Supporting Mental Health & Wellness
HCPSS promotes the mental health and wellness of each of our students to develop their unique strengths, abilities, and characteristics towards success and well-being. Staff consider the variety of factors that impact a student’s functioning such as age, cultural background, social emotional skills, academic outcomes, and access to resources.
Learn more about the HCPSS Model for Mental Health Supports in Schools
Recent Acts of Violence in School Communities
In a message to students, staff and families, HCPSS Superintendent Dr. Michael Martirano responded to recent school shootings in Nashville and Denver, and to reports of violence in the Baltimore-Washington area on and around school campuses.
Seeking Immediate Help
If you or someone you know is having suicidal or thoughts of self-harm, or has taken/ingested drugs or alcohol and is in danger of overdose:
- Call 911
- Call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Line
- Seek immediate help from a health care provider
Behavioral/Mental Health
Parents/guardians, family members or friends who are concerned about a child/student’s safety, well-being or health should reach out to their school administrator and/or student support team.
Substance Abuse
HCPSS provides substance abuse prevention and intervention services for any students in need, and specifically around tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Traumatic Events
HCPSS has student services teams in every school available to support the social-emotional wellbeing of children every school day. During times of increased stress caused by traumatic events occurring close to home or viewed on the news, there is an increase of required services. Our schools are equipped with the resources to support children during the school day, and we want to make sure parents and community members have resources to speak to children outside of school hours.
In addition to the Crisis Supports and Resources, parents/guardians and family members may find these resources helpful:
HCPSS Student Support Services
Psychological Services
School psychologists provide strategies and recommendations to assist with student interventions.
School Counseling
Counselors follow a set curriculum to help all students with their personal, social, and academic development.
School Culture and Climate
HCPSS has a strong commitment to teaching students, families, and staff about bullying prevention and providing students with a safe learning environment.
School Social Work
School social workers provide mental health services and facilitate connections between home, school, and community supports to promote students’ academic achievement.
Employee Well-Being
HCPSS strives to provide staff with an organizational culture and climate that is supportive, safe and healthy. Staff have many resources and programming available to them to support their mental health and well-being.