As the need for mental health supports in schools increases, the Santa Ana Unified School District has launched its own “We Care, Get Help” campaign.
On Feb. 14, the Board of Education passed a new resolution recognizing every third Wednesday of February as the district’s annual “We Care Day” to unite the community in support of students in crises.
The month-long campaign is aimed at making students more comfortable seeking mental health assistance, increasing awareness of the warning signs of suicidal ideation, and sending a message of hope and care to all students, staff and families.
The festivities kicked off Feb. 15 with “We Care Day,” in which students throughout the district took part in special activities based on a student self-care calendar, a districtwide social media challenge and a themed spirit week to show what mental health awareness means to them.
The district also hosted a resource fair for students and families to learn about the mental health resources available through the Santa Ana Unified support services. In addition to student supports, school officials offered workshops for parents to learn about suicide prevention and the “We Care” campaign.
“Our students and our staff need to know who those resources are that they can turn to on a school campus, especially when every minute matters,” said Sonia Llamas, assistant Superintendent of K-12 school performance and culture, in a districtwide video.
Students, parents and staff throughout the district can receive support by contacting the Santa Ana Unified mental health helpline at 657-290-9527. Additional resources are available at sausdlearns.net/sausd-we-care.
Here are the other stories we’ve been following this week:
- A severe winter storm delayed the return of hundreds of OC students from outdoor science camps held in the mountains. The Orange County Register reported on Friday that students from at least two districts will remain at their camps for an extra day or two until driving conditions improve. All campers are in the care of their teachers and camp staff.
- Buena Park School District Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes will take on a new role as OCDE’s deputy superintendent, overseeing the Educational Services division and other academic supports.
- Anaheim Elementary School District Superintendent Dr. Chris Downing was honored with the 2023 Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education created by the Save the Music Foundation.
- A second-grade student from the Fullerton School District recently published her first book, titled “The Cat Princess,” which she wrote in memory of her late mother.
- The Ocean View School District has paused talks to consolidate four campuses after holding community meetings at each of the affected school sites.
- Mesa View Middle School teacher Sarah Roberts and Circle View Elementary teacher Joan Ashley were named Ocean View’s 2022-23 Teachers of the Year.
- Students served by a Placentia nonprofit have been awarded gifts like bicycles and skateboards for improving their grades. Funded by the Fullerton Elks Lodge, the program works with students in after-school education and dealing with food insecurity.
- On Mar. 9, the Orange County Department of Education will host a substitute teacher recruitment fair and offer free fingerprinting services as well as permit processing for the first 150 registrants.
- With the Ensure Justice conference coming up next month, county Superintendent Dr. Al Mijares reflects on the importance of efforts to prevent human trafficking in our communities and keep students safe.
- The Orange County Board of Education passed a resolution calling for an investigation into hiring, supervision and safety procedures at Orange County School of the Arts. As reported by the Register, the resolution follows lawsuits filed by former students alleging abuse.
- Garden Grove High School physics teacher Quang Luong is one of four teachers to receive a 2022 Carlston Outstanding Teachers of America Award. Honorees were nominated by former students and selected for their efforts in challenging school environments.
- The California Department of Transportation has named its new traffic cone mascot, “Safety Sam,” with help from a contest-winning submission by Huntington Beach sixth-grader, Miller Ruiz.
- In response to a complaint filed by a retired federal judge, the Fair Political Practices Commission said it will investigate whether an Orange County Board of Education member adequately disclosed all financial interests, the Voice of OC reported.
- A new state bill introduced last week would make computer science classes accessible to all high school students.
- A greater number of high school students will be able to earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement with help from a $5 million grant through the California Serves Program.
This is the part where we encourage you to keep up with local education news stories by bookmarking the OCDE Newsroom, subscribing for emailed updates and following us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.