for all CUSD families, scheduled for Monday, March 13, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. More information can be found here.

Finally, there are ways to monitor and secure the internet at home, regardless of the device. You can find information here.

If your student needs assistance, please contact your school counselor for guidance. It’s ok to ask for help and we are here to support you and your family. 

Sincerely,

Ryan Burris
Chief Communications
and Public Engagement Officer

 

CUSD Counseling Program Wellness & Prevention Center CUSD Town Hall Securing the internet at home

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