Kirsten Perry, SEL Specialist with Chicago Public Schools and the President of the Illinois School Counselors Association, discusses the evolving role of school counselors in addressing student mental health. Following the ASCA model, school counselors are taking a larger role in Social-Emotional Learning and being more proactive in student development. About Kirsten Kirsten Perry is […]
Physical Education is a key area to help bridge this divide with students. By highlighting the impact on their mental health while engaging in physical activity, students of all ages are able to understand that good physical health can promote good mental health. Physical Activity When your students are engaging in PE – drop in […]
The sirens are blaring and the lights are flashing – are schools paying attention? Article after article is warning us of a dangerous trend: adolescent anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation is rising: Starting in April 2020, emergency room visits for mental health concerns are up 31% for 12-17 year olds (1). 56% of teens report […]
Download the PDF > Abstract The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC, pronounced “wisk”) Model is an ideal framework for school communities to assess, plan and implement healthy school policies in a coordinated fashion. Erika’s Lighthouse supports this model in its attempt to create cultural change within schools to boost the physical and mental […]
I am the parent of a suicide survivor. Even typing these words brings on a whirlwind of emotions. I remember the day my son attempted to take his life and the shock and sadness I felt that somehow I had completely failed him. How did I not see that he was hurting so badly, that […]