Mental Health Services

Our mental health effects how we think, feel, and act. Burrell School District provides many services to help students struggling with mental health issues, including recently employing a designated, full-time school social worker, Miss Sarvey.

This is the first time the district has a full time social worker, so many of the services she provides are new to many students and staff.  After the Literature 12 classes finished their study of The Catcher in the Rye, Ms. Zoccole thought it would be a great idea to have Miss Sarvey come and talk to her and Mrs. Shaffer's class because of some of the difficult themes of the novel, including depression and suicide, which may be troubling to some students. Miss Sarvey's class presentation is saved to the right, but she came to discuss some of the services Burrell provides to support anyone who struggles with mental health. Miss Sarvey said, “My goal [of coming to Lit 12 classes] was to reinforce the fact that struggling with mental health is normal and that people are not alone in that experience. I also wanted students to know that if they are having difficulty with their mental health, that the feeling is not permanent and that there are people, inside and outside of school, that can help.” Ms. Zoccole added that different works of literature can help students deal with their own problems, "I think sometimes it shows us our feelings aren't uncommon, and to make them understand that they are not alone in their situation." She also mentioned that we do discuss difficult themes in class.  She replied, "It is important to be straight forward and honest with students.  They are mature human beings, and you have to treat them with respect and understanding."  

Miss Sarvey explained her job as a school social worker is multifaceted. She stated, "One of the biggest parts of my role is helping students and families connect with community resources, whether that is for mental health support, basic needs, or other things. Another large part of my role is connecting with students through one on one  support or small groups. I also work with the pupil services team, made up of the director of student services, the behavior specialist, school psychologist, and counseling interventionist, to strengthen and grow the social, emotional, and behavioral support that we have at school for Burrell students.” Miss Sarvey also said she wants to help students make better choices, "I work with students to help them identify their values, strengths, and how they want to portray themselves to the world. Once those are identified, students are better able to see if their choices align with those things that are important to them and make changes accordingly.” She said she wanted to be a social worker because she wanted to be a "safe person for students" and to help students get the help they need in order to "be the people they want to be." 

Remember that you are not alone, and there is always help available right here in our school building.  There are thousands of other kids your age that are struggling too.   Never be afraid to reach out.

988:  Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

In crisis?  Test HELLO to 741741:  Free, 24/7, confidential crisis support by text.