NoStigmas

Cape Elizabeth Middle School along with the Thompson Family Trust Fund and CEEF, were excited to launch our first annual mental health & wellness initiative for the 2018-19 school year during National Suicide Awareness Week. The kickoff included a parent/community discussion lead by a panel of experts (9/13 6:00-7:00 pm in the CEMS library), followed by a school day (9/14) devoted to raising awareness and decreasing stigmas associated with mental health and wellness with educational events for our middle school students. NoStigmas, a global nonprofit organization, dedicated to raising awareness and erasing stigmas associated with suicide and mental illness, joined us on this day. This initiative will be carried out throughout the school year, meeting and supporting our students’ various needs.

Our theme for the year is:

You Will Be Found…@CEMS

The vision of this initiative is to create a school community that recognizes the importance of mental wellness and embraces the opportunity to create a foundation of advocacy, education, and awareness.

Our goals:

1. Empower students, staff, and parents to be proactive and confident in caring for themselves and others.
2. Provide tools and tips for improving mental health.
3. Introduce health resources in or near our school community.
4. Decrease the stigma around mental health.