Garden City schools recognize Mental Health Awareness Month
Garden City schools recognized Mental Health Awareness Month with a range of thoughtful activities and themed lessons that helped students understand the importance of emotional well-being.
At Locust School, first grade students explored mental health through a creative, technology-enhanced lesson that combined storytelling, art, writing and calming strategies. Centered around the book “My Magic Breath,” the lesson guided students in learning how to take a "magic breath"—a simple mindfulness technique to help manage feelings of anger or frustration. After reading and discussing the book, students illustrated something they think about to shift their mindset when they are upset.
To extend the activity, students used ChatterPix Kids to bring their drawings to life. This simple, kid-friendly app allowed them to record their voices and animate their illustrations, giving their calming thoughts a voice. By integrating technology into this mental health lesson, students were able to build communication skills, imagination and confidence through expressing themselves in a low-pressure and creative way.
Stratford School honored Mental Health Awareness Month with a Wellness Week held on May 19-22. Spearheaded by school social worker Kristyn DeMartinis, the week focused on caring for both body and mind. Each day featured a themed video, worksheets and hands-on activities—ranging from “Mindful Monday” and “Tuneful Tuesday” to “Mindful Art Wednesday” and “Wear Green Thursday” to raise awareness for mental health.
To honor Mental Health Awareness Month, Garden City High School shared daily morning announcements—also featured in the digital daily bulletin—highlighting coping strategies and positive affirmations to help students start each day on a healthy, mindful note. Each day introduced a new tool or message focused on emotional well-being. Additionally, peer educators, who received specialized training under the guidance GCHS social worker, Dina Grappone, visited 11th-grade classrooms to lead presentations on mental health and suicide prevention.
These activities across Garden City schools provided students with age-appropriate tools to support their mental health while also helping them understand the importance of caring for their emotional well-being.
