SCH Gears Up for Mental Health Awareness Month

Students across the Upper, Middle, and Lower Schools are wearing green today for Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) and, throughout the month of May, engaging in activities focused on well-being. 

The Upper School is embracing the theme "Play More, Thrive More" during MHAM, encouraging students to rediscover the benefits of play for mental health. "Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a lifelong tool for supporting mental health. It helps reduce stress, boost mood, and strengthen our connection with others,” say Jessica Owens and Dr. Lauren Webb, our Upper School Social Emotional Support Team. Throughout May, the Upper School will host various activities, with participation earning students raffle tickets for Wawa gift cards, which will be announced every Monday during assembly. Counselors encourage students to "pause, reconnect, and care for ourselves and each other," reminding them that "sometimes, the best way forward is to simply press play."

Meanwhile, the Middle School has adopted the theme "Turn Awareness into Action," emphasizing active participation in promoting mental health. They will also host a series of events throughout May, including the SCH Mental Health Lunch Club, Healing Hearts Lunch Club, Just Dance sessions, a visit from therapy dogs (an all-school activity, which Upper and Lower Schools will also benefit from), Power Stones activities, and Lego Lunch. A MHAM table in the lobby will offer stress balls, bookmarks, stickers, and buttons. Dr. Sandra Tecosky encourages students to actively participate in these events as a form of self-care to create "a supportive environment where everyone feels heard and valued."

The Lower School will learn more about mental health and MHAM at this month’s assemblies, says Holly Harris, Lower School counselor. Teachers will emphasize self-care and “the importance of caring for our bodies, minds, and hearts,” says Harris.

SCH is embracing Mental Health Awareness Month as an opportunity to highlight the importance of mental well-being, reduce stigma, and promote support and belonging within our community. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed annually since its founding by Mental Health America in 1949.