What We Fund

January 2018 Update
Susan Flatmo, Ph.D., District Clinical Services Coordinator

5 WAYS MVLA SUPPORTS STUDENTS’ SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL WELLNESS  

Social-emotional wellness at our high schools is a district priority.

We recognize the connection between academic achievement and student wellness, and that student social-emotional wellness is a critical building block of overall well-being.

This is the first of monthly briefings we will send you to keep you informed of MVLA wellness services and initiatives.

Five ways we support our students

  1.    Access to Mental Health Support

We anticipate that about 10% of our students will have moderate to severe mental health concerns. Our small team of therapists helps students and families navigate community and private healthcare systems. Referrals to community partners and outside providers are made for students who present with symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, substance abuse, or who may need family therapy.

  1.     Wellness Workshops

We are implementing programs that foster students’ resilience, coping/problem solving skills, and connectedness, including Digital Safety and Affirmative Consent workshops.

  1.     Social-emotional Learning Curricula

Teaching students how to cope with adversity increases success and reduces mental illness. Social-emotional learning curricula is being strengthened through staff training and the introduction of student courses, such as Positive Psychology.

  1.     Stress Reduction and Creating a Sense of Belonging

Stress is mitigated and connection with others is strengthened through programs such as Wellness Week/Spartan PAUSE, Camp Diversity/Camp Mettamorph, Challenge Days, and support and empowerment clubs.

  1.     Strengthening Help-Seeking Behavior

Through student panels, the student referral process, and student resource cards, students are empowered to access care for themselves and each other when struggling.

We are grateful to the MVLA Board, MVLA Foundation, and the El Camino Hospital District for generously funding resources so we can meet students’ mental health needs.

As we enter the second half of this school year, many of your children — our students — will need us to be empathetic, resourceful and compassionate. For questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 510.387.6271 or by email: susan.flatmo@mvla.net.

With respect and gratitude,

Susan Flatmo, Ph.D.
Clinical Services Coordinator

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