Parent Information

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At Graham County Schools, we are committed not only to the academic success of our students but also to their emotional and mental well-being. We understand that mental health is a crucial component of a child’s overall development, and we want to ensure that all our families are aware of the support systems we have in place.

Our schools offer several services to support student mental health, including:

• School Counseling Services: Each school has trained counselors available to speak with students individually or in small groups, offering a safe space to express thoughts and emotions.

•  School Social Workers:  Our school social workers support students' academic and emotional well-being by addressing social, behavioral, and family challenges that impact learning. They collaborate with families, educators, and community agencies to connect students with the resources and support they need to succeed in school.

• The Noble Knights Program: This initiative focuses on character development, peer support, and positive behavior reinforcement. Through Noble Knights, students learn empathy, resilience, and strategies for managing stress and emotions.
  
  

We also believe that awareness is a powerful tool. Being able to recognize signs of mental health challenges early can make a significant difference in a child's life. Below are some common signs and symptoms that may indicate a child is struggling with their mental health:

• Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they once enjoyed
  
  

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or mood swings
  
  

• Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits
  
  

• Difficulty concentrating or a drop in academic performance
  
  

• Talking about feeling hopeless or worthless
  
  

• Physical complaints such as headaches or stomach aches with no clear cause
  
  

• Increased anger, agitation, or impulsive behavior
  
  

• Self-harm or talk of self-injury
  
  

• Mention of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
  
  

We encourage all parents to familiarize themselves with these signs and to reach out if you have any concerns about your child.

To support you, we’ve created this page that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of the signs and symptoms listed above
  
  

• Contact information for school counselors and mental health professionals
  
  

• Emergency phone numbers and local resources for immediate help
  
  

• Tips for how to start conversations with your child about mental health

If you have questions or would like to speak with someone directly, please don’t hesitate to contact your school’s main office or counseling department.

Together, we can help our students grow into healthy, strong, and resilient individuals.

Do you need help with your mental health? If you don't know where to start, this infographic may help guide you. https://go.usa.gov/xGfxz  #shareNIMH

Attention Parents!
If your child is covered by Medicaid in North Carolina, there are some valuable resources available to help you get the best care possible, and make sure you’re getting all the benefits you're eligible for!

Extra Perks with Healthy Blue:

Healthy Blue offers Value-Added Services that go beyond regular Medicaid coverage, things like extra support for your child's health and wellness.
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Need help deciding which Medicaid plan is right for your child? This tool lets you compare plans side-by-side.
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Already have a doctor you love? Make sure they accept your plan or search for a new one.
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