Flatonia Plans to Hire Additional Counselor in Addition to Other Efforts
Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, we were in the midst of a series spotlighting student mental health measures at area schools, spurred when the mother of a teen suicide victim shared her suggestions with a local school board.
When schools closed we took a break from the series, but we continue it today:
We asked all five superintendents in Fayette County two questions:
1) What are some efforts your school has made in the past to address the mental health needs of your students?
2) Looking forward, how is your school district planning to address mental health needs at your school?
Today’s focus in on Flatonia:
From Robin Branecky, Director of Federal & State Programs at Flatonia, and Andy Reddock, Flatonia superintendent:
1. What are some efforts your school has made in the past to address the mental health needs of your students?
Flatonia ISD is strongly committed to the mental health of our youth. Flatonia ISD has had various speakers come to the District to talk to students as a whole group, including When Sean Speaks. Additionally, counselors have been available to talk with students at any point. FISD has also paired with STAR Counseling to aid with students who have additional needs.
Bluebonnet Trails has been an excellent outreach for our District. Once a student makes an outcry and is in need of immediate help, Bluebonnet Trails will come to the school and do an assessment, talk with the family, and develop a 5-step action plan to help a young person in crisis and their families. Bluebonnet Trails has a vast network that can help troubled youth and their families.
At the Elementary, the NED Show discusses Character Education and relays the message that it is okay to ask for help when things seem overbearing. Through this program, Elementary students are taught strategies on how to be an upstander in order to help students in bullying situations.
The Flatonia Rotary Club also sponsors Early Act First Knight (EAFK) in which students are “knighted” for virtues that portray various aspects of good character. During the morning announcements, elementary students repeat the Four-Way Test, which instills a mental mindset for students to make good choices throughout the day. The purpose of EAFK is to emphasize the development of high moral character and social/emotional learning.
At the Junior High, an elective class is offered for our students called “Teen Leadership,” in which students have the chance to be reflective in their daily choices, avenues to ask help, and encourages students to examine themselves. We also have partnered with the Family Crisis Center from Bastrop to teach students about conflict resolution, building self-esteem, sexual harassment and building healthy relationships.
At the Secondary, students in Athletics participate in Two Words, a character education class about making good choices and decisions in life. The InterAct Club hosted positive self-image week, along with working with community members to improve our community. The Family Crisis Center has presented to our Family & Community Services classes to visit with students about making good choices and self-esteem. Juniors and Seniors are given college days to help plan their futures beyond high school.
At the District level, Flatonia ISD has participated in Red Ribbon Week activities. Flatonia ISD has also recently added an SRO who interacts daily with students at both campuses to build a sense of safety and security. He is a very visible part of the students’ day.
Flatonia ISD currently utilizes Anti-Bullying Reporting Software called Hibster. Individuals who wish to report cases of bullying and/or outcry for help can utilize this system. The system is directly linked to our campus administrators for immediate response. The link is found on the FISD website.
All Flatonia ISD staff have been trained yearly on mental health and to look for signs and symptoms of possible struggles that our students may be facing. Additionally, members from the District have attended professional development given by Bluebonnet Trails and the Texas State Safety Center. FISD also has a Threat Assessment Team that has been trained, and it incorporates responses to mental health concerns.
2) Looking forward, what is your school district planning to address mental health needs at your school?
Many of the above-mentioned efforts will continue and strengthen. Flatonia ISD intends to hire an additional counselor for our students for the upcoming school year. Additionally, Flatonia ISD has been in contact with community members about the possibility of placing inspirational quotes in our restrooms and common areas once construction and remodeling is complete. FISD will also continue to train all staff in mental health awareness prior to the beginning of the school year.
Flatonia ISD will continue to search and recruit meaningful presentations and speakers for our youth, including but not limited to mental health, bullying, other preventative programs, etc.. Additionally, the District will search for ways to incorporate mental health programs throughout the educational curriculum.
Flatonia ISD will continue to strengthen and utilize the efforts of the Turtle Wing Foundation. Staff will be able to attend professional development that will be offered this summer specifically addressing mental health.
Flatonia ISD intends to continuously strengthen our protocols and procedures that address the mental health of our student along with continuing a strong bond with outside organizations that help our youth when an outcry is made.