Information

Dear Viking Families and Community Members:

I am thrilled to announce a new student support initiative that has been in development for a few months. This Amundsen-specific initiative to support the social, emotional, and mental health needs of our students is driven by Viking staff and parents who are experts in the mental health and medical fields. Youth mental health issues were rising at an alarming rate pre-pandemic; however, since the pandemic began, the number of teens who are experiencing feelings of anxiety, fear, depression, isolation, and helplessness has risen dramatically. Educators and mental health professionals around the world are scrambling to cobble together limited resources and supports to ensure that every student is provided needed supports. At Amundsen, our community has come together to create a strategic response these issues.

You may recall that a few months ago, I sent out an appeal to Viking parents who work in or adjacent to the medical and/or mental health fields to identify themselves for the purpose of addressing mental and emotional health supports for our students. The response was astounding and has led to numerous conversations and planning sessions on a variety of topics. At the core of this initiative is a desire to balance the covid-impact response to expand beyond medical considerations by allowing time and space to deeply reflect on the social, emotional, and mental health needs of our students.

Approximately 35 parents have been collaborating with Amundsen’s administration, counselors, and social workers to create strategies that support the social, emotional, and mental health of our students. The strategies are varied and at some point create participation opportunities for all of our stakeholders.

Strategy 1 - Teen Mental Health Expert Panel Discussions

We plan to host a series of panel discussions for Amundsen families and community members that will be led by local experts who understand the impact of the teenage experience during a pandemic. Attendees will learn more about available resources that promote wellness. This event is open to the community, at large. Parents will receive emails with additional information when sessions are offered.

Strategy 2 - Parent to Parent Meet Up

The goal of these sessions is for our parent professionals to create a safe space for other parents to talk about what they and their teens are experiencing in our “new normal.” Participants will learn more about available resources that support feelings of wellness for parents and students. Restricted to Amundsen parents. Parents will receive emails with additional information when sessions are offered.

Strategy 3 - Schoolwide Mental Health Awareness

The goal of this part of the initiative is to create an ongoing series of school based, school-wide activities that promote the destigmatization of social-emotional and mental health issues, allowing our teens to be more comfortable with understanding, discussing, and advocating for themselves. During these activities, students will learn strategies for coping with a host of challenges that impact feelings of physical, emotional, and mental wellness.

Strategy 4 - Staff Development

On an ongoing basis, our experts will provide information and resources to staff that support new learning and improved understanding of the ever evolving nature of student social, emotional, and mental health needs.

We thank you for your support and your trust in us.

Thank you very much,

Anna Pavichevich, Principal

Amundsen High School

May 1, 2022