It is our goal to ensure that students receive mental health services both in school and out of school. Therefore, district mental health staff would like to make families aware of the following supports and programs, as well as community-based mental health resources to help ensure that students (and parents) are provided the continual support that they need. Maple Hill Jr./Sr. High School and Castleton Elementary’s Social Worker, Counselors, and School Psychologist will still be available to support students and families. Please feel free to email staff and we will respond and set up times to communicate.

In the event of an emergency

Dial 988 for immediate mental health support.

Dial 911 for an immediate medical or life-threatening situation.

STOPit Anonymous Reporting

Schdoack Central School District uses STOPit, an online anonymous reporting system designed to deter bullying, discrimination and other inappropriate or unsafe behaviors among students. They can use STOPit to reach out for help if they or a peer are facing a personal crisis, experiencing bullying, or are otherwise in need of assistance. STOPit consists of a website, a mobile app and a back-end incident management system for our school administrators. Find out more about using STOPit here.

Mental Health & Wellness Support Staff

Michelle Stilson, Social Worker – mstilson@schodack.k12.ny.us
Beth Mueller, School Psychologist- bmueller@schodack.k12.ny.us
Lisa O’Leary, School Counselor (Grades 7, 9, 11) – Loleary@schodack.k12.ny.us
Teresa Hebert, School Counselor (Grades 8, 10, 12) – Thebert@schodack.k12.ny.us
Tara O’Grady-Day, School Counselor (CES)- togrady-day@schodack.k12.ny.us
Jennifer Sober, Social Worker, CES- JSober@schodack.k12.ny.us
Lauren Friedfel, School Psychologist, CES- lsimon-friedfel@schodack.k12.ny.us

Be mindful that children and teens will take their lead from you on how worried they should be. Modeling calm and good practices can go a long way in ensuring children feel safe. For younger children who may not be able to critically analyze the information presented, it is important to monitor how much they are overhearing (including news reports). Maintaining an open dialogue on things going on in the world and their life is a good practice for all ages. Periodic “check-ins” with your children on how they are feeling and coping is important- don’t assume they will always know how to come to you to discuss concerns or fears.

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

HOW DO I TALK TO MY CHILD ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH?

Parentguidance.org – Offers courses and resources for parents who may need assistance with speaking to their child about mental health-related topics

Button reading Parent Guidance.org mental health resources. Button has two figures embracing in the middle of it.

WAYS TO SUPPORT KID’S MENTAL HEALTH OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION APPS AND RESOURCES

SUBSTANCE ABUSE RESOURCEs

FOOD INSECURITY RESOURCES

DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT