Our Independence school counselors and Unified Mental Health Team will continue to provide academic, college/career, and social-emotional support to all students, regardless of whether they have chosen hybrid or distance learning.
To help facilitate safe and socially-distanced support, we ask that students requesting to meet with their school counselors request a meeting via email or through our Bookings link. Our team will hold all in-person meetings in spaces large enough to accommodate social-distancing, while still maintaining confidentiality. We will continue to meet with students participating in distance learning through Google Meet.
We respect your time in class. When at all possible, we will try to meet with you on Mondays or during your study hall so as to minimize the time you miss valuable instruction.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please dial 911 and communicate with a trusted adult as soon as possible.
We acknowledge that the impact of the current global pandemic has been significant for many of our students. They have missed out on milestone markers and friendship opportunities, and some have faced family loss and economic hardships. We often have different responses in the face of crisis situations. For some students, you may not have noticed any significant changes in their day-to-day functioning, save for being home significantly more. For others, however, you may have concerns about their mental and emotional well-being. Mental health concerns in children, teens, and adults have risen in the wake of this pandemic. While there are many potential responses to this global crisis, there are some key changes to look out for.
Change in mood (e.g., angry or sad easily) or behavior (e.g., withdrawing more)
Poor sleeping at night or difficulty staying awake during the day
Changes in weight or eating patterns
Difficulty with memory, concentration, or thinking
Appearance changes (e.g., hygiene)
Increase in risky behaviors
Overwhelming stress or anxiety
Thoughts of suicide or death
When faced with challenges, we can turn to the people, activities and practices in our life that bring us strength. LCPS partners with the Sources of Strength program as a model for building resilience and finding a way forward in difficult times. By increasing our connection to the eight protective factors that make up the Sources of Strength Wheel, we are better prepared to respond to stress. LCPS is committed to supporting our students in finding success as they navigate the stressors and changes of the pandemic. Our UMHT members are available to meet with you to discuss your student’s specific needs. Below you will find links to a variety of resources providing tips for supporting your student.